Biyernes, Hulyo 22, 2011

STAT CON chapter 4

Significance of the Case

In this landmark case, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that backwages due an employee on account of his illegal dismissal should not be diminished or reduced by the earnings derived by him elsewhere during the period of his illegal dismissal.
This case finally abandoned the “Mercury Drug” rule and “deduction of earnings elsewhere” rule then prevailing at that time.

Historical Backdrop

Prior to the present case, SC had applied different methods in the computation of backwages.
Backwages under RA 875. Under RA 875, the Court of Industrial Relations (CIR) was given wide discretion to grant or disallow payment of backpay (backwages) to an employee, it also had the implied power of reducing the backpay where backpay was allowed. In the exercise of its jurisdiction, the CIR can increase or diminish the award of backpay, depending on several circumstances, among them, the good faith of the employer, the employee’s employment in other establishments during the period of illegal dismissal, or the probability that the employee could have realized net earnings from outside employment if he had exercised due diligence to search for outside employment.
This method caused undue delay in the disposition of illegal dismissal cases. Cases are usually held up in the determination of whether or not the computation of the award of backwages is correct.
Mercury Drug Rule . In order prevent undue delay in the disposition of illegal dismissal cases, the SC found occasion in the case of Mercury Drug Co vs. CIR, 1974, to rule that a fixed amount of backwages without further qualifications should be awarded to an illegally dismissed employee.
In subsequent cases (adopting the proposal of Justice Teehankee), backwages equivalent to three years (unless the case is not terminated sooner) was made the base figure for such awards without deduction, subject to deduction where there are mitigating circumstances in favor of the employer but subject to increase by way of exemplary damages where there are aggravating circumstances (e.g. oppression or dilatory appeals) on the employer’s part.
On 1 November 1974, the Labor Code of the Philippines took effect. Article 279 of the said code provides:
“[...] An employee who is unjustly dismissed from work shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of seniority rights and to his back wages computed from the time his compensation was was withheld from him up to the time of his reinstatement.”
The above provision nothwithstanding, the rule generally applied by the Court after the promulgation of the Mercury Drug case, and during the effectivity of P.D. No. 442 was still the Mercury Drug rule. In effect, this qualified the provision under P.D. No. 442 by limiting the award of backwages to 3 years.
“Deduction of Earnings Elsewhere” Rule. When RA 6715 took effect on 21 March 1989, the pertinent portion of Article 279 of the Labor Code was amended to read as follows:
“[...] An employee who unjustly dismissed from work shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of seniority rights and other privileges and to his full backwages, inclusive of allowances, and to his other benefits or their monetary equivalent computed from the time his compensation was withheld from him up to the time of his actual reinstatement.”
In accordance with the above provision, an illegally dismissed employee is entitled to his full backwages from the time of his illegal dismissal up to the time of his actual reinstatement.
Despite the amendment, however, in a subsequent case, Pines City Educational Center vs. NLRC, 1993, the Court returned to the rule prior to the Mercury Drug rule that the total amount derived from employment elsewhere by the employee from the date of dismissal up to the date of reinstatement, if any, should be deducted from backwages.
The rationale for such ruling was that, the earning derived elsewhere by the dismissed employee while litigating the legality of his dismissal, should be deducted from the full amount of backwages which the law grants him upon reinstatement, so as not to unduly or unjustly enrich the employee at the expense of the employer.

Issue

Whether or not the income derived by the employee elsewhere during the period of his illegal dismissal should be deducted from the award of backwages.

Ruling

Conformably with the evident legislative intent of RA 6715, backwages to be awarded to an illegally dismissed employee, should not, as a general rule, be diminished or reduced by the earnings derived by him elsewhere during the period of his illegal dismissal.
The underlying reason for this ruling is that the employee, while litigating the legality (illegality) of his dismissal, must still earn a living to support himself and family, while full backwages have to be paid by the employer as part of the price or penalty he has to pay for illegally dismissing his employee.
The clear legislative intent of the amendment in RA 6715 is to give more benefits to workers than was previously given them under the Mercury Drug rule or the “deduction of earnings elsewhere” rule.
Thus, a closer adherence to the legislative policy behind RA 6715 points to “full backwages” as meaning exactly that, i.e., without deducting from backwages the earnings derived elsewhere by the concerned employee during the period of his illegal dismissal. In other words, the provision calling for “full backwages” to illegally dismissed employees is clear, plain and free from ambiguity and, therefore, must be applied without attempted or strained interpretation. Index animi sermo est (literally “speech is the index of intention”).

Commendador vs. De Villa

Facts: The petitioners in G.R. Nos. 93177 and 96948 who are officers of the AFP were directed to appear in person before the Pre-Trial Investigating Officers for the alleged participation the failed coup on December 1 to 9, 1989. Petitioners now claim that there was no pre-trial investigation of the charges as mandated by Article of War 71. A motion for dismissal was denied. Now, their motion for reconsideration. Alleging denial of due process.

In G.R. No. 95020, Ltc Jacinto Ligot applied for bail on June 5, 1990, but the application was denied by GCM No.14. He filed with the RTC a petition for certiorari and mandamus with prayer for provisional liberty and a writ of preliminary injunction. Judge of GCM then granted the provisional liberty. However he was not released immediately. The RTC now declared that even military men facing court martial proceedings can avail the right to bail.

The private respondents in G.R. No. 97454 filed with SC a petition for habeas corpus on the ground that they were being detained in Camp Crame without charges. The petition was referred to RTC. Finding after hearing that no formal charges had been filed against the petitioners after more than a year after their arrest, the trial court ordered their release.

Issues:
(1) Whether or Not there was a denial of due process.

(2) Whether or not there was a violation of the accused right to bail.

Held: NO denial of due process. Petitioners were given several opportunities to present their side at the pre-trial investigation, first at the scheduled hearing of February 12, 1990, and then again after the denial of their motion of February 21, 1990, when they were given until March 7, 1990, to submit their counter-affidavits. On that date, they filed instead a verbal motion for reconsideration which they were again asked to submit in writing. They had been expressly warned in the subpoena that "failure to submit counter-affidavits on the date specified shall be deemed a waiver of their right to submit controverting evidence." Petitioners have a right to pre-emptory challenge. (Right to challenge validity of members of G/SCM)

It is argued that since the private respondents are officers of the Armed Forces accused of violations of the Articles of War, the respondent courts have no authority to order their release and otherwise interfere with the court-martial proceedings. This is without merit. * The Regional Trial Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court over petitions for certiorari, prohibition or mandamus against inferior courts and other bodies and on petitions for habeas corpus and quo warranto.

The right to bail invoked by the private respondents has traditionally not been recognized and is not available in the military, as an exception to the general rule embodied in the Bill of Rights. The right to a speedy trial is given more emphasis in the military where the right to bail does not exist.

On the contention that they had not been charged after more than one year from their arrest, there was substantial compliance with the requirements of due process and the right to a speedy trial. The AFP Special Investigating Committee was able to complete the pre-charge investigation only after one year because hundreds of officers and thousands of enlisted men were involved in the failed coup.

Accordingly, in G.R. No. 93177, the petition is dismissed for lack of merit. In G.R. No. 96948, the petition is granted, and the respondents are directed to allow the petitioners to exercise the right of peremptory challenge under article 18 of the articles of war. In G.R. Nos. 95020 and 97454, the petitions are also granted, and the orders of the respondent courts for the release of the private respondents are hereby reversed and set aside. No costs

Facts of the case:Co Kim Chan had a pending civil case, initiated during the Japanese occupation,with the Court of First Instance of Manila. After the Liberation of the Manila andthe American occupation, Judge ArsenioDizon refused to continue hearings onthe case, saying that a proclamation issued by General Douglas MacArthur hadinvalidated and nullified all judicial proceedings and judgments of the courts of the Philippines and, without an enabling law, lower courts have no jurisdiction totake cognizance of and continue judicial proceedings pending in the courts of thedefunct Republic of the Philippines (the Philippine government under theJapanese).
The court resolved three issues:1. Whether or not judicial proceedings and decisions made during the Japaneseoccupation were valid and remained valid even after the American occupation;2. Whether or not the October 23, 1944 proclamation MacArthur issued in whichhe declared that all laws, regulations and processes of any other government inthe Philippines than that of the said Commonwealth are null and void andwithout legal effect in areas of the Philippines free of enemy occupation andcontrol invalidated all judgments and judicial acts and proceedings of thecourts;3. And whether or not if they were not invalidated by MacArthurs proclamation,those courts could continue hearing the cases pending before them.
Ratio: Political and international law recognizes that all acts and proceedings of ade facto government are good and valid. The Philippine Executive Commissionand the Republic of the Philippines under the Japanese occupation may beconsidered de facto governments, supported by the military force and derivingtheir authority from the laws of war.Municipal laws and private laws, however, usually remain in force unlesssuspended or changed by the conqueror. Civil obedience is expected even duringwar, for the existence of a state of insurrection and war did not loosen thebonds of society, or do away with civil government or the regular administrationof the laws. And if they were not valid, then it would not have been necessaryfor MacArthur to come out with a proclamation abrogating them.The second question, the court said, hinges on the interpretation of the phrase processes of any other government and whether or not he intended it to annulall other judgments and judicial proceedings of courts during the Japanesemilitary occupation.IF, according to international law, non-political judgments and judicialproceedings of de facto governments are valid and remain valid even after theoccupied territory has been liberated, then it could not have been MacArthursintention to refer to judicial processes, which would be in violation of international law. A well-known rule of statutory construction is: A statute ought never to beconstrued to violate the law of nations if any other possible construction
Co Kim Chan v Valdez Tan Keh

G.R. No. 88979 February 7, 1992
Lydia O. Chua
Vs.
The Civil Service Commission, the National Irrigation Administration and the Department of Budget and Management.
Facts:
In line with the policy of streamlining and trimming the bureaucracy, R.A.6683 was enacted to provide for the early retirement and voluntary separation of government employees affected due to reorganization, those who may avail were regular, casual, temporary and emergency employees, with rendered service minimum of two years.
Petitioner Lydia Chua was hired by the National Irrigation Administration Authoruty (NIA) for over 15 years as a coterminous employee of 4 successive NIA projects. She availed of the above mentioned law only to be denied as the CSC who deemed her unqualified, being a coterminous employee. She was instead offered a severance of ½ monthly basic pay for each year of service.
Issue:
Whether or not petitioner was entitled to avail of the early retirement benefit as a coterminous employee.
Held:
It was stated that a coterminous employee is a non-career civil servant like casual and emergency employees, because of that they are entitled to the same benefits as long as they complied with the requirements of the law, which in this case, was done by Linda Chua. On that note, the court believes that the denial of petitioner’s application for early retirement benefits by the NIA and CSC is unreasonable, unjustified and oppressive due to the fact that she is entitled to the benefits of the same law because she served the government not only for two (2) years which is the minimum requirement under the law but for fifteen (15) years. In four (4) governmental projects.
Wherefore, the petition is granted.
-Statutory Construction-

Huwebes, Hulyo 21, 2011

Article 2 of Consti

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES
PRINCIPLES
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.
Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.
Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.
Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. 
 
STATE POLICIES
Section 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
Section 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.
Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.
Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.
Section 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.
Section 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.
Section 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.
Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
Section 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.
Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest

Martes, Hulyo 19, 2011

case digest Consti

Civil Liberties Union VS. Executive Secretary

FACTS:

Petitioners: Ignacio P. Lacsina, Luis R. Mauricio, Antonio R. Quintos and Juan T. David for petitioners in 83896 and Juan T. David for petitioners in 83815. Both petitions were consolidated and are being resolved jointly as both seek a declaration of the unconstitutionality of Executive Order No. 284 issued by President Corazon C. Aquino on July 25, 1987.
Executive Order No. 284, according to the petitioners allows members of the Cabinet, their undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to hold other than government offices or positions in addition to their primary positions. The pertinent provisions of EO 284 is as follows:
Section 1: A cabinet member, undersecretary or assistant secretary or other appointive officials of the Executive Department may in addition to his primary position, hold not more than two positions in the government and government corporations and receive the corresponding compensation therefor.
Section 2: If they hold more positions more than what is required in section 1, they must relinquish the excess position in favor of the subordinate official who is next in rank, but in no case shall any official hold more than two positions other than his primary position.
Section 3: AT least 1/3 of the members of the boards of such corporation should either be a secretary, or undersecretary, or assistant secretary.
The petitioners are challenging EO 284’s constitutionality because it adds exceptions to Section 13 of Article VII other than those provided in the constitution. According to the petitioners, the only exceptions against holding any other office or employment in government are those provided in the Constitution namely: 1. The Vice President may be appointed as a Member of the Cabinet under Section 3 par.2 of Article VII. 2. The secretary of justice is an ex-officio member of the Judicial and Bar Council by virtue of Sec. 8 of article VIII.

Issue:

Whether or not Executive Order No. 284 is constitutional.

Decision:

No. It is unconstitutional. Petition granted. Executive Order No. 284 was declared null and void.
Ratio:
In the light of the construction given to Section 13 of Article VII, Executive Order No. 284 is unconstitutional. By restricting the number of positions that Cabinet members, undersecretaries or assistant secretaries may hold in addition their primary position to not more that two positions in the government and government corporations, EO 284 actually allows them to hold multiple offices or employment in direct contravention of the express mandate of Sec. 13 of Article VII of the 1987 Constitution prohibiting them from doing so, unless otherwise provided in the 1987 Constitution itself.
The phrase “unless otherwise provided in this constitution” must be given a literal interpretation to refer only to those particular instances cited in the constitution itself: Sec. 3 Art VII and Sec. 8 Art. VIII.

SSS Employee Asso. v CA 175 SCRA 686 (July 28, 1989)

Facts: The petitioners went on strike after the SSS failed to act upon the union’s demands concerning the implementation of their CBA. SSS filed before the court action for damages with prayer for writ of preliminary injunction against petitioners for staging an illegal strike. The court issued a temporary restraining order pending the resolution of the application for preliminary injunction while petitioners filed a motion to dismiss alleging the court’s lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter.  Petitioners contend that the court made reversible error in taking cognizance on the subject matter since the jurisdiction lies on the DOLE or the National Labor Relations Commission as the case involves a labor dispute. The SSS contends on one hand that the petitioners are covered by the Civil Service laws, rules and regulation thus have no right to strike. They are not covered by the NLRC or DOLE therefore the court may enjoin the petitioners from striking.

Issue: Whether or not SSS employers have the right to strike
            Whether or not the CA erred in taking jurisdiction over the subject matter.            

Held: The Constitutional provisions enshrined on Human Rights and Social Justice provides guarantee among workers with the right to organize and conduct peaceful concerted activities such as strikes. On one hand, Section 14 of E.O No. 180 provides that “the Civil Service law and rules governing concerted activities and strikes in the government service shall be observed,
subject to any legislation that  may be enacted by Congress” referring to Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 1987 of the Civil Service Commission which states that “prior to the enactment by Congress of applicable laws concerning strike by government employees enjoins under pain of administrative sanctions, all government officers and employees from staging strikes, demonstrations, mass leaves, walk-outs and other forms of mass action which will result in temporary stoppage or disruption of public service.” Therefore in the absence of any legislation allowing govt. employees to strike they are prohibited from doing so.

In Sec. 1 of E.O. No. 180 the employees in the civil service are denominated as “government
employees” and that the SSS is  one such government-controlled corporation with an original charter, having been created under R.A. No. 1161, its employees are part of the civil service and are covered by the Civil Service Commission’s memorandum prohibiting strikes.

Neither the DOLE nor the NLRC has jurisdiction over the subject matter but instead it is the Public Sector Labor-Management Council which is not granted by law authority to issue writ of injunction in labor disputes within its jurisdiction thus the resort of SSS before the general court for the issuance of a writ of injunction to enjoin the strike is appropriate

Miyerkules, Hulyo 13, 2011

Lawyer's Oath

I, ______________________ of ___________, do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines; I will support its Constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein; I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, nor give aid nor consent to the same; I will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer according to the best of my knowledge and discretion with all good fidelity as well to the courts as to my clients; and I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.

Bar Matter 2265

Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila

EN BANC
B.M. No. 2265
RE: REFORMS IN THE 2011 BAR EXAMINATIONS
Preliminary Statement
The Court has found merit in the proposed changes in the conduct of the bar examinations that the Chairperson of the 2011 Bar Examinations and Philippine Association of Law Schools recommended.
One recommendation concerns the description of the coverage of the annual bar examinations that in the past consisted merely of naming the laws that each subject covered. This description has been regarded as too general and provides no specific understanding of the entry-level legal knowledge required of beginning law practitioners.
A second recommendation addresses the predominantly essay-type of bar examinations that the Court conducts. Because of the enormous growth of laws, doctrines, principles, and precedents, it has been noted that such examinations are unable to hit a significant cross-section of the subject matter. Further, the huge number of candidates taking the examinations annually and the limited time available for correcting the answers make fair correction of purely essay-type examinations difficult to attain. Besides, the use of multiple choice questions, properly and carefully constructed, is a method of choice for qualifying professionals all over the world because of its proven reliability and facility of correction.
A third recommendation opts for maintaining the essay-type examinations but dedicating these to the assessment of the requisite communication skills, creativity, and fine intellect that bar candidates need for the practice of law.
Approved Changes
The Court has previously approved in principle the above recommended changes. It now resolves to approve the following rules that shall govern the future conduct of the bar examinations:
1. The coverage of the bar examinations shall be drawn up by topics and sub-topics rather than by just stating the covered laws. The test for including a topic or sub-topic in the coverage of the examinations is whether it covers laws, doctrines, principles and rulings that a new lawyer needs to know to begin a reasonably prudent and competent law practice.
The coverage shall be approved by the Chairperson of the Bar Examination in consultation with the academe, subject to annual review and re-approval by subsequent Chairpersons.
2. The bar examinations shall measure the candidate’s knowledge of the law and its applications through multiple-choice-questions (MCQs) that are to be so constructed as to specifically:
2.1. Measure the candidate’s knowledge of and ability to recall the laws, doctrines, and principles that every new lawyer needs in his practice;
2.2. Assess the candidate’s understanding of the meaning and significance of those same laws, doctrines, and principles as they apply to specific situations; and
2.3. Measure his ability to analyze legal problems, apply the correct law or principle to such problems, and provide solutions to them.
3. The results of the MCQ examinations shall, if feasible, be corrected electronically.
4. The results of the MCQ examinations in each bar subject shall be given the following weights:

Political Law15%
Labor Law10%
Civil Law15%
Taxation10%
Mercantile Law15%
Criminal Law10%
Remedial Law20%
Legal Ethics/Forms5%

5. Part of the bar examinations shall be of the essay-type, dedicated to measuring the candidate’s skills in writing in English, sorting out the relevant facts in a legal dispute, identifying the issue or issues involved, organizing his thoughts, constructing his arguments, and persuading his readers to his point of view. The essays will not be bar subject specific.
5.1. One such essay examination shall require the candidate to prepare a trial memorandum or a decision based on a documented legal dispute. (60% of essays)
5.2 Another essay shall require him to prepare a written opinion sought by a client concerning a potential legal dispute facing him. (40% of essays)
6. The essays shall not be graded for technically right or wrong aswers, but for the quality of the candidate’s legal advocacy. The passing standard for correction shall be work expected of a beginning practitioner, not a seasoned lawyer.
7. The examiners in all eight bar subjects shall, apart from preparing the MCQs for their respective subjects, be divided into two panels of four members each. One panel will grade the memorandum or decision essay while the other will grade the legal opinion essay. Each member shall read and grade the examination answer of a bar candidate independently of the other members in his panel. The final grade of a candidate for each essay shall be the average of the grades given by the four members of the panel for that essay.
8. The results of the a) MCQ and b) essay-type examinations shall be given weights of 60% and 40%, respectively, in the computation of the candidate’s final grade.
9. For want of historical data needed for computing the passing grade in MCQ kind of examinations, the Chairperson of the 2011 Bar
Examinations shall, with the assistance of experts in computing MCQ examination grades, recommend to the Court the appropriate conversion table or standard that it might adopt for arriving at a reasonable passing grade for MCQs in bar examinations.
10. In the interest of establishing needed data, the answers of all candidates in the essay-type examinations in the year 2011 shall be corrected irrespective of the results of their MCQ examinations, which are sooner known because they are electronically corrected. In future bar examinations, however, the Bar Chairperson shall recommend to the Court the disqualification of those whose grades in the MCQ are so low that it would serve no useful purpose to correct their answers in the essay-type examinations.
11. Using the data and experience obtained from the 2011 Bar Examinations, future Chairpersons of Bar Examination are directed to study the feasibility of:
11.1. Holding in the interest of convenience and economy bar examinations simultaneously in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao; and
11.2. Allowing those who pass the MCQ examinations but fail the essay-type examinations to take removal examinations in the immediately following year.
12. All existing rules, regulations, and instructions that are inconsistent with the above are repealed.
This Bar Matter shall take effect immediately, and shall be published in two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

MCQ Bar Exam

This Sample Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) for bar examinations will be updated from time to time.

Answers are provided after each bar subject.

POLITICAL LAW -- 15%

1.) What vote is required for Congress to submit to the electorate the question of calling a constitutional convention?

A. A vote of two-thirds of all its Members.
B. A vote of two-thirds of a quorum.
C. A majority vote of all its Members.
D. A majority vote of a quorum.

2.) The Supreme Court will entertain a constitutional question only if it is determinative of the case itself because

A. it would prejudice the administration of justice.
B. the separation of powers demands respect due the other departments.
C. the Court would not have acquired jurisdiction over the case.
D. there is no actual case or controversy that justifies such a review.

3.) Which is unconstitutional for being an invalid exercise of police power?

A. A law prohibiting the use of motor vehicles on certain days of the week.
B. A law imposing rent control.
C. A law prescribing minimum standards for the practice of the engineering profession.
D. A law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to young men and women ages 18 to 25.


4.) An artificial being created by operation of law, having the right of succession and the powers, attributes and properties expressly authorized by law or incident to its existence.


A. estate
B. de jure partnership
C. implied trust
D. corporation

Answers: 1.) C 2.) B 3.) D 4.) D

LABOR LAW -- 10%

Labor Standards
1.) This is issued by DOLE authorizing a person or entity to operate a private employment agency.

a. License
b. Document
c. Authority
d. Charter party

2.) The following may engage in the recruitment and placement of workers, locally and overseas, except:

a. Public employment offices
b. Private employment agencies
c. Shipping or manning agents
d. Local employment agencies

3.) Direct hiring of Filipino workers for overseas employment is not allowed. The following are not covered by this rule, except:

a. Members of the diplomatic corps
b. International organizations
c. Multinational Corporations
d. Name hirees

4.) The accused X and Y represented themselves to complainants A and B to have the capacity to send workers abroad, although they did not have any authority or license. It is by this representation that they induced complainants to pay a placement fee. X and Y may also be liable for

a. Illegal recruitment by economic sabotage
b. Illegal recruitment in large scale
c. Syndicated Illegal recruitment
d. Estafa

5.) The Labor Code applies to:

a. Employees in a government corporation incorporated under the Corporation Code
b. International Agencies
c. Employees of government corporations created by special or original charter
d. Government employees

6.) Which of the following is the most essential element without which there is no employer-employee relationship.

a. Hiring
b. Control
c. Firing
d. Payment of wages

7.) Who has jurisdication over all money claims of overseas filipino workers arising from employer-employee relationship?

a. labor arbiters
b. POEA
c. regular courts
d. voluntary arbitrators

8.) A Filipino serviceman who is working in a US military installation in Pakistan is mandatorily required by law to remit to his family or dependents in the Philippines ____ of his foreign exchange earnings.

a. 70 per cent
b. 50 per cent
c. 80 per cent
d. none

9.) Illegal recruitment involving economic sabotage prescribes in:

a. 10 years
b. 20 years
c. 5 years
d. imprescriptible

10.) Being the judge of the trial court, you found the accused Jonie guilty of simple illegal recruitment. The proper penalty you would impose would be

a. life imprisonment
b. prision correctional
c. prision mayor
d. destierro


11.) Statement A - A company that exercises its prerogative to dismiss is not allowed to turn around and deny employee-employer relationship.

Statement B - Alleging abandonment indicates employer-employee relationship.

a.) Both statements are true
b.) Both statements are false
c.) Only statement A is true
d.) Only statement B is true

12.) Statement A - It is the employer’s duty to inform the probationary employee reasonable work standards.

Statement B -The employer may terminate the services of probationary employee without valid cause as long as such termination is done within the six month trial period.

a) Both statements are true
b) Both statements are false
c) Only statement A is true
d) Only statement B is true


Answers: 1.) a 2.) d 3.) c 4.) d 5.) b 6.) b 7.) a 8.) d 9.) b 10.) c 11.) a 12.) c


1. The government-owned and –controlled corporations “with original charter” refer to corporations chartered by special law distinguished from corporations organized under our general incorporation statute, the Corporation Code. Thus, under the present state of the law, GOCCs with original charter are subject to what law?

A. Labor Code
B. Corporation Code
C. Civil Service Law
D. Civil Service Rules

2. In the case of Euro-Linea Phils. Inc. vs. National Labor Relations Commission, it was held that in interpreting the Constitution’s protection to labor and social justice provisions and the labor laws and rules and regulations implementing the constitutional mandate, the Supreme Court adopts what approach which favors the exercise of labor rights?

A. Labor’s Welfare
B. Liberal’s Approach
C. Liberal Worker’s Approach
D. Laborer’s Approach

3. There are important principles for the entitlement to Maternity Leave under the SSS law. One of this is:

A. Full payment shall be advanced by the employer within 30 days from the filing of the maternity leave application
B. Full payment shall be advanced by the employer within 15 days from the filing of the maternity leave application
C. Maternity benefits shall be paid only for the first 2 deliveries of miscarriages
D. Maternity benefits shall be paid only for the first 5 deliveries of miscarriages

4. Under RA 9262 on Battered Woman Leave, it provides that an employee is entitled to a paid leave of up to 10 days in addition to other paid leaves under the Labor Code, other laws and company policies, provided the following requisites must be present, except for one invalid requisite:

A. Employee is a woman
B. She is a victim of physical, sexual or psychological violence
C. She applies for the issuance of the protection order
D. She can claim administrative and court order to claim such leave

5. Under RA 8187 on Paternity Leave Act of 1996, paternity leave refers to the benefits granted to the following employees:

A. Both male and female employees in public sectors only
B. Both male and female employees in private sectors only
C. All married male employees in the public and privates sectors
D. All married male employees in the private sectors

6. Anti-Sexual Harassment Act is committed by any person having:

A. Authority or Influence
B. Authority, influence, moral ascendancy over another in a work or education or training environment, and who demands, requests or otherwise requires any lascivious favor which would result in a hostile or offensive environment
C. Authority, influence, moral ascendancy over another in a work or education or training environment, and who demands money which would result in a hostile or offensive environment
D. Authority, influence, moral ascendancy over another in a work or education or training environment, and who demands, requests or otherwise requires any sexual favor which would result in a hostile or offensive environment

7. Anti-Child Abuse Act, or otherwise known as, “An Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, providing Penalties for its Violation and for Other Purposes,” was strengthened by what Republic Act?

A. RA 7658
B. RA 7758
C. RA 7856
D. RA 7652

8. In Article 151 of the Labor Code, it implied that since the relationship between the employer and the househelper is a fiduciary one, the Court cannot order the employer to re-hire the househelper, even if the latter was unjustly dismissed. Is this valid?

A. No, the employer cannot re-hire the househelper
B. No, the employer can indemnify the househelper
C. Yes, the Court can order the employer to re-hire the househelper
D. Yes, the Court cannot order the employer to re-hire the househelper, by operation of the law

9. All rights and benefits granted to workers under the Labor Code shall, except as may otherwise be provided in the Code, apply alike to all workers, whether:

A. Agricultural or commercial
B. Agricultural or industrial
C. Agricultural or non-agricultural
D. Non-industrial or non-commercial

10. Complaints for violation of labor standards and the terms and conditions of employment involving money claims of homeworkers exceeding PhP5,000 per homeworker shall be heard and decided by the:

A. Regional Director
B. Labor Arbiter in the NLRC
C. Secretary of Labor
D. Homeworkers Union

11. In the case of People v. Panis, which defined “Recruitment and Placement” in Article 13 (b), the Court ruled that:

(a) That the number of persons is an essential ingredient of the act of recruitment and placement of workers.
(b) That the number of persons is not an essential ingredient of the act of recruitment and placement of workers.
(c) That the number of workers is essential to the employment.
(d) That the number of workers are not essential to the employment.

12. To pursue its responsibility to promote employment opportunities, the DOLE carries out programs for local and overseas employment. However, effective allocation of manpower resources in local employment is assigned to the:

(a) National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
(b) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
(c) Bureau of Local Employment (BLE)
(d) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

13. It shall be the duty of every employer to furnish his employees in any locality with free medical and dental attendance and facilities. If the company/industry has one hundred (100) employees and exceeds to three hundred (300), what does the provision stipulates?

(a) The services of full-time physician, dentist and a full-time registered nurse as well as a dental clinic, and an infirmary or emergency hospital with one bed capacity.
(b) The services of a full-time registered nurse, a part-time physician and dentist, and an emergency clinic.
(c) The services of a full-time registered nurse.
(d) None of the above

14. Which of the following is NOT a policy of the State?

(a) To promote and maintain a state of full employment through improved manpower training, allocation and utilization.
(b) To protect every citizen desiring to work locally or overseas by securing for him the best possible terms and condition of employment.
(c) To facilitate a free choice of available employment by persons seeking work in conformity with the national interest.
(d) To ignore the movement of workers in conformity with the national interest.

15. Article 40 requires only non-resident aliens to secure employment permit. Resident aliens are not required. For immigrants and resident aliens what is required is an:

(a) Employer-Employee Contract
(b) Alien Permit
(c) Alien Employment Registration Certificate
(d) Business Permit

16. Apprenticeship is the arrangement and the period when an upcoming worker undergoes hands-on training, more or less formal, to learn the ropes of a skilled job. This program aims to:

(a) help meet the demand of the economy for trained manpower.
(b) establish a national apprenticeship program through the participation of employers, workers and government and non-government agencies.
(c) establish apprenticeship standards for the protection of apprentices.
(d) All of the Above

17. When the death of a seaman resulted from a deliberate or willful act on his own life, and it is directly attributable to the seaman himself, such death is:

(a) not compensable
(b) compensable
(c) maybe compensable
(d) valid
18. Who are NOT covered by the 24-Hour Duty Doctrine?

(a) Soldiers
(b) Doctors
(c) Policemen
(d) Peace Officers

19. Rafael was dismissed from overseas employment without just, valid or authorized cause, can he claim full reimbursement of his placement fee? And can he obtain other benefits, if any?

(a) None, because of premature termination of contract.
(b) Yes, he can claim full reimbursement of his placement fee without other benefits.
(c) Yes, he can claim full reimbursement of his placement fee with interest at 12% per annum, plus his salary for the unexpired portion of his employment
(d) None of the above

20.) Maria is a domestic helper of a Filipino business tycoon based in California, USA where she complains about money claims. The Labor Code, under the Migrant Workers’ Law, do the statute and regulations limit the coverage to non-Filipino or alien employers only?

(a) No, because nationality is immaterial
(b) Yes, because aliens are the ones covered under the law
(c) All of the above
(d) None of the Above


CIVIL LAW -- 15%

1. The majority age begins at the age of

A. 21
B. 20
C. 18
D. 16

2. Who may solemnize marriage anywhere in the Philippines?

A. A Consul-general
B. A Court of Appeals justice
C. A ship captain
D. A military commander

3.To be enforceable, when must a contract comply with the Statute of Frauds? When by its terms it is to be performed beyond

A. a year from its making.
B. 5 years from its making.
C. a year from its ratification.
D. 5 years from its ratification.

4.) An uninterrupted possession for a statutory period of time without the need of just title and good faith are requisites for

A. laches.
B. prescription of actions.
C. ordinary acquisitive prescription.
D. extraordinary acquisitive prescription.

5.) Sonny, a Filipino citizen, obtained in a divorce in Canada from his wife, Lulu, also a Filipino citizen. Is the divorce valid and binding?

A. It is not since Philippine law binds Filipinos abroad and it does not permit divorce.
B. It is since Philippine law does not operate in Canada.
C. It is not since Philippine law is recognized in Canada.
D. It is since international law demands local recognition of foreign acts.

6.) In a case, a very old woman executed a will. A friend, a cousin, and a notary public came to witness the will. Due to old age she thumbmarked the will instead of signing it. The friend signed the pages on the right margin, thinking it looked better. The cousin did not see this because his eyes were on a painting that hanged on a nearby wall. Finally, the notary public notarized the will. The will is invalid because

A. the cousin looked away just as the friend was signing the will.
B. the testator failed to subscribe the will.
C. the friend signed at the right margin.
D. of lack of sufficient witnesses.

Answers: 1.) C 2.) B 3.) A 4.) D 5.) A 6.) D

TAXATION -- 10%

1.) Fringe Benefit Tax is payable by the
A. Employee
B. Donor
C. Employer
D. Beneficiary

2.) The following can claim for a tax credit, except
A. Citizen
B. Beneficiary of an estate or trust
C. Member of a General Professional Partnership
D. Foreign corporation

3.) Optional Standard Deduction is applicable to all individuals except
A. Resident Aliens
B. Non-resident aliens
C. Resident Citizens
D. Non-resident Citizen

4.) A fringe benefit may be subject to fringe benefit tax if received by
A. any employee
B. rank and file employees
C. managerial employees
D. Stockholders

5.) A laundry allowance of P300 per month is an example of
A. fringe benefit
B. allowance
C. tax benefit
D. de minimis benefit

6.) Which of the following forms part of the stages of taxation?
A. payment and filing
B. filing and collection
C. withholding and levying
D. assessment and payment
7.) Any good, service or other benefit furnished or granted in cash or in kind by an employer to an individual employee refers to
A. de minimis benefit
B. company benefit
C. fringe benefit
D. annuity

8.) Fringe benefit tax is imposed on the fringe benefit's
A. fair market value
B. actual monetary value
C. grossed-up monetary value
D. assessed value

9.) The following fringe benefits are not taxable except
A. fringe benefits which are authorized and exempted from tax under special laws
B. life or health insurance and other non-life insurance premiums or similar amounts in excess of what the law allows
C. benefits given to the rank and file employees, whether granted under a collective bargaining agreement or not
D. de minimis benefits

10.) Deductions from gross income are not allowed to taxpayers earning compensation income arising from personal services rendered under an employer-employee relationship, except
A. bad debts
B. ordinary and necessary trade, business or professional expenses
C. charitable and other contributions
D. premium payments on health and/or hospitalization insurance of an individual taxpayer

11.) X is a Brazilian citizen working as a host and model in a local television show here in the Philippines. X is therefore taxable as a
A. non resident alien engaged in trade or business
B. resident alien
C. foreign citizen
D. resident citizen

12.) The following dividends are taxable except
A. property dividends
B. liquidating dividends
C. cash dividends
D. stock dividends

13.) Under the tax code, the following are income taxpayers, except:

a. GOCC
b. Estate and Trust
c. Min wage income earners
d. non-resident foreign corp.

Answers: 1.) C 2.) D 3.) B 4.) C 5.) D 6.) D 7.) C 8.) C 9.) B 10.) D 11.) B 12.) B 13.) c

MERCANTILE LAW (COMMERCIAL LAW) -- 15%

1.) The bank deposit secrecy law bars all inquiries into a bank deposit. A deposit may, however, be looked into

A. after prior notice to the depositor.
B. upon court order in annulment of marriage cases.
C. in cases of impeachment.
D. on motion in a bribery case.

2.) A draws a bill payable to B or order with X, as the drawee. The bill was successively endorsed to C, D, E and F, holder. X does not pay and F has duly protested non-payment. Y pays for the honor of C. Which of the following statement is wrong?

A. D is discharged.
B. E is discharged.
C. C is discharged.
D. Y can ask reimbursement from A.

3.) When an endorser waives presentment and notice of dishonor, he increases his liability. His endorsement is:

A. Facultative endorsement
B. Qualified endorsement
C. Alternative endorsement
D. Restrictive endorsement

4.) Ariel issued a note to Brando. There was a total failure of consideration. Brando issued the note for consideration to Cecil who is a holder in due course. Cecil indorsed the note to David who knew of the failure of consideration. Can David successfully collect from Ariel?

A. No, because David knew the failure of consideration.
B. No, although David acquired the rights of Cecil, a holder in due course and he was not a party to any illegality.
C. Yes, because David acquired the note for consideration.
D. No, because David is not a holder in due course.

5.) The SEC, after notice and hearing, may dissolve a corporation upon filing of a verified petition for the dissolution, on grounds provided by law. Which of the following statement is not correct?

a. In case of deadlock in the management of the affairs and business of a close corporation, the SEC, upon written petition by any stockholder, shall have the power to make such order as it deems appropriate, including an order dissolving the corporation.
b. Any stockholder of a corporation may, by written petition to the SEC, compel the dissolution of the corporation whenever any acts of its directors, officers or those in control of the corporation is illegal, fraudulent or dishonest.
c. The SEC can automatically issue a certificate of dissolution in case a corporation filed for its dissolution and there are creditors affected provided that majority of the board of directors or trustee consented to such action.
d. The SEC, after notice and hearing, may dissolve a corporation in case there are violations of the provisions of the Corporation Code not specially penalized therein.

6.) Which of the following will cause the automatic dissolution of a corporation?

a. Commission by the corporation of an ultra vires act
b. Continuous non-operation for a period of at least 5 years
c. Refusal to comply with or defiance of any lawful order of the SEC restraining commission of acts which would amount to grave violation of its franchise
d. None of the above

7.) SUJU Corporation, through its Board of Directors and with the unanimous approval of the stockholders declared to grant stock dividends to its stockholders for the year 2008 amounting to 79 Billion Pesos. After examining the books and other records of the corporation, Sungmin Lee, Vice President for Finance, discovered that the authorized capital stock of the Corporation is almost depleted, that is – almost all were already issued and the remaining cannot accommodate the needed stocks for stock dividend distribution. The Corporation though was liquid in cash and has retained earnings amounting to 365 Billion Pesos. How should the Board of Directors of SUJU Corporation best act on it?
 
a. Issue a Board Resolution deferring the distribution of dividends for the said year.
b. Increase the authorized capital stock and amend the Articles of Incorporation of SUJU Corporation to cater to the needed stocks for stock dividend distribution.
c. Divide the remaining unissued stocks pro rata to the stockholders as stock dividends.
d. Recall its previous Resolution declaring stock dividends and in its stead, issue another Resolution declaring cash dividends for year 2008.

8.) FYI Corporation has increased its capital stock and new shares of stock are issued. The stockholders of FYI Corp wish to exercise their pre-emptive right regarding the shares to be issued. Which of the following shares does a pre-emptive right of stockholders extends?

a. to shares to be issued in compliance with laws requiring stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the public
b. to shares to be issued in good faith with the approval of stockholders representing 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock in exchange for property needed for corporate purposes
c. to shares to be issued in good faith with the approval of the stockholders representing 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock in payment of previously contracted debt
d. treasury shares reacquired using the funds from the surplus profits of the corporation which could have been declared as dividends

9.) The following instances are considered as “indicators” that a foreign corporation is “transacting business” in the Philippines, even without securing a license, except

a. Soliciting orders, purchases and service contracts
b. Subscribing shares of stock from a domestic corporation
c. Engaging into continuous business acts or transactions
d. Participating in the management, supervision or control of any domestic business firm, entity or corporation in the Philippines

10.) Which among the following is not a necessary result or consequence when a foreign corporation secures a license and/or registers?

A. the foreign corporation can do regular business in the Philippines
B. the foreign corporation can avail the aid of the Philippine courts and sue
C. the foreign corporation may be sued in any regular court for any valid cause of action recognized under Philippine laws.
D. the foreign corporation can intervene in any action, suit or proceeding in any court or administrative agency

11.)Assuming all the other requisites of negotiability are present, which of the following instruments is NOT payable to bearer?

a. "Pay to the order of Cash."
b "Pay to the order of Jose Rizal, national hero."
c. "Pay to Pedro Padernal, bearer."
d. "Pay to Pedro Padernal or bearer."

12.) Unless the by-laws provide otherwise, written notice of regular meetings shall be sent to all stock holders of record:

a. at least one day prior to the meeting
b. at least two days prior to the meeting
c. at least one week prior to the meeting
d. at least two weeks prior to the meeting

Answers: 1.) c 2.) c 3.) a 4.) c 5.) d 6.) d 7.) b 8.) d 9.) b 10.) b 11.) c 12.) d

CRIMINAL LAW -- 10%

1. Badong, with evident premeditation and treachery killed his father. What was the crime committed?

a. Murder
b. Parricide
c. Homicide
d. Qualified Homicide

2. PO3 Bagsik entered the dwelling of Totoy against the latter’s will on suspicion that Totoy keep unlicensed firearms in his home. What was the crime committed by PO3 Bagsik?

a. Trespass to Dwelling
b. Violation of Domicile
c. Usurpation Of Authority
d. Forcible Trespassing

3. Berung and Betang had been married for more than six months. They live together with the children of Betang from her first husband. Berung had sexual relationship with Bea, the 14 year old daughter of Betang. Bea love Berung very much. What was the crime committed by Berung, if any?

a. Simple Seduction
b. Qualified Seduction
c. Consented Abduction
d. Rape

4. Prof. Dabcat gave a failing grade to one of his students, Sixto. When the two met the following day, Sixto slapped Prof. Dabcat on the face. What was the crime committed by Sixto?

a. Corruption of Public Officials
b. Direct Assault
c. Slight Physical Injuries
d. Grave Coercion

5. A warrant of arrest was issued against Pekto for the killing of his parents. When PO2 Tapang tried to arrest him, Pekto gave him 1 million Pesos to set him free. PO2 Tapang refrained in arresting Pekto. What was the crime committed by PO2 Tapang?

a. Indirect Bribery
b. Direct Bribery
c. Corruption of Public Officials
d. Qualified Bribery

6. Exemption to the hearsay rule made under the consciousness of an impending death.

a. parol evidence b. ante mortem statement
c. suicide note d. dead man statute

7. The meaning of factum probans.

a. preponderance of evidence
b. ultimate fact
c. evidentiary fact
d. sufficiency of evidence

8. It refers to family history or descent transmitted from one generation to another.

a. inheritance
b. heritage
c. pedigree
d. culture

9. The authority of the court to take cognisance of the case in the first instance.

a. Appellate Jurisdiction
b. General Jurisdiction
c. Original Jurisdiction
d. Exclusive Jurisdiction

10. A person designated by the court to assist destitute litigants.

a. Counsel de officio
b. Attorney on record
c. Attorney at law
d. Special counsel

11. Which of the following is not covered by the Rules on Summary Procedure?

a. Violation of rental laws
b. Violation of traffic laws
c. The penalty is more than six months of imprisonment
d. The penalty does not exceed 6 months imprisonment

12. It refers to a territorial unit where the power of the court is to be exercised.

a. jurisdiction b. jurisprudence
c. venue d. bench

13. The Anti-Bouncing Check Law.

a. RA 6425 b. RA 8353
c. BP 22 d. RA 6975

14. The taking of another person’s personal property, with intent to gain, by means of force and intimidation.

a. qualified theft b. robbery
c. theft d. malicious mischief

15. Felony committed when a person compels another by means of force, violence or intimidation to do something against his will, whether right or wrong.

a. grave threat b. grave coercion
c. direct assault d. slander by deed

16. Persons having no apparent means of subsistence but has the physical ability to work and neglects to apply himself or herself to lawful calling.

a. pimps b. prostitutes
c. gang members d. vagrants

17. A medley of discordant voices, a mock serenade of discordant noises designed to annoy and insult.

a. tumultuous b. charivari
c. sedition d. scandal

18. The unauthorized act of a public officer who compels another person to change his residence.

a. violation of domicile b. arbitrary detention
c. expulsion d. direct assault

19. The deprivation of a private person of the liberty of another person without legal grounds.

a. illegal detention b. arbitrary detention
c. forcible abduction d. forcible detention

20. An offense committed by a married woman through carnal knowledge with a man not her husband who knows her to be married, although the marriage be later declared void.

a. concubinage b. bigamy
c. adultery d. immorality

21. Age of absolute irresponsibility in the commission of a crime.

a. 15-18 years old b. 18-70 years old
c. 9 years old and below d. between 9 & 15 years old

22. Those who, not being principals cooperate in the execution of the offense by previous or simultaneous acts.

a. accomplices b. suspects
c. principal actors d. accessories

23. The loss or forfeiture of the right of the government to execute the final sentence after the lapse of a certain time fixed by law.

a. prescription of crime
b. prescription of prosecution
c. prescription of judgement
d. prescription of penalty

24. A kind of executive clemency whereby the execution of penalty is suspended.

a. pardon b. commutation
c. amnesty d. reprieve

25. Infractions of mere rules of convenience designed to secure a more orderly regulation of the affairs of the society.

a. mala prohibita b. mala in se
c. private crimes d. public crimes

26. Felony committed by a public officer who agrees to commit an act in consideration of a gift and this act is connected with the discharge of his public duties.

a. qualified bribery b. direct bribery
c. estafa d. indirect bribery

27. The wilful and corrupt assertion of falsehood under oath of affirmation, administered by authority of law on a material matter.

a. libel b. falsification
c. perjury d. slander

28. Deliberate planning of act before execution.

a. treachery b. evident premeditation
c. ignominy d. cruelty

29. Whenever more than 3 armed malefactors shall have acted together in the commission of a crime.

a. gang b. conspiracy
c. band d. piracy

30. The failure to perform a positive duty which one is bound to.

a. negligence b. imprudence
c. omission d. act

31. Ways and means are employed for the purpose of trapping and capturing the law breaker in the execution of his criminal plan.

a. misfeasance b. entrapment
c. inducement d. instigation

32. Those where the act committed is a crime but for reasons of public policy and sentiment there is no penalty imposed.

a. impossible crimes
b. aggravating circumstances
c. absolutory causes
d. complex crimes

33. An alternative circumstance.

a. insanity b. intoxication
c. passion or obfuscation d. evident premeditation

34. If the accused refuse to plead, or make conditional plea of guilty, what shall be entered for him?

a. a plea of not guilty b. a plea of guilty
c. a plea of mercy d.plea of surrender

35. At what time may the accused move to quash the complaint or information?

a. at any time before his arrest
b. only after entering his plea
c. any time before entering his plea
d. Monday morning

36. The process whereby the accused and the prosecutor in a criminal case work out a mutually satisfactory disposition on the case subject to court approval.

a. arraignment b. plea bargaining
c. preliminary investigation d. trial

37. The security given for the release of a person in custody, furnished by him or a bondsman, conditioned upon his appearance before any court as required under the conditions specified by law.

a. subpoena b. recognizance
c. bail d. warrant

38. The examination before a competent tribunal, according to the laws of the land, of the acts in issue in a case, for the purpose of determining such issue.

a. trial b. arraignment
b. pre-trial d. judgment

39. The adjudication by the court that the accused is guilty or is not guilty of the offense charged, and the imposition of the proper penalty and civil liability provided for by law on the accused.

a. trial b. pre-trial
c. arraignment d. judgment

40. It is an inquiry or proceeding for the purpose of determining whether there is sufficient ground to engender a well founded belief that an offense has been committed and the offender is probably guilty thereof and should be held for trial.

a. pre-trial b. arraignment
c. preliminary investigation d. plea bargaining

41. It is evidence of the same kind and to the same state of facts.

a. secondary evidence b. prima facie evidence
c. corroborative evidence d. best evidence

42. It is that which, standing alone, unexplained or uncontradicted is sufficient to maintain the proposition affirmed.

a. secondary evidence b. prima facie evidence
c. corroborative evidence d. best evidence

43. A form of evidence supplied by written instruments or derived from conventional symbols, such as letters, by which ideas are represented on material substances.

a. documentary evidence b.testimonial evidence
c. material evidence d. real evidence

44. When the witness states that he did not see or know the occurrence of a fact.

a. positive evidence b.corroborative evidence
c. secondary evidence d. negative evidence

45. Personal property that can be subjects for search and seizure.

a. used or intended to be used as means in committing an offense
b. stolen or embezzled and other proceeds or fruits of the offense
c. subject of the offense
d. all of the above

46. All persons who can perceive and perceiving, can make known their perception to others.

a. suspects b. witnesses
c. victims d. informers

47. The unlawful destruction, or the bringing forth prematurely, of human fetus before the natural time of birth which results in death.

a. abortion b. infanticide
c. murder d. parricide

48. Felony committed when a person is killed or wounded during the confusion attendant to a quarrel among several persons not organized into groups and the parties responsible cannot be ascertained.

a. alarm and scandal
b. mysterious homicide
c. death under exceptional circumstances
d. tumultuous affray

49. A question which arises in a case the resolution of which is the logical antecedent of the issue involved in said case and the cognisance of which pertains to another tribunal.

a. legal question b. juridical question
c. prejudicial question d. judicial question

50. The offender has been previously punished for an offense to which the law attaches an equal or greater penalty or two or more crimes to which it attaches a lighter penalty.

a. reiteracion b. recidivism
b. quasi-recidivism d. habitual delinquency

51. An act or omission which is a result of a misapprehension of facts that is voluntary but not intentional.

a. impossible crime b. mistake of facts
c. accidental crime d. complex crime

52. Infanticide is committed by killing a child not more than….

a. 36 hours b. 24 hours
c. 48 hours d. 72 hours

53. Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith.

a. ignorantia legis non excusat b. parens patriae
c. res ipsa loquitur d. dura lex sed lex

54. An act which would be an offense against persons or property were if not for the inherent impossibility of its accomplishment.

a. compound crime b. impossible crime
c. complex crime d. accidental crime

55. The law which reimposed the death penalty.

a. RA 5425 b. RA 8553
c. RA 7659 d. RA 8551

56. One who is deprived completely of reason or discernment and freedom of the will at the time of the commission of the crime.

a. discernment b. insanity
c. epilepsy d. imbecility

57. The quality by which an act may be subscribed to a person as its owner or author.

a. responsibility b. duty
c. guilt d. imputability

58. Something that happen outside the sway of our will, and although it comes about through some acts of our will, lies beyond the bounds of humanly foreseeable consequences.

a. fortuitous event b. fate
c. accident d. destiny

59. A sworn written statement charging a person with an offense, subscribed by the offended party , any peace officer or other public officer charged with the enforcement of the law violated.

a. subpoena b. information
c. complaint d. writ

60. This right of the accused is founded on the principle of justice and is intended not to protect the guilty but to prevent as far as human agencies can, the conviction of an innocent person.

a. right to due process of law
b. presumption of innocence
c. right to remain silent
d. right against self-incrimination

61. Known in other countries as the body of principles, practices, usages and rules of action which are not recognized in our country.

a. penal laws b. special laws
c. common laws d. statutory laws

62. Circumstances wherein there is an absence in the agent of the crime any of all the conditions that would make an act voluntary and hence, though there is no criminal liability there is civil liability.

a. exempting b. alternative
c. justifying d. aggravating

63. Circumstances wherein the acts of the person are in accordance with the law, and hence, he incurs no criminal and civil liability.

a. exempting b. alternative
c. justifying d. aggravating

64. When the offender enjoys and delights in making his victim suffer slowly and gradually, causing him unnecessary physical pain in the consummation of the criminal act.

a. ignominy b. cruelty
c. treachery d. masochism

65. One, who at the time of his trial for one crime shall have been previously convicted by final judgment of another crime embraced in the same title of the Revised Penal Code.

a. recidivism b. habitual delinquency
c. reiteracion d. quasi-recidivism

66. Alevosia means

a. craft b. treachery
c. evident premeditation d. cruelty

67. The law hears before it condemns, proceeds upon inquiry and render judgment after a fair trial.

a. ex post facto law
b. equal protection of the law
c. rule of law
d. due process of law

68. A person if within a period of 10 years from the date of his release or last conviction of the crime of serious or less serious physical injuries, robbery, theft, estafa or falsification, he is found guilty of any of the said crimes a third time or oftener.

a. recidivist b. quasi-recidivist
c. habitual delinquent d. hardened criminal

69. A kind of evidence which cannot be rebutted or overcome.

a. Primary b. Best
c. Secondary d. Conclusive

70. A kind of evidence which cannot be rebutted or overcome.

a. Primary b. Best
c. Secondary d. Conclusive

71. These questions suggest to the witness the answers to which an examining party requires.

a. leading b. misleading
c. stupid d. hearsay

72. A method fixed by law for the apprehension and prosecution of persons alleged to have committed a crime, and for their punishment in case of conviction.

a. Criminal Law b. Criminal Evidence
c. Criminal Procedure d. Criminal Jurisprudence

73. The period of prescription of crimes punishable by death.

a. 20 years b. 15 years
c. 10 years d. 40 years

74. Persons who take direct part in the execution of a crime.

a. accomplices
b. accessories
c. instigators
d. principals

75. A crime against honor which is committed by performing any act which casts dishonor, discredit, or contempt upon another person.

a. libel
b. slander by deed
c. incriminating innocent person
d. intriguing against honor

76. The improper performance of some act which might lawfully be done.

a. misfeasance
b. malfeasance
c. nonfeasance
d. dereliction

77. A sworn statement in writing, made upon oath before an authorized magistrate or officer.

a. subpoena
b. writ
c. warrant
d. affidavit

78. Any other name which a person publicly applies to himself without authority of law.

a. alias
b. common name
c. fictitious name
d. screen name

79. A special aggravating circumstance where a person, after having been convicted by final judgment, shall commit a new felony before beginning to serve such sentence, or while serving the same.

a. quasi-recidivism
b. recidivism
c. reiteracion
d. charivari

80. Which of the following is not a person in authority.

a. Municipal mayor
b. Private School Teacher
c. Police Officer
d. Municipal Councilor

81. In its general sense, it is the raising of commotions or disturbances in the State.

a. Sedition
b. Rebellion
c. Treason
d. Coup d’etat

82. The length of validity of a search warrant from its date.

a. 30 days
b. 15 days
c. 10 days
d. 60 days

83. The detention of a person without legal grounds by a public officer or employee.

a. illegal detention
b. arbitrary detention
c. compulsory detention
d. unauthorized detention

84. A breach of allegiance to a government, committed by a person who owes allegiance to it.

a. treason
b. espionage
c. rebellion
d. coup d’etat

85. A building or structure, exclusively used for rest and comfort.
a. sanctuary
b. prison
c. jail
d. dwelling

86. The mental capacity to understand the difference between right and wrong.
a. treachery
b. premeditation
c. recidivism
d. discernment

87. Conspiracy to commit this felony is punishable under the law.
a. Estafa
b. Murder
c. Rebellion
d. Rape

88. It means that the resulting injury is greater than that which is intended.
a. Aberratio ictus
b. Error in personae
c. Dura Lex Sed lex
d. Praeter Intentionem

89. It means mistake in the blow.
a. Aberratio Ictus
b. Error in Personae
c. Dura lex sed lex
d. Praeter Intentionem

90. A stage of execution when all the elements necessary for its execution and accomplishment are present.
a. Attempted
b. Frustrated
c. Consummated
d. Accomplished

91. An act or omission which is the result of a misapprehension of facts that is voluntary but not intentional.
a. Absolutory Cause
b. Mistake of facts
c. Conspiracy
d. Felony

92. Crimes that have three stages of execution.
a. Material
b. Formal
c. Seasonal
d. Continuing

93. Felonies where the acts or omissions of the offender are malicious.
a. Culpable
b. Intentional
c. Deliberate
d. Inculpable

94. It indicates deficiency of perception.
a. Negligence
b. Diligence
c. Imprudence
d. Inference

95. Acts and omissions punishable by special penal laws.
a. Offenses
b. Misdemeanours
c. Felonies
d. Ordinances

96. A character of Criminal Law, making it binding upon all persons who live or sojourn in the Philippines.
a. General
b. Territorial
c. Prospective
d. Retroactive

97. A legislative act which inflicts punishment without judicial trial.
a. Bill of Attainder
b. Bill of Rights
c. Ex Post Facto Law
d. Penal Law

98. The taking of a person into custody in order that he may bound to answer for the commission of an offense.
a. Search
b. Seizure
c. Arrest
d. Detention

99. Pedro stole the cow of Juan. What was the crime committed?
a. Robbery
b. Farm Theft
c. Qualified Theft
d.Simple Theft

100. Pedro, a 19 year old man had sexual intercourse with her 11 year old girlfriend without threat, force or intimidation. What was the crime committed?
a. Child rape
b. Qualified Rape
c. Statutory Rape
d. None

101.) The Revised Penal Code may be enforced outside the jurisdiction of the Philippines when

A. one commits an offense on any ship or airship.
B. one introduces into the Philippines any counterfeit coin.
C. a public officer enters into a bigamous marriage.
D. one commits a crime against national security.

102.) A warrantless search is valid when the search is made by

A. a customs officers at the home of a known smuggler.
B. anti-drug enforcers.
C. policemen at a COMELEC checkpoint.
D. NBI agents looking for a bomb at a mall.

103.) A justifying circumstance is exemplified by

A. a retreat from aggression.
B. a pre-emptive blow.
C. a counter blow.
D. a good intention.

104.) A person walks into a police station and declares that he has committed a crime before the police could take him into custody. May his declaration be admitted against him?

A. No since he has not been forewarned of his rights to silence and to counsel.
B. Yes since he made his declaration before he could be taken into custody and investigated.
C. No since he has entered the police station and came within its jurisdiction.
D. Yes since he freely gave his declaration to the police.

105.) Rape is sexual intercourse with the use of

A. deceit
B. moral ascendance
C. intrigue
D. force or intimidation.

106.) The act of the police in placing the accused in a police line-up without his prior consent

A. violates his right against self-incrimination.
B. violates his right to counsel.
C. constitutes a valid police investigation procedure.
D. is valid conditioned on his being identified at the trial.

107.) A warrantless search is valid when it is made

A. by customs officers at the home of a known smuggler.
B. by anti-drug enforcers.
C. by policemen at a COMELEC checkpoint for illegal firearms.
D. by the NBI for a bomb at the mall.

108.) A qualifying circumstance cannot be presumed, but must be established by

A. proof beyond reasonable doubt
B. clear and convincing evidence
C. substantial evidence
D. preponderance of evidence

ANSWERS:
1. B 26. B 51. B 76. A

2. B 27. C 52. D 77. D

3. B 28. B 53. A 78. A

4. B 29. C 54. B 79. A

5. D 30. C 55. C 80. C

6. D 31. B 56. D 81. A

7. C 32. C 57. D 82. C

8. C 33. B 58. C 83. B

9. C 34. A 59. C 84. A

10. A 35. C 60. B 85. D

11. C 36. B 61. C 86. D

12. C 37. C 62. A 87. C

13. C 38. A 63. C 88. D

14. B 39. D 64. B 89. A

15. B 40. C 65. A 90. C

16. D 41. C 66. B 91. B

17. B 42. B 67. D 92. A

18. C 43. A 68. C 93. A

19. A 44. D 69. D 94. A

20. C 45. D 70. D 95. A

21. C 46. B 71. A 96. A

22. A 47. A 72. C 97. A

23. D 48. D 73. A 98. C

24. D 49. C 74. D 99. C

25. A 50. A 75. B 100. C  101. ) D 102.) C 103.) C 104.) B 105.) D 106.) C 107.) C 108.) B

REMEDIAL LAW -- 20%

1. The jurisdiction of courts are determined by

A. Congress.
B. The Supreme Court.
C. The Judicial and Bar Council.
D. The Court Administrator.

2.) Which of the following constitutes antecedent collateral evidence of a bank robbery that several accused committed?

A. The act of the lookout during the robbery.
B. The kinship among them.
C. The amount missing from the bank’s vault
D. The fingerprints on the teller’s counter.

3.) Real or object evidence is authenticated by showing

A. who owns it.
B. that it is what it is claimed to be.
C. how the evidence got to court.
D. similar or like objects.

4.) A couple named their son Mario Lopez. But a confused clerk at the hospital registered his name as Maria Lopez and his gender as female. The city civil registrar has authority to

A. correct his name and gender.
B. correct his name but not his gender.
C. correct his gender but not his name.
D. indorse the case to court.

5.) A decision states that the defendant is entitled to moral damages but its dispositive portion did not carry an award of moral damages. The writ of execution, however, orders the defendant to pay moral damages of P5,000. Must he comply?

A. Yes since the body of the decision contains the justification for it.
B. No since it is the dispositive portion of the decision that controls.
C. Yes since the writ of execution affirms it.
D. No since the plaintiff needed to pay docket fee on the P5,000.

6.) A criminal action must be filed in the place where

A. the offense took place.
B. the accused was apprehended and detained.
C. the offended party resides.
D. the preliminary investigation took place.

7.) The police nabbed two robbery suspects whom they convinced during the investigation to go with them to the scene of the crime to reenact how they committed it. Is the reenactment admissible in evidence?

A. No since it amounts to waiver of right to silence without the advice of counsel.
B. Yes since the reenactment was voluntary.
C. No since it is irrelevant evidence.
D. Yes since the reenactment was unaccompanied by any statement from the suspects.

8.) To prove that Susan stabbed her husband Sergio, Pete testified that he heard Rico running down the street, shouting excitedly, “Sinaksak daw ni Susan ang asawa niya!” Rico’s declaration is

A. admissible as part of res gestae.
B. inadmissible as hearsay.
C. admissible as independently relevant statement.
D. inadmissible as a mere opinion.

9.) The law that will determine jurisdiction over a particular case is the law in force at the time

A. the cause of action accrued.
B. the action is filed.
C. the issues in the action are joined.
D. the defendant receives the complaint.

10.) The right to be presumed innocent is NOT violated by a law that establishes a presumption of guilt based on a certain fact proved provided that

A.the accused has a chance to overcome it.
B. the nature of the crime permits it.
C. what is proved and presumed are reasonably connected.
D. the law is not retroactive.

11.) Choose which of the following is correct:

a. Documentary evidence is that which is directly addressed to the senses of the court and consists of tangible things
b. Documentary evidence is offered when a document is presented to prove its existence or condition
c. Where the purpose is to prove a collateral fact that took place while a document was being prepared, rule on documentary evidence shall apply
d. Documentary evidence applies only when the contents of such document is the subject of inquiry


Answers: 1. A 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. B 6. A 7. A 8. B 9. B 10. C 11.) d

LEGAL ETHICS/FORMS -- 5%
 
1.) The practice of law is a right in the sense that a lawyer cannot be prevented from practicing law except for valid reasons.

2.) The practice of law is a privilege because it is limited to persons of good moral character with special qualifications duly ascertained and certified