INTRODUCTION TO LAW

Atty. Weng Santos 1

COURSE DESCRIPTION
(as provided by the Legal Education Board)
A general course given to freshmen, providing for an overview of the various aspects of
the concept of law, with emphasis on the relationship between law, jurisprudence, equity,
courts, society, and public policy, presented through selected provisions of law, cases, and other
materials depicting settled principles and current developments, both local and international,
including a review of the evolution of the Philippine legal system.

COURSE SYLLABUS
I.

Introductory
A. Law
1. What is law?
The Path of the Law, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., 10 Harvard Law
Review 457 (1897)
Civil Code of the Philippines: Commentaries and Jurisprudence,
Volume I by Arturo M. Tolentino, Philippine Civil Law: Introduction
An Introduction to Philippine Law, 7th Edition by Melquiades J.
Gamboa, Chapter IV: Law, the Individual and Society
Main Opinion of Justice Lucero and Separate Concurring Opinion of
Justice Rodriguez in Lapitan v. PCSO, 60 O.G. 6841
Legal Education in the Philippines: Confronting the Issues of Relevance and
Responsiveness, Theodore O. Te, 63 PLJ Second Quarter, available at
http://plj.upd.edu.ph/legal-education-in-the-philippines-confrontingthe-issues-of-relevance-and-responsiveness/ (last accessed August
2016)
2. Effect and Application of Laws
Chapter I, Preliminary Title, New Civil Code, Effect and Application of
Laws
When Laws Take Effect
Taada v. Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27 (1985)
Taada v. Tuvera, 146 SCRA 446 (1986)
Askay v. Cosalan, 46 Phil. 179 (1924)
Balbuna v. Secretary of Education, 110 Phil. 150 (1960)

With contribution by Atty. Osh Haulo

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

Victorias Milling Company, Inc. v. Social Security Commission, 4 SCRA

627 (1962)
Judicial Decisions
Lazatin v. Desierto, 588 SCRA 285 (2009)
Co v. Court of Appeals, 227 SCRA 444 (1993)
Albert v. Court of First Instance of Manila (Br. VI), 23 SCRA 948 (1968)
De Roy v. Court of Appeals, 157 SCRA 757 (1988)
Ignorance of the Law
Zulueta v. Zulueta, 1 Phil., 254 (1902)
De Luna et al. v. Linatoc, 74 Phil., 15 (1942)
Silence of the Law
Cerrano v. Tan Chuco, 38 Phil. 392 (1918)
Philippine Bank of Commerce v. De Vera, 6 SCRA 1026 (1962)
3. Law v. Morality, Justice, Social Justice, Equity
An Introduction to Philippine Law, 7th Edition by Melquiades J.
Gamboa, Chapter I: The General Nature of Law
Leus v. St. Scholastica's College Westgrove, 748 SCRA 378 (2015)
Ang Ladlad LGBT Party v. Commission on Elections, 618 SCRA 32 (2010)
On the Connection Between Law and Justice, Anthony D'Amato, 26 U. C.
Davis L. Rev. 527-582 (1992-93) available at
http://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?a
rticle=1001&context=facultyworkingpapers (last accessed August
2016)
Calalang v. Williams et al., 70 Phil., 726 (1940)
Agabon v. National Labor Relations Commission, 442 SCRA 573
(November 17, 2004)
Reno Foods, Inc. v. Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa (NLM)Katipunan, 615 SCRA 240 (2010)
Hodges v. Yulo, 81 Phil. 622 (1948)
Muller v. Muller, 500 SCRA 65 (2006)
Department of Public Works and Highways v. Quiwa, 665 SCRA 479
(2012)
Agra v. Philippine National Bank, 309 SCRA 509 (1999)
Philippine National Bank v. Intermediate Appellate Court, 189 SCRA 680
(1990)
Rubio v. Alabata, 717 SCRA 554 (2014)
Salvacion v. Central Bank of the Philippines, 278 SCRA 27 (1997)
4. Substantive v. Adjective Law
Tamayo v. Gsell, 35 Phil. 982 (1916)
Separate Dissenting Opinion of Justice Feria in Bustos v. Lucero, 81
Phil. 640, (1948)
Primicias v. Ocampo, 93 Phil. 452 (1953)
Tan, Jr. v. Court of Appeals, 373 SCRA 524 (2002)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

5. Sources of Law
An Introduction to Philippine Law, 7th Edition by Melquiades J.
Gamboa, Chapter II: The Sources of Law
B. Lawyers
1. Who are lawyers?
Rule 138, Rules of Court, Attorneys and Admission to the Bar
Rule 138-A, Rules of Court Law Student Practice Rule
Ulep v. Legal Clinic, Inc., 223 SCRA 378 (1993)
Philippine Lawyer's Association v. Agrava, etc., 105 Phil. 173 (1959)
Cojuangco, Jr. v. Palma, 438 SCRA 306 (2004)
2. The Bar
In Re: Integration of the Bar of the Philippines, 49 SCRA 22 (1973)
In Re: Vicente Raul Almacen, 31 SCRA 562 (1954)
In Re: Albino Cunanan, 94 Phil. 534 (1954)
3. The Practice of Law
Cayetano v. Monsod, 201 SCRA 210 (1991)
Ulep v. Legal Clinic, Inc., 223 SCRA 378 (1993)
Cojuangco, Jr. v. Palma, 438 SCRA 306 (2004)
In Re: Letter of the UP Law Faculty Entitled "Restoring Integrity: A
Statement by the Faculty of the UP College of Law on the Allegations of
Plagiarism and Misrepresentation in the Supreme Court, 644 SCRA 543
(2011)
R.A. No. 9999, The Free Legal Assistance Act of 2010
C. Lawyering
1. The Legal Method
The Disappearance of the Legal Method, Richard B. Cappalli, 70 Temp. L.
Rev. 393-445 (1997)
2. Argumentation and Logic
The Architecture of Argument, James C. Raymond, The PHILJA Judicial
Journal, Vol. 4, Issue 14, October-December 2002, available at
http://philja.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/files/pdf/journal/vol4issue14.pdf
(last accessed August 2016)
Legal Logic, Ranhilo C. Aquino, The PHILJA Judicial Journal, Vol. 4,
Issue 14, October-December 2002, available at
http://philja.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/files/pdf/journal/vol4issue14.pdf
(last accessed August 2016)
3. Analyzing Decisions
The Four Cs of Effective Decision-Writing: An Introduction for NewlyAppointed Justices, Artemio V. Panganiban, The PHILJA Judicial
Journal, Vol. 4, Issue 14, October-December 2002, available at
http://philja.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/files/pdf/journal/vol4issue14.pdf
(last accessed August 2016)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

Decision Writing, Lucas P. Bersamin, The PHILJA Judicial Journal, Vol.

4, Issue 14, October-December 2002, available at
http://philja.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/files/pdf/journal/vol4issue14.pdf
(last accessed August 2016)
4. Case Briefs and Legal Writing
How to Brief a Case, Christopher Pyle, available at
https://www.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/research/brief.html (last accessed
August, 2016)
Legal Writing 201, Mark. P. Painter, available at
https://www.uniceub.br/media/180309/Texto_VIII.pdf (last accessed
August, 2016)
II.

Philippine Legal System

A. Philippine Legal History
A Guide to Philippine Legal Information by Antonio M. Santos,
Chapter II Historical Evolution of Philippine Law: An Overview
B. Civil Law and Common Law
A Guide to Philippine Legal Information by Antonio M. Santos,
Chapter III The Philippine Legal System
Lost in Translation: Oral Advocacy in a Land Without Binding Precedent,
Sabrina DeFabritiis, available at
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2004484 (last
accessed August 2016)
In Re: Application of Max Shoop for Admission to Practice Law, 41 Phil.
213 (1920)
C. The Hybrid System of the Philippines
Legal Method Essentials 2.0 by Dante B. Gatmaytan, Chapter 2:
Philippine History and the Legal System
Mixed Jurisdictions: Common Law v. Civil Law (Codified and Uncodified),
William Tetley, 60 La. L. Rev. (2000), available at
http://digitalcommons.law.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5822&
context=lalrev (last accessed August 2016)
Cruz v. Pahati, 98 Phil. 788 (1956)
D. The Hierarchy of Courts
1. The Doctrine of Hierarchy of Courts
The Diocese of Bacolod v. Commission on Elections, 747 SCRA 1 (2015)
2. Separation and Blending of Powers
Abueva v. Wood, 45 Phil. 612 (1924)
Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936)
3. The Supreme Court
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VIII, The Judicial Department
Firestone Ceramics, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 334 SCRA 465 (2000)
Fabian v. Desierto, 295 SCRA 470 (1998)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

 Secretary of National Defense v. Manalo, 568 SCRA 1 (2008)

4. Other Collegial Courts
C.A. No. 3, An Act to Amend Certain Provisions of the Revised
Administrative Code on the Judiciary, by Reducing the Number of Justices of
the Supreme Court and Creating the Court of Appeals...
Carpio-Morales, in her capacity as Ombudsman v. Court of Appeals, G.R.
Nos. 217126-27, November 10, 2015
R.A. No. 1125, An Act Creating the Court of Tax Appeals
R.A. No. 9282, An Act Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax
Appeals, Elevating its Rank to the Level of Collegiate Court...
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XI, Accountability of Public
Officers
P.D. No. 1606, Revising P.D. No. 1648 Creating as Special Court to be
Known as Sandiganbayan...
R.A. No. 8249, An Act Further Defining the Jurisdiction of the
Sandiganbayan...
Duncano v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 191894, July 15, 2015
5. The Trial Courts
B.P. No. 129, The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980
R.A. No. 7691, An Act Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Metroploitan
Trial Courts...
6. Judicial and Bar Council
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VIII, The Judicial Department
In Re: Hon. Mateo A. Valenzuela and Hon. Placido B. Vallarta, 298 SCRA
408, November 09, 1998
De Castro v. Judicial and Bar Council, 615 SCRA 666 (2010)
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, 676 SCRA 579 (2012)
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, 696 SCRA 496 (2013)
III.

State and Government

A. The State
1. What is a State?
Collector of Internal Revenue v. Campos Rueda, 42 SCRA 23 (1971)
2. Democratic State
Tolentino v. Commission on Elections, 420 SCRA 438 (2004)
B. The Philippine Government
1. What is a Government?
United States v. Dorr, 2 Phil. 332 (1903)
2. Parens Patriae
Government of the P. I. v. Monte de Piedad, 35 Phil. 728 (1916)
3. Type of Government / Separation of Governmental Powers
Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936)
Santiago v. Guingona, Jr., 298 SCRA 756 (1998)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

IV.

The Constitution
A. What is a Constitution?
Separate Concurring and Dissenting Opinion of Justices Johns,
Villamor, and Ostrand in Lopez v. De los Reyes, 55 Phil. 170 (1930)
B. Interpretation of the Constitution
1. Generally
Nitafan v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 152 SCRA 284 (1987)
Filoteo, Jr. v. Sandiganbayan, 263 SCRA 222 (1996)
2. Who interprets the Constitution?
Lopez v. Roxas, et al., 17 SCRA 756 (1966)
Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936)
3. Construction Limitations
Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936)
Endencia v. David, 93 Phil. 696 (1953)
4. Language
J.M. Tuason & Co., Inc. v. Land Tenure Administration, 31 SCRA 413
(1970)
Civil Liberties Union v. Executive Secretary, 194 SCRA 317 (1991)
La Bugal-BLaan Tribal Association, Inc. v. Ramos, 421 SCRA 148 (2004)
La Bugal-BLaan Tribal Association, Inc. v. Ramos, 445 SCRA 1 (2004)
Perfecto v. Meer, 85 Phil. 552 (1950)
5. Rules of Construction
Sarmiento v. Mison, 156 SCRA 549 (1987)
Integrated Bar of the Philippines v. Zamora, 338 SCRA 81 (2000)
Marcelino v. Cruz, 121 SCRA 51 (1983)
Co v. Electoral Tribunal, 199 SCRA 692 (1991)
6. Aids in Interpretation
Legaspi v. Minister of Finance, 115 SCRA 418 (1982)
Montejo v. COMELEC, 242 SCRA 415 (1995)
La Bugal-BLaan Tribal Association, Inc. v. Ramos, 421 SCRA 148 (2004)
La Bugal-BLaan Tribal Association, Inc. v. Ramos, 445 SCRA 1 (2004)
7. Self-Executing Provisions
Taada v. Angara, 272 SCRA 18 (1997)
Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS, 267 SCRA 408 (1997)
Oposa v. Factoran, 224 SCRA 792 (1993)

V.

Judicial Review
A. What is Judicial Power?
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VIII, The Judicial Department
Marbury v. Madison, 5 US 137 (1803)
Lopez v. Roxas, et al., 17 SCRA 756 (1966)
Belgica v. Ochoa, Jr., 710 SCRA 1 (2013)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

B. Judicial Supremacy
Araullo v. Aquino, G.R. No. 209287 (July 1, 2014)
Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936)
Mutuc v. Commission on Elections, 36 SCRA 228 (1970)
Manila Prince Hotel v. Government Service Insurance System, 267 SCRA
408 (1997)
C. Requisites
Francisco, Jr. v. Nagmamalasakit na mga Manananggol ng mga
Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc., 415 SCRA 44 (2003)
Montesclaros v. Commission on Elections, 384 SCRA 269 (2002)
D. Political Question
Taada and Macapagal v. Cuenco, et al., 103 Phil. 1051, February 28, 1957
Sanidad v. Commission on Elections, 73 SCRA 333 (1976)
E. Effects of Unconstitutionality
1. Generally
Chapter I, Preliminary Title, New Civil Code, Effect and Application of
Laws
Republic v. Court of Appeals, 227 SCRA 509 (1993)
Film Development Council of the Philippines v. Colon Heritage Realty
Corporation, G.R. No. 203754 (June 16, 2015)
2. Operative Fact Doctrine
De Agbayani v. Philippine National Bank, 38 SCRA 429 (1971)
Hacienda Luisita, Incorporated v. Presidential Agrarian Reform Council,
660 SCRA 525 (2011)
Araullo v. Aquino, G.R. No. 209287 (July 1, 2014)
F. Rules of Avoidance / Judicial Restraint
Separate Concurring Opinion of Justice Brandeis in Ashwander v.
Tennessee Valley Authority, 297 U.S. 288 (1936)
Central Bank Employees Association, Inc. v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,
446 SCRA 299 (2004)
Separate Concurring Opinion of Chief Justice Sereno in Belgica v.
Ochoa, Jr., 710 SCRA 1 (2013)
VI.

Statutory Construction Basics

A. Aids to Construction
1. Generally
Ebarle v. Sucaldito, 156 SCRA 803 (1987)
People v. Purisima, 86 SCRA 542 (1978)
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. TMX Sales, Inc., 205 SCRA 184
(1992)
People v. Subido, 66 SCRA 545 (1996)
Hidalgo v. Hidalgo, 33 SCRA 105 (1970)
2. Legislative History

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

 Song Kiat Chocolate Factory v. Central Bank, 102 Phil. 477 (1957)
Francisco v. Bosier, 332 SCRA 792 (2000)
Buenaseda v. Flavier, 226 SCRA 645 (1993)
People v. Yadao, 94 Phil. 726 (1954)
3. Contemporary Construction
Nestle Philippines Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 203 SCRA 504 (1991)
Philippine Scout Veterans Security and Investigation Agency Inc. v.
National Labor Relations Commission, 262 SCRA 112 (1996)
Adasa v. Abalos, 516 SCRA 261 (2007)
4. Statutory Directives
Vergara, Jr. v. Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc., 694 SCRA 273 (2013)
B. Interpretation of Words and Phrases
1. General and Particular Use of Words
Matuguina Integrated Wood Products, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 263 SCA
490
Tan v. People, 290 SCRA 117 (1998)
Bernardo v. Bernardo, 96 Phil. 202 (1954)
Malanyaon v. Lising, 106 SCRA 237
2. Associated Words
V.C. Ponce Company, Inc. v. Reyes, 561 SCRA 646 (2008)
VII.

Essential Legal Concepts

A. Jurisdiction
B. Precedent
1. Generally
Precedent, Frederick Schauer, 39 Stan. L. Rev. 571
The Rule of Law and the Law of Precedents, Daniel A. Farber, 90 Minn. L.
Rev. 1173
Kimble v. Marvel Entertainment, 576 U.S. __, 135 S. Ct. 2401, No. 13-720
(2015)
Fermin v. People, 550 SCRA 132 , March 28, 2008
2. Stare Decisis
Villena v. Chavez, 415 SCRA 33 (2003)
De Mesa v. Pepsi Cola Products Phils., Inc., 467 SCRA 433 (2005)
Chinese Young Men's Christian Association of the Philippine Islands v.
Remington Steel Corporation, 550 SCRA 180 (2008)
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Incorporated v. Pagdanganan, 504 SCRA
549 (2006)
3. Law of the Case
Veloso, Jr. v. Court of Appeals, 261 SCRA 196 (1996)
Agustin v. Court of Appeals, 271 SCRA 457 (1997)
4. Res Judicata Bar by prior judgment
Degayo v. Magbanua-Dinglasan, G.R. Nos. 173148 (April 6, 2015)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

 Villa v. Sandiganbayan, 208 SCRA 283 (1992)

Padillo v. Court of Appeals, 371 SCRA 27 (2001)
5. Res Judicata - Conclusiveness of judgment
Antonio v. Vda. De Monje, 631 SCRA 471 (2010)
Republic v. Yu, 484 SCRA 416 (2006)
Firestone Ceramics, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 313 SCRA 522 (1999)
C. Lis Pendens
Lim v. Vera Cruz, 356 SCRA 386 (2001)
Atlantic Erectors, Inc. v. Herbal Cove Realty Corporation, 399 SCRA 409
(2003)
D. Rule of Law
Reconstructing the Rule of Law, Robin West, 90 Geo. L. Rev. 215 (2001)
The Rule of Law as a Law of Rules, Justice Antonin Scalia, 56 U. Chi. L.
Rev. 1175, 1175-81 (1989)
Sta. Maria v. Lopez, 31 SCRA 637 (1970)
Fortun v. Labang, 104 SCRA 607 (1981)
Tolentino v. Commission on Elections, 41 SCRA 702 (1971)
Villavicencio v. Lukban., 39 Phil., 778 (1919)
Philippine Ports Authority v. Nasipit Integrated Arrastre and Stevedoring
Services, Inc., 575 SCRA 291 (2008)
United States v. Mena, 11 Phil. 543 (1908)
Navarra v. Office of the Ombudsman, 607 SCRA 355 (2009)
Main Opinion of Justice Sanchez and Separate Concurring Opinion of
Justice Fernando in Sta. Maria v. Lopez, 31 SCRA 637 (1970)
Metropolitan Traffic Command West Traffic District v. Gonong, 187 SCRA
432 (1990)
People v. Veneracion, 249 SCRA 244 (1995)
E. Due Process
1. Generally
Due Process of Law, Isaac Franklin Russel, The Yale Law Journal, Vol.
14, No. 6 (Apr., 1905), pp. 322-332, available at
https://www.jstor.org/stable/782385?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
(last accessed August 2016)
Albert v. University Publishing Co., Inc., 13 SCRA 84 (1965)
Secretary of Justice v. Lantion, 322 SCRA 160 (2000)
White Light Corporation v. City of Manila, 576 SCRA 416 (2009)
2. Substantive Due Process
Ynot v. IAC, 148 SCRA 659 (1987)
United States v. Ling Su Fan, 10 Phil., 104 (1908)
3. Procedural Due Process
Espleta v. Avelino, 63 SCRA 395 (1975)
Gracilla v. Court of Industrial Relations, 25 SCRA 242 (1968)
Samalio v. Court of Appeals, 454 SCRA 462 (2005)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

4. Judicial Due Process

Banco Espaol v. Palanca, 37 Phil. 921
5. Administrative Due Process
Montoya v. Varilla, 574 SCRA 831 (2008)
Vivo v. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), 709
SCRA 276 (2013)
Ang Tibay v. Court oh Industrial Relations etc., 69 Phil. 635 (1940)
F. Necessary Implication
Chua v. Civil Service Commission, 206 SCRA 65 (1992)
Macalintal v. Presidential Electoral Tribunal, 651 SCRA 239 (2011)
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. v. Secretary of Labor, 312 SCRA 104
(1999)
Atienza v. Villarosa, 458 SCRA 385 (2005)
G. Prospectivity of Laws
People v. Derilo, 271 SCRA 633 (1997)
Co v. Court of Appeals, 227 SCRA 444 (1993)
H. Landmark Case
Santos v. Court of Appeals, 240 SCRA 20 (1995)
Ochosa v.Alano, 640 SCRA 517 (2011)
I. Leading Case
Ting v. Velez-Ting, G.R. No. 166562 (March 31, 2009)
Carpio-Morales v. Court of Appeals, G.R. Nos. 217126-27 (November 10,
2015)
J. Dura Lex, Sed Lex
Corpuz v. People, 724 SCRA 1 (2014)
VIII.

The Decision and the Dissent

A. Basis of Decisions
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VIII, The Judicial Department
Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Court of Appeals, 293 SCRA 26 (1998)
Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Court of Appeals, 315 SCRA 296
(1999)
B. Decision
Velarde v. Social Justice Society, 489 SCRA 283 (2004)
Reyes v. Reyes, 600 SCRA 345 (2009)
Allied Banking Corporation v. Court of Appeals, 416 SCRA 65 (2003)
Ong Ching Kian Chung v. China National Cereals Oil and Foodstuffs
Import and Export Corp., 333 SCRA 390 (2000)
Caltex (Philippines), Inc. v. Palomar, 18 SCRA 247 (1966)
General v. Barrameda, 69 SCRA 182 (1976)
Molina v. Rafferty, 38 Phil. 167 (1918)
C. Dissenting Opinion

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

10

In Defense of Dissents, William J. Brennan, 37 Hastings L. J. 427 (1986)

available at
http://repository.uchastings.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&co
ntext=tobriner (last accessed August 2016)
In the Matter of the Charges of Plagiarism, etc., against Associate Justice
Mariano C. Del Castillo, 632 SCRA 607 (2010)
In the Matter of the Charges of Plagiarism, Etc., Against Associate Justice
Mariano C. Del Castillo, 642 SCRA 11 (2011)
Manila Electric Company v. Castro-Bartolome, 114 SCRA 799 (1982)
Director of Lands v. Intermediate Appellate Court, 146 SCRA 509 (1986)
Llamado v. Court of Appeals, 174 SCRA 566 (1989)
Tolentino v. Ongsiako, 7 SCRA 1001 (1963)

IX.

Ratio Decidendi, Fallo, and Obiter Dictum

Determining the Ratio Decidendi of a Case, Arthur L. Goodhart, The Yale
Law Journal, Vol. 40, No. 2 (Dec., 1930), pp. 161-183, available at
http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~horty/courses/readings/goodhart-1930ratio.pdf (last accessed August 2016)
Mercado v. People, 392 SCRA 687 (2002)
Villanueva v. Court of Appeals, 379 SCRA 463 (2002)
Suntay v. Cojuangco-Suntay, 300 SCRA 760 (1998)
Gonzales v. Solid Cement Corporation, 684 SCRA 344 (2012)
People v. Macadaeg, et al., 91 Phil. 410 (1952)
Ledesma v. Court of Appeals, 465 SCRA 437 (2005)

X.

Overview of the Branches of Law (Bar Exam Subjects)

Re: 2003 Bar Examinations Atty. Danilo De Guzman, 586 SCRA 372
(2009)
A. Political Law
1. Definition
People v. Perfecto, 43 Phil. 887 (1922)
Macariola v. Asuncion, 114 SCRA 77 (1982)
2. Co-Equal Branches of Government and the Separation of Powers
Abueva v. Wood, 45 Phil. 612 (1924)
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, 676 SCRA 579 (2012)
In the Matter of: Save the Supreme Court Judicial Independence and Fiscal
Autonomy Movement v. Abolition of Judiciary Development Fund (JDF)
and Reduction of Fiscal Autonomy, 746 SCRA 352 (2015)
Anak Mindanao Party-List Group v. The Executive Secretary, 531 SCRA
583 (2007)
Re: COA Opinion on the Computation of the Appraised Value of the
Properties Purchased by the Retired Chief/Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court, 678 SCRA 1 (2012)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

11

Re: In the Matter of Clarification of Exemption from Payment of All Court

and Sheriffs Fees of Cooperatives Duly Registered in Accordance with
Republic Act No. 9520 Otherwise Known as the Philippine Cooperative Code
of 2008, 668 SCRA 1 (2012)
Belgica v. Ochoa, Jr., 710 SCRA 1 (2013)
Santiago v. Guingona, Jr., 298 SCRA 756 (1998)
3. The Executive Branch in Relation to the Judicial Branch
Scope of Executive Power
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VII, The Executive Department
Marcos v. Manglapus, 177 SCRA 668 , September 15, 1989
Marcos v. Manglapus, 178 SCRA 760 , October 27, 1989
Executive Privilege
United States v. Nixon, 418 US 683 (1974)
Neri v. Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and
Investigations, 549 SCRA 77 (2008)
E.O. No. 464, Ensuring Observance of the Principle of Separation of
Powers, Adherence to the Rule on Executive Privilege and Respect for the
Rights of Public Officials Appearing in Legislative Inquiries in Aid of
Legislation Under the Constitution, and for Other Purposes
Senate of the Philippines v. Ermita, 488 SCRA 1 (2006)
Immunity of the President from Suit
Soliven v. Makasiar, 167 SCRA 393 (1988)
David v. Macapagal-Arroyo, 489 SCRA 160 (2006)
Impeachment of the President
Estrada v. Desierto, 353 SCRA 452 , March 02, 2001
Estrada v. Desierto, 356 SCRA 108 , April 03, 2001
4. The Legislative Branch in Relation to the Judicial Branch
Legislative Power and Police Power
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VI, The Legislative Department
Occea v. Commission on Elections, 95 SCRA 755 , January 28, 1980
Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. v. Drilon, 163 SCRA 386
(1988)
Ynot v. IAC, 148 SCRA 659 (1987)
Gancayco v. City Government of Quezon City, 658 SCRA 853 (2011)
Law-Making Power v. Rule-Making Authority
Araneta, et al. v. Hon. M. Gatmaitan, et al., 101 Phil. 328 (1957)
Eastern Shipping Line v. POEA
Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) v. National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC), 408 SCRA 678 (2003)
Kilusang Mayo Uno v. NEDA, G.R. No. 167798 (April 19, 2006)
Improper Delegation of Legislative Power
Belgica v. Ochoa, Jr., 710 SCRA 1 (2013)
Araneta, et al. v. Hon. M. Gatmaitan, et al., 101 Phil. 328 (1957)

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

12

Bill of Rights as Protection from Government

People v. Marti, 193 SCRA 57 (1991)
Simon, Jr. v. Commission on Human Rights, 229 SCRA 117 (1994)
Zulueta v. Court of Appeals, 253 SCRA 699 (1996)
B. Labor Law
1. Labor Law
Generally
1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XIII, Social Justice and Human
Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,
Adopted by the International Labour Conference at its Eighty-sixth
Session, Geneva, 18 June 1998
Purpose
Sameer Overseas Placement Agency, Inc. v. Cabiles, 732 SCRA 22 (2014)
Zurbano, Sr. v. National Labor Relations Commission, 228 SCRA 556
(1993)
Construction
Mirant (Philippines) Corporation v. Caro, 723 SCRA 465 (2014)
Abella v. National Labor Relations Commission, 152 SCRA 140 (1987)
Reliance Surety & Insurance Co., Inc. v. NLRC, 193 SCRA 365 (1991)
Buena Obra v. Social Security System, 401 SCRA 206 (2003)
Management Prerogative v. Labor Protection
San Miguel Brewery Sales Force Union (PTGWO) v. Ople, 170 SCRA 25
(1989)
University of Sto. Tomas v. NLRC, 190 SCRA 758 (1990)
Stanford Microsystems, Inc. v. NLRC, 157 SCRA 410 (1988)
Master Iron Labor Union s. NLRC, 219 SCRA 47 (1993)
2. Social Legislation
Government Service Insurance System v. De Leon, 635 SCRA 321 (2010)
Oro Enterprises, Inc. v. NLRC, 238 SCRA 105 (1994)
Santos v. Employees Compensation Commission, 221 SCRA 182 (1993)
Vda. de Leorna v. Workmens Compensation Commission, 73 SCRA 228
(1976)
Marcopper Mining Corporation v. NLRC, 255 SCRA 322 (1996)
C. Civil Law
1. Generally
Civil Code of the Philippines: Commentaries and Jurisprudence,
Volume I by Arturo M. Tolentino, Philippine Civil Law: Introduction
2. Basic Concepts in Human Relations
Acting with Justice
Albetz Investment, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 75 SCRA 310 (1977)
Velayo, etc. v. Shell Co. of the Phils., et al., 100 Phil. 186 (1956)
Limitation of the Courts Intrusion into Private Affairs

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

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 Felipe v. Leuterio etc., et al., 91 Phil. 482 (1952)

Fonacier v. Court of Appeals, 96 Phil. 417 ,(1955)
Gashem Shookat Baksh v. Court of Appeals, 219 SCRA 115 (1993)
Domalagan v. Bolifer, 33 Phil. 471 (1916)
Hermosisima v. Court of Appeals, et al., 109 Phil. 629 (1960)
Silva v. Peralta, 110 Phil. 57 (1960)
D. The Law on Taxation
1. Generally
Paseo Realty & Development Corporation v. Court of Appeals, 440 SCRA
235 (2004)
Ferrer, Jr. v. Mayor Herbert Bautista, G.R. No. 210551 (June 30, 2015)
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Court of Appeals, 328 SCRA 666
(2000)
2. Purpose
Saldana v. City of IloIlo, G.R. No. L-10470 (June 26, 1958)
Lorenzo v. Posadas, 64 Phil. 353 (1937)
E. Commercial Law
1. Generally
Commercial Law Review, 2012 Edition by Cesar L. Villanueva,
Prefatory Discussions
2. Basic Concepts
National Patrimony and Filipino-First Policy
Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS, 267 SCRA 408 (1997)
Southern Cross Cement Corp. v. PHILCEMCOR, 465 SCRA 532 (2005)
Espina v. Zamora, Jr., 631 SCRA 17 (2010)
Judicial Review of Economic Matters
Garcia v. Board of Investments, 1991 SCRA 288 (1990)
F. Criminal Law
1. Generally
The Revised Penal Code: Criminal Law, Book One, Seventh Edition
by Luis B. Reyes, Criminal Law In General
2. Purpose
People v. De la Cruz, 76 Phil. 169 (1946)
United States v. Sotto, 38 Phil. 666 (1918)
People v. Young, 83 Phil., 702 (1949)
People v. Carillo and Raquenio, 85 Phil. 611 (1950)
3. Basic Concepts
Generality
People v. Galacgac, 54 O.G. 1027
Territoriality
United States v. Bull., 15 Phil. 7 (1910)
Uy v. Court of Appeals, 276 SCRA 367 (1997)
Prospective

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

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 Wright v. Court of Appeals, 235 SCRA 341 (1994)

People v. Ferrer, 48 SCRA 382 (1972)
4. Pro Reo
People v. Guinto, 736 SCRA 461 (2014)
Intestate Estate of Manolita Gonzales Vda. De Carungcong v. People, 612
SCRA 272 (2010)
Main Opinion of Justice Ynares-Santiago and Separate Opinion of
Justice Corona in People v. Temporada, 574 SCRA 258 (2008)
G. Remedial Law
1. Generally
Bustos v. Lucero, 81 Phil. 640, (1948)
Primicias v. Ocampo, etc. et al, 93 Phil., 457 (1953)
Billones v. Court of Industrial Relations, 14 SCRA 674 (1965)
Fabian v. Desierto GR 129742 sept 16 1998
People v. Sumilang, 77 Phil. 764 (1946)
2. Jurisdiction
Cuenca v. Presidential Commission on Good Government, 535 SCRA 102
(2007)
Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice, 301 SCRA 96 (1999)
Herrera v. Barretto and Joaquin., 25 Phil. 245 (1913)
H. Ethics
1. Code of Professional Responsibility
The Lawyers Oath
The Oath: The Lawyer's Ideal, Justice Jose Sabio, Jr., available at
http://ca.judiciary.gov.ph/index.php?action=mnuactual_contents&ap=
j8080 (last accessed August 2016)
Villahermosa, Sr. v. Caracol, 746 SCRA 320 (2015)
Penilla, v. Alcid, Jr., 705 SCRA 1 (2013)
Four-Fold Duty
Tumbokon v. Pefianco, 678 SCRA 60 (2012)
Garcia v. Bala, 476 SCRA 85 (2005)
The Lawyer and Society
Re: Report on the Financial Audit Conducted on the Books of Accounts of
Atty. Raquel G. Kho, Clerk of Court IV, RTC, Oras, Eastern Samar, 493
SCRA 44 (2006)
Re: Report on the Financial Audit Conducted on the Books of Accounts of
Atty. Raquel G. Kho, Clerk of Court IV, RTC, Oras, Eastern Samar, 521
SCRA 25 (2007)
Eufemio v. Madamba, 448 SCRA 81 (2005)
The Lawyer and the Legal Profession
Catu v. Rellosa, 546 SCRA 209 (2008)
In re: Victorio D. Lanuevo, 66 SCRA 245 (1975)
The Lawyer and the Courts

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

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 Muoz v. People, 53 SCRA 190 (1973)

Olivares v. Villalon, Jr., 521 SCRA 12 (2007)
The Lawyer and the Client
Hilado v. David, 84 Phil. 569 (1949)
Oparel v. Abaria, A.C. No. 959 (July 30, 1971)
Rollon v. Naraval, 452 SCRA 675 (2005)
2. Judicial Conduct
Sabitsana, Jr. v. Villamor, A.M. No. 90-474 (October 4, 1991)
OCA v. De Guzman, A.M. No. RTJ-93-1021 (1997)
Jamsani-Rodriguez v. Ong, 628 SCRA 626 (2010)
Reyes v. Reyes, 600 SCRA 345 (2009)

BOOK REFERENCES
1. Aquino, D. R. (2011). Introduction to Law. Quezon City: Central Book Supply.
2. Gamboa, M. J. (1969). An Introduction to Philippine Law. Quezon City: Central Book
Supply.
3. Gatmaytan, D. B. (2014). Legal method Essesntials 2.0. Quezon City: University of the
Philippines College of Law.
4. Reyes, L. B. (2008). The Revised Penal Code: Criminal Law, Book One, Seventh Edition .
Quezon City: Rex Book Store.
5. Santos, A. M. (2013). A Guide to Philippine Legal Information. Quezon City: University
of the Philippines College of Law.
6. Tolentino, A. M. (1990). Civil Code of the Philippines: Comments and Jurisprudence, Vol.
1. Manila: Central Book Supply.
7. Villanueva, C. L. (2012). Commercial Law Review, 2012 Edition. Quezon City: Rex Book
Store.
CLASSROOM RULES
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Any anticipated absence should be reported to the instructor
as soon as possible. Excuse letters must be officially approved to warrant any cancellation of a
missed graded activity.
Attendance, which is actual presence during each and every roll call at the beginning of
class, will be rewarded at final grading. (See Grading, below.)
Academic Honesty

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

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A student is expected to attribute and cite sources in their work. Group work is
permitted only when specifically allowed by the instructor, and in such cases, students must
acknowledge the extent of the contribution of everyone in the group.

Grading
Recitation, quizzes, other in-classroom work, homework
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Student-suggested or other graded activity

50%
20%
25%
5%

A Final Exam typically has a wider coverage than a Midterm Exam, thus the Final Exam
comprises a higher percentage of the students final grade than the Midterm Exam.
For a student-suggested activity to be approved by the instructor, the activity must be
unanimously agreed upon by all students in the class.
Students with perfect attendance will have four (4) percentage points added to their
final, non-transmuted grade. Students who missed one roll call will have two (2) percentage
points added to their final, non-transmuted grade. Students who missed two (2) roll calls will
receive one (1) percentage point. For the purpose of this attendance reward, no excuses will be
entertained.
Attire
Court attire is encouraged. Business or office attire (Philippines) is permitted.
Others
There is a no screen policy in this class. Students are required to put away all
electronic devices, kept in silent mode.
Eating and drinking inside the classroom will be allowed only if the student brought
enough for everyone in the class.
No text book is required for this class. Readings are comprised mainly of cases, laws,
and articles which are readily accessible to students. Readings which are not readily accessible
to students will be provided by the instructor as a handout which the class may reproduce.
The instructor reserves the right to amend the reading list as he deems fit.
- WOS

There is only one power, conscience, in the service of justice; and there is only one glory, genius, in the service of truth. Victor Hugo

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