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EVIDENCE

Introduction
Definition the means, sanctioned by these rules, of ascertaining in a judicial proceeding, the truth
respecting a matter of fact. (Rule 128, Sec. 1.)
Scope of applicability rules of evidence shall be the same in all courts and in all trials and hearings,
except as otherwise provided by law or these rules. (Rule 128, Sec 2.)

Notes: The Rules on Evidence apply only when there is going to be a trial. Note that there can be a
judgment on pleadings, by confession, consent and compromise etc. IN CIVIL CASES. Mere denial in
the answer in a CIVIL CASE will not present a probandum hence no need for the court to try the
case. Such general denial will be considered as an admission.
In CRIMINAL CASES, We have to wait until the accused enters a plea. This time a general
denial is allowed. If the accused enters a plea of guilty there is no probandum. However in CRIMINAL
CASES, the court could still try the case if the case involves a heinous crime.
The Rules on evidence are not self-executing. So the rule is any evidence submitted will be
admitted so long as there is no objection. This principle is only for the purpose of admissibility. It
does not mean that the court will take these irrelevant evidence in evaluating on the merits of the
case.

DIFFERENCE IN RULES ON EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL CASES AND CIVIL CASES

BASIS Criminal Case Civil Case
Quantum of Proof Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Preponderance of evidence
Denial General Denial Allowed Must be Specific Denial
Withdrawal of Plea/Admission Withdrawn plea is inadmissible Judicial Admission withdrawn
becomes an extrajudicial
admission
Cross Examination in Applicable Not applicable
Summary Procedure
Equiponderance Rule Accused is acquitted Party who loses is the one who
has burden of proof
Presence of Circumstantial More than one is required One suffices
Evidence
Priviliged Communication- Not applicable Applicable
Dr.-Patient
Compulsion as a witness Cannot compel accused to be a No prohibition, rules provides
witness only limitations

Evidentiary Privilege- entitles the privilege holder to withhold competent evidence and, in some
circumstances, to prevent others from revealing such evidence. The privilege is granted when the
protected interest is considered important enough to outweigh the concern with determining the
truth. The privilege holder need not be a party to the proceeding in question. Unlike a
disqualification, a privilege can be waived. Privileges are often intended to preserve confidential
relationships.

Executive Privilege- members of the executive branch of government cannot legally be forced to
disclose their confidential communications when such disclosure would adversely affect the
operations or procedures of the executive branch.

FACTUM PROBANDUM vs. FACTUM PROBANS

Factum Probandum-proposition to be established. The fact/s in issue.
Factum Probans- materials evidencing the proposition

Notes: 1. In both CIVIL and CRIMINAL cases, the probandum contained in the pleadings could be
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changed in the pre-trial order. However, with respect to CRIMINAL CASES, the pre-trial order
SHOULD NOT substantially change the accusation/indictment contained in the information, otherwise
the case will be dismissed.
2. A court can validly try a fact in issue not raised in the pleadings or pre-trial order. Rule 10
provides that a fact in issue may be raised with the express or implied consent of the parties during
the trial (Amendment to conform to evidence)
3. Ascertainment of probandum does not apply in special proceedings. (i.e. If there is a
petition for probate of a will, even if there is no opposition the petitioner is still required by law to
prove that the will has been duly executed in accordance with the Civil Code)

EVIDENCE vs. PROOF

Proof- is the effect of evidence. It is the probative effect of evidence and is the conviction or
persuasion of the mind resulting from a consideration of the latter.
Evidence- is the cause necessary to establish proof.

I. Admissibility
A. Relevance
The evidence has such a relation to the fact in issue as to induce belief in its existence or non-
existence.
Evidence on collateral matters shall not be allowed, except when it tends in any reasonable degree
to establish the probability or improbability of the fact in issue. (Rule 128, Secs. 3 and 4.)
- In conclusion, relevancy is not determined by law nor the rules of court. It is determined purely by
LOGIC.
B. Competence
The evidence is not excluded by the law or the rules (Rule 128, Sec. 3.)
Do not confuse COMPETENT WITNESS from COMPETENT EVIDENCE. The COMPETENCY TEST
of evidence applies to the TESTIMONY of the qualified witness.
Since admissibility of evidence is determined by its relevance and competence, admissibility
is therefore an affair of logic and law. On the other hand, the weight to be given to such evidence
depends on judicial evaluation within the guidelines provided in Rule 133 and the jurisprudence laid
down by the court. (People vs. Turco, 2000)
Relevant evidence is one that has any value in reason as tending to prove any matter
probable in an action. Evidence is said to be material when it is directed to prove a fact in issue as
determined by the rules of substantive law and pleadings, while competent evidence is one that is
not excluded by law in a particular case. (Bautista vs. Aparece, 1995)

Exclusionary Rules under the 1987 Constitution

1.1 Secs. 2 & 3, Art. III The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall
be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause
to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the
complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be
searched and the persons or things to be seized.
The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of
the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law.
Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any
purpose in any proceeding.
1.2 Sec. 12, Art III Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the
right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel
preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel, he must be
provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of
counsel. No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means, which vitiate the
free will, shall be used against him. Secret detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other
similar forms of detention are prohibited.
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Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Section 17 hereof shall be

inadmissible in evidence against him.
Sec. 17, Art III No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
This right is recognized under he Rules on Evidence, which provides that, it is the right of a
witness not to give an answer which will tend to subject him to a penalty for an offense unless
otherwise provided by law. [Sec. 3 (4), Rule 132, ROC)
NOTES AND COMMENTS: The human body could be used as evidence without violating the
right. Mechanical acts without the use of intelligence do not fall within the scope of the protection.
Some of the acts which are not covered by the right of self-incrimination are the following:
a. Fingerprinting, photographing nd paraffin testing, physical examination. (U.S. v. Tang,
23 Phil. 145_)
b. Physical examination of a woman accused of adultery to determine if she is pregnant.
(U.S. v. On Suy Hon, 36 Phil. 735; Villaflor v. Summers, 41 Phil. 62)
c. Undergoing ultra-violet rays examination to determine presence of flourescent powder on
the hands. (People v. Tranca, 35 SCRA 455)
d. Subpoena directing government officials to produce official documents or public records in
their custody.
e. Fitting the accused foot over a foot print, putting on a pair of trousers, etc.

2. Statutory Rules of Exclusion

2.1 Sec. 201, NIRC An instrument, document or paper which is required by law to be stamped and
which has been signed, issued, accepted or transferred without being duly stamped, shall not be
recorded, nor shall it or any copy thereof or any record of transfer of the same be admitted or
used in evidence in any court until the requisite stamp or stamps shall have been affixed thereto
and cancelled.
2.2 R.A. 4200 (Wire-tapping Act)
Sec. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, not being authorized by all the parties to any private
communication or spoken word, to tap any wire or cable, or by using any other device or
arrangement, to secretly overhear, intercept, or record such communication or spoken work by
using a device commonly known as a Dictaphone or dictograph or detectaphone or walkie-talkie
or tape recorder, or however otherwise described. x x
Sec. 4. Any communication or spoken word, or the existence, contents, substance, purport,
effect, or meaning of the same or any part thereof, or any information therein contained,
obtained or secured by any person in violation of the preceding sections of this Act shall not be
admissible in evidence in any judicial, quasi-judicial, legislative or administrative hearing or
investigation.
An extension telephone cannot be placed in the same category as a Dictaphone, dictograph
or the other devices enumerated in Sec. 1 of RA 4200 as the use thereof cannot be considered as
tapping the wire or cable of a telephone line. (Gaanan vs. IAC, 1986)
RA 4200 expressly makes tape recordings of tapped conversations inadmissible in evidence
absent a clear showing that both parties to the phone conversations allowed the recording. (Salcedo-
Ortaez vs. CA, 1994)

EXCLUSIONARY RULES under the RULES OF COURT

1. Best Evidence Rule
2. Parole Evidence
3. Hearsay Rule

Wigmores Axiom of Admissibility

None but facts having rational probative value are admissible- ILLUSTRATION: In a trial for
homicide, the fact is offered that the accused was requested, with others, to touch the corpse of the
murdered man to see if blood flowed, but that he refused to do so; this is admissible, not because
the flowing or retention of the blood at the guilty mans touch would be rationally evidential of his
guilt, but because his refusal to do could constitute a link to the chain of evidence necessary to
produce a moral conviction of guilt.
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Any fact having rational probative value is admissible, unless some specific rule forbids its
admission- ILLUSTRATION: In an issue involving forgery, the disposition of the persons character
as to acts of honesty or dishonesty is of some rational probative value towards showing that he did
or did not do the act; it is therefore admissible, but this can only be done if the accused steps
forward first and adduces evidence of his good moral character.

Irrelevant vs. Incompetent vs. Inadmissible vs. Immaterial Evidence

Irrelevant- no probative value; No tendency in reason to establish the probability or improbability of

a fact in issue. It does not directly relate to a fact in issue.
N.B. All facts and circumstances which afford reasonable inferences or throw light upon the
probability of matter or matters contested are admissible in evidence, UNLESS excluded by some
established principle of evidence, such as HEARSAY EVIDENCE RULE, RULE ON PAROLE EVIDENCE
and BEST EVIDENCE RULE.
Collateral Matters- matters other than the facts in issue and which are offered as a basis
merely for inference as to the existence or non-existence of the facts in issue. These are not allowed
unless satisfy ALL the requirements of relevancy.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
a. finger marks, foot prints and a bat left by the accused in the place of the crime
b. The resemblance of a child to his alleged father to prove paternity of the latter
c. Bloodstains on the clothing of the person charged with a crime
d. The destruction or fabrication of evidence
e. Flight of the accused. (N.B. Non-flight is not conclusive proof of innocence)
f. Delay in the identification of victims assailant
Incompetent- excluded by the rules or any law
Inadmissible- not competent and irrelevant
Immaterial- the offered evidential fact is directed to prove some probandum which is not properly in
issue. (N.B.- The rules on substantive law and of pleading determine immateriality)
Material evidence- proves a main fact which is the subject of the inquiry or any circumstance
which tends to prove that fact or any fact or circumstance which tends to corroborate or strengthen
the testimony relative to the subject of inquiry or which legitimately affects the credibility of any
witness who testifies.

Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence

Direct- Evidence that directly proves a fact without need to make inference from another fact
Example: The testimony of the prosecution witness claiming that he saw that it was actually
the deceased who attacked the accused without the latters provocation is a direct evidence.

Circumstantial- Indirectly proves a fact in issue through an inference which the fact finder draws
from the evidence established
Example: The testimony of the victim that he dreads the mere presence of the accused is
direct evidence that the statement was made.
It is likewise circumstantial evidence to show that this fear prevented the victim from
attacking the accused without provocation.

IN CRIMINAL CASES, circumstantial evidence is sufficient for conviction when:

a. There is more than one circumstance
b. The facts from which the inferences are derived are proven
c. The combination of all the circumstances is such as to produce a conviction beyond
reasonable doubt (Sec. 4 Rule 133)

Cumulative v. Corroborative
Cumulative- evidence of the same kind that tends to prove the same fact
Ex. Two or more witnesses testify that they saw the event which the first witness claimed he
saw, the subsequent testimonies are cumulative
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Corroborative- evidence which tends to confirm, validate or strengthen evidence already presented.
Evidence may be of the same kind or different kind and tends to prove the same fact.
Ex. A witness claims that he saw Mr. X sign the document subject of the action. Mr. X denies
the authenticity of his signature. Evidence by a handwriting expert is corroborative.

Positive v. Negative Evidence

Positive- A witness affirms in the stand that a certain state of facts do exist or that a certain event
happened

Negative- A witness states that an event did not occur or that the facts alleged to exist did not
actually exist. (Denial)

Derivative Evidence- type of evidence that is inadmissible as proof because of the application of
the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine, which treats the original evidence and any evidence derived
from it as tainted because of the illegal way in which it was obtained by agents of the government.

Rebuttal Evidence- offered to contradict other evidence or to rebut a resumption of fact.

Admissibility v. Weight
- Evidence is ADMISSIBLE when it is relevant and is not excluded by any rule.
- Probative value or WEIGHT is to be determined by the court when it decides the case

MULTIPLE ADMISSIBILITY
Evidence is admissible for two or more purposes. The rule is when a fact satisfies all rules applicable
to it when offered for that purpose, its failure to satisfy some other rule which would be applicable to
it if offered for another purpose would not exclude it.

ILLUSTRATION: An extrajudicial confession may be inadmissible as against a party who did not
subscribe to it, yet such party may use said document as evidence of lack of guilt.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSIBILITY

GR: The time for determining the admissibility of a particular fact is ordinarily the time when it is
offered to the court.
Exception: When some facts depend on some other facts needed to be established first in order that
said former evidentiary facts would be admissible.

ILLUSTRATION: Mr. P files an action for recovery of ownership of a parcel of land against Mr. D. The
complaint alleges that Mr. P is the owner of the property. During the trial, Mr. P testifies and adduces
evidence that a certain O bought the property from D. The testimony of O may be allowed if it would
be shown the chain of events that led to the ownership of P of the land.

CURATIVE ADMISSIBILITY
There is curative admissibility when a party offers an inadmissible fact which is received because
there is no objection by the other party. The other party does not acquire the right to introduce in
reply to the same kind of evidence, EXCEPT whenever it is needed for removing an unfair prejudice
which might otherwise have ensued from the original evidence.

ILLUSTRATION: In an action for damages arising from a car accident, the plaintiff introduced
evidence to show that on several occasions the defendant in the past had injured pedestrians
because of his negligence. (This is inadmissible under Sec. 34 Rule 130- Prior acts as evidence).
Under the concept of Curative admissibility the court must give the party against whom the evidence
was admitted the chance to contradict or explain the alleged past acts he committed to counteract
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the prejudice which the improperly admitted evidence may have caused.

II. What Need Not be Proved

a. Facts which a court shall or may take judicial notice. (Secs. 1 and 2, Rule 129, ROC)
b. Judicial admissions. (Sec. 4, Rule 129, ROC)
c. Conclusive presumptions
d. Disputable presumptions not disputed

Distinguish mandatory judicial notice from discretionary judicial notice.

a. For mandatory judicial notice the court is compelled to take judicial notice because of the use of
the word "shall" in Sec. 1, Rule 129, ROC WHILE for discretionary judicial notice the court is not
compelled because of the use of the word "may" in Sec. 2, Rule 129, ROC.
b. Mandatory judicial notice takes place at the court's own initiative WHILE discretionary judicial
notice may take place at the court's initiative, or on request of a party.
c. Discretionary judicial notice requires a hearing and presentation of evidence WHILE mandatory
judicial notice does not require hearing and presentation of evidence.

A. Judicial Notice Rule 129, Secs 1-3; Rule 10, Sec. 8

1. When Mandatory [EPF-SLAP-OL-MG]
- Existence and territorial extent of states
- Their political history
- Forms of government
- Symbols of nationality
- Law of nations
- Admiralty and maritime courts of the world and their seals
- Political constitution and history of the Philippines
- Official acts of the legislative, executive, and judicial departments of the Philippines
- Laws of nature
- Measure of time
- Geographical divisions
2. When Discretionary
- Matters of public knowledge
- Matters capable of unquestionable demonstration
- Matters which ought to be known to judges because of their judicial functions.

3. When Hearing is Necessary

- During the trial: the court, on its own initiative, or on request of a party, may announce its
intention to take judicial notice of ANY MATTER and allow the parties to be heard thereon.
- After the trial, and before judgment or on appeal: the proper court, on its own initiative or on
request of a party, may take judicial notice of any matter and allow the parties to be heard thereon
if such MATTER IS DECISIVE OF A MATERIAL ISSUE in the case.

MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
Courts are not mandated to take judicial notice of municipal ordinances unless the charter of the
concerned city provides for such judicial notice. (City of Manila vs. Garcia, 1967). But INFERIOR
COURTS sitting in the respective municipalities or cities are MANDATED to take judicial notice. The
reason is that violations of the ordinances are usually vested to the inferior court EXCLUSIVELY in
the exercise of their original jurisdiction.

IF inferior court took judicial notice and there was an appeal, such court taking the appeal should
likewise take judicial notice. (U.S. v. Blanco, 37 Phil. 126)

COURT RECORDS:
-Courts may take judicial notice of its own records of cases pending before it. (Ex. Pleadings;
period of perfecting appeals.)
-Records of preliminary investigation shall not form part of the record, however the court on its own
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initiative or that of any party may order the production of the record or any part thereof whenever
the same shall be necessary in the resolution of the case or any incident therein or shall be
introduced as evidence by the party requesting for its production.
-Courts are not authorized to take judicial notice of the contents of the record of other cases pending
or heard before them notwithstanding they are pending before the same judge.

Exceptions: 1. In the absence of objection from the adverse party, with the knowledge of the
adverse party; or at the request or with the consent of the parties, the case is clearly referred to or
the original or part of the records of the case are actually withdrawn from the archives and admitted
as part of the record of the case then pending. (Tabuena vs. CA, 1991)
2. The other case is so closely connected or interdependent
3. When interests of the public in ascertaining the truth is of paramount importance
4. In cases seeking to determine what is reasonable exercise of discretion
5. The finality of judgment in a case

FOREIGN LAWS
In general, courts may not take judicial notice of foreign laws, EXCEPT in a few instances where, in
the exercise of sound discretion, they may take judicial notice of such foreign laws of which they are
evidently familiar. (Delgado v. Republic, L-2546, January 28, 1950; Pardo v. Republic, 85 Phil. 323)

When foreign laws may be the subject of judicial notice.

a. When the local court is evidently familiar with the foreign law.
b. When the foreign law refers to the law of nations. (Sec. 1, Rule 129, ROC)
c. When the court takes judicial notice of a published treatise, periodical or pamphlet on a subject of
law as a learned treartise. (Sec. 46, Rule 130, Ibid.)
d. When the foreign statute is acepted by the Philippine governemnt. (Republic v. Guanzon, 61
SCRA 360)
e. When a foreign judgmen containing foreign law is recognized for enforcement. (Sec. 48, Rule 39,
ROC)
f. If the foreign law refers to common law doctrines and rules from which many of our laws were
derived. (Alzua v. Johnson, 21 Phil. 308)

Doctrine of Processual Presumption: Foreign law is the same as the law of the forum. It
arises if the foreign law, though properly applicable is either not alleged or if alleged is not duly
proved before a competent court.

B.Judicial Admissions Rule 129, Sec. 4

-Definition: admissions, verbal or written, made by the party in the course of the proceedings in the
same case
-Proof is not required.
-How contradicted: ONLY by showing
= That it was made through palpable mistake or
= That no such admission was made
Having been amended, the original complaint lost its character as a judicial admission, which
would have required no proof and became merely any extrajudicial admission requiring a formal
offer in order to be admissible. (Torres vs. CA, 1984)

FORMS OF ADMISSIONS:
1. Implied admissions of allegations of usury and in actionable documents if not specifically
denied under oath (Sec. 11 & 8, Rule 8)
2. Admissions in pre-trial of civil cases and criminal cases (In criminal cases the admission must
be reduced in writing and signed by accused and counsel- Sec. 4 Rule 118)
3. Implied admissions in the modes of discovery (Depositions; Interrogatories- Rule 23; Failure
to specifically deny under oath w/in 15 days a Request for Admission in a pending case- Rule
26; )
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4. Admissions in amended pleadings (Sec. 8 Rule 10) [N.B. Admissions in superseded pleadings
are extra-judicial admissions which must be proven. Dismissed pleadings are likewise
extrajudicial admissions]
5. Plea of guilt in criminal case (N.B. A withdrawn plea of guilt is inadmissible, unlike in civil
cases where a withdrawn judicial admission is considered an extrajudicial admission)
6. Admissions by counsel are generally conclusive upon a client absent any gross negligence
which deprives counsel of due process of law or there is outright deprivation of property or
liberty.
Note: Admissions in pleadings may not always be considered as judicial admissions because
there are hypothetical admissions in civil cases. (i.e. Affirmative defenses in an answer;
Motion to dismiss, where defendant admits allegations but sets up grounds such as lack of
jurisdiction etc.)

Notes: 1. It is not essential that an admission is contrary to the interest of party at the time it is
made. It is enough that it be INCONSISTENT with the position a party takes in his pleadings or at
trial.
2. Averments in pleadings not deemed admissions even if there is failure to make a specific
denial: a) Immaterial allegations; b) Conclusions and non-unltimate facts; c) Amount of unliquidated
damages.

Adoptive Admissions
A partys reaction to a statement or action by another person when it is reasonable to treat the
partys reaction as an admission of something stated or implied by the other person.

Adopted Confessions
A co-accused impliedly acquiesced in or adopted the others confession by not questioning its
truthfulness, as where it was made in his presence and he did not demonstrate against his being
implicated therein

III. Rules of Admissibility

A. Object (Real) Evidence Rule 130, Sec. 1.
- Evidence addressed to the senses of the court.
- When an object is relevant to the fact in issue, it may be exhibited to, examined or viewed by the
court.

AUTOPTIC PROFERENCE (VIEW OF AN OBJECT)

- Where the object in question cannot be produced in court because it is immovable or inconvenient
to remove, the natural recourse is for the court to order an ocular inspection and go to the object in
its place and observe it there.

Is there an exclusionary rule when it comes to object evidence?

There is none. However, the court is given enough discretion to determine which object evidence
should be presented, upon determination whether or not it will result to scandal or it does not work
any additional benefit to the plaintiff or that it will give undue prejudice to the defendant.

ILLUSTRATIONS:

Footprints
A bloody foot print was found upon a floor near the dead body of a person. Upon being arrested, the
accused was taken to the house where the incident happen. Upon placing his foot over the foot print
it was found that his foot corresponded exactly to said footprint. HELD: Proof of this circumstance is
admissible, notwithstanding that no photograph of the footprint was submitted in evidence and that
the board itself upon which the footprint was made was not produced in court. (US v. Zara, 43 Phil.
308)
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Resemblance, Race, Age or Parentage

-To determine whether a person is alien or not, his personal appearance, ethnological and racial
characteristic, language, customs, dress and manners may be taken into consideration.
-In determining the age of the accused who had no positive information on the subject, the court
took into account his appearance and judged that he was a youth of 18 or 19 years of age.
-A physical comparison may be made between a minor Chinese applying for admission into the
country with his alleged father.

Photographs
- Where deposition of subscribing witnesses to a will are taken, a photographic copy of the will may
be presented to the witnesses on their examination and they may be asked the same question with
respect to said copy as if it were the original will and testimony as to the identity of the photographic
copy shown to the witnesses is admissible in evidence.
-Photographs may be admissible upon proof of their exactness and accuracy by the photographer
himself who can testify of his personal knowledge of the correctness of the representation. (Tan It
v. Sun Insurance Office, 51 Phil. 212)

NOTES:
The photographer is not the only witness who can identify the pictures. The faithful
representation of the photograph may be proved prima facie by the testimony of those who were
present at the time it was taken, or by any other competent witness who can testify as to its
exactness and accuracy. Once proved, the court may admit it subject to impeachment as to its
accuracy.
The value of a photograph lies in its being a correct representation or reproduction of the
original, and its admissibility is determined by its accuracy in portraying the scene at the time the
picture was taken. (Sison v. People, 250 SCRA 58, 75-76)
Photocopies or xerox copies of signed documents are not duplicate originals because they
are not signed. (Mahilum v. Court of Appeals, 17 SCRA 482)

Computer printouts.
If the data are stored in a computer or similar device, any printout or other output readable
by sight, shown to reflect the data accurately, is an original. (Evidence Code of California, Added by
Stats. 1977, Sec. 1)
In a labor case, IBM Philippines, Inc., et al., v. NLRC, et al., G.R. No. 117221, prom. April
13, 1999, the Supreme Court held that computer printouts which were not signed because they are
unsigned. The Court went on further to say that its decisions, while adhering to a liberal view in the
conduct of proceedings before administrative agencies, have nonetheless consistently required some
proof of authenticity or reliability as condition for the admission of documents.
Not one of the 18 print-out copies submitted by IBM was ever signed, either by the sender or
the receiver. There is thus no guarantee that the message sent was the same message received.
Neither were the print-outs certified or authenticated by any company official who could properly
attest that these came from IBMs computer system or that the data stored in the system were not
and/or could not haved been tampered with before the same were printed out.

Ballots
- Every ballot needs to be presented in a case of election protest. Every ballot constitutes the will of
every voter.

DEMONSTRATIVE EVIDENCE
- one which or represents demonstrates the real thing. (ex. Map, diagram, photograph, or a model)

Photographs: Must faithfully represent what it depicts (Same rules apply to motion pictures and
recordings)
X-Rays: Must show location and extent of injury
Scientific tests, demonstrations by physical act and experiments: This is a matter of judicial
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discretion.

B. Documentary Evidence Rule 130, Sec. 2.

- Writings or any material containing letters, words, numbers, figures, symbols or other modes of
written expression offered as proof of their contents.

1. Best Evidence Rule Rule 130, Secs. 3-4

General Rule: When the subject of inquiry is the contents of a document, no evidence shall be
admissible other than the original document itself.
Exceptions:
1. When the original has been lost or destroyed, or cannot be produced in court, without bad faith
on the part of the offeror;
2. When the original is in the custody or under the control of the party against whom the evidence
is offered, and the latter fails to produce it after reasonable notice;
3. When the original consists of numerous accounts or other documents which cannot be examined
in court without great loss of time and the fact sought to be established from them is only the
general result of the whole; and
4. When the original is a public record in the custody of a public officer or is recorded in a public
office.

Original of a Document
1 The original of the document is one the contents of which are the subject of inquiry.
2 When a document is in two or more copies executed at or about the same time, with identical
contents, all such copies are equally regarded as originals.
3 When an entry is repeated in the regular course of business, one being copied from another at or
near the time of the transaction, all the entries are likewise equally regarded as originals.

Rules on Electronic Evidence (Rule 4)

Sec. 1. Original of an Electronic Document An electronic document shall be regarded as the
equivalent of an original document under the Best Evidence Rule if it is a printout or output
readable by sight or other means, shown to reflect the data accurately.
Sec. 2. Copies as equivalent of the originals When a document is in two or more copies
executed at or about the same time with identical contents, or is a counterpart produced by the
same impression as the original, or from the same matrix, or by mechanical or electronic re-
recording, or by chemical reproduction, or by other equivalent techniques which accurately
reproduces the original. Notwithstanding the foregoing, copies or duplicates shall not be
admissible to the same extent as the original if: a genuine question is raised as to the
authenticity of the original; or in the circumstances it would be unjust or inequitable to admit the
copy in lieu of the original.
Carbon copies are deemed duplicate originals. They may be introduced as evidence without
accounting for the non-production of the original. (People vs. Tan, 1959)
The Best Evidence Rule applies only when the contents of the document are the subject of
inquiry. It does not apply when the issue is only as to whether or not such document was actually
executed or in the circumstances relevant to its execution. (People vs. Tandoy, 1990)

SOME EXAMPLES:
1. Baptismal and Marriage Certificate
- They are only evidence to prove the administration of the sacraments on the dates therein
specified
- Baptismal certificate is not conclusive proof of filiation being hearsay

2. Medical Certificate
- To prove torture inflicted by the police, the medical certificate alone without the testimony of
the examining physician is inadmissible (People v. Villagracia, 226 SCRA 398)
 hlp2009 Page 11 9/26/201711

3. Residence Certificate
- The place of obtaining a residence certificate and the date contained are not conclusive as to
the real residence or domicile of a person owning said certificate. (Zuellig v. Republic, 83
Phil. 768)

4. Tax declaration
- It can be used as evidence that a portion of land had been sold. (Gacos v. CA, 212 SCRA 8)

5. Accounts and Account Books

- Where the custom brokers authorized representative accepted the cargo OK and complete
as shown in the surveyors report countersigned by him and it was obviously his assigned
task to note defects in the cargo, said acceptanceif not being outright upon the customs
brokeris at least evidence of the condition of the goods when thus received. (Insurance
Company of North America vs. C.F. Sharp & Co., Inc. 18 SCRA 462)
- An audit made by or the testimony of a private auditor is inadmissible in evidence as proof of
the original records, books of accounts, reports or the like. (Compania Maritima vs. Allied
Free Workers Union, 77 SCRA 24)

After complying with the BEST EVIDENCE RULE will the court necessarily admit the
original writing?
No. 1) The requirements of authentication of documents must be met. There must be proof of
authentication. However this applies only when the writing is a private document. 2) After
authentication, the proponent has to comply with the rule that if the original writing is not in an
official language (English or Filipino), it is his duty to give to the court a translation thereof. 3) If
there is an alteration, he must explain such alteration. He may show that the alteration was made:
a) by another,
b) without his concurrence, or
c) made with the consent of the parties affected by it, or
d) was otherwise properly or innocent made, or
e) The alteration did not change the meaning or language of the instrument.

PRIVATE DOCUMENTS. How Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 20

Before any private document offered as authentic is received in evidence, its due execution and
authenticity must be proved either: (1) by anyone who say the document executed or written; or
(2) by evidence of the genuineness of the signature or handwriting of the maker. Any other private
document need only be identified as that which it is claimed to be.

- Ancient Document Rule = Rule 132, Sec. 21 (Not Required to Authenticate)

Requisites: (1) The private document is more than 30 years old; (2) It is produced from a custody
in which it would naturally be found if genuine; (3) It is unblemished by any alterations or
circumstances of suspicion.
If all requisites have been met, no other evidence of its authenticity is required.

- How Genuineness of Handwriting is Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 22

It may be proved by any witness who believes it to be the handwriting of such person because he
has seen the person write, or has seen writing purporting to be his upon which the witness has acted
or been charged, and has thus acquired knowledge of the handwriting of such person.
Evidence respecting the handwriting may also be given by a comparison made by the witness or the
court, with writings admitted or treated as genuine by the party against whom the evidence is
offered, or proved to be genuine to the satisfaction of the judge.

Not much weight is given to handwriting experts. Unless, therefore, there is, in a given case,
absolute absence, or manifest dearth, or direct or circumstantial competent evidence of the
character of a questioned handwriting, much weight should not be given to characteristic similarities,
 hlp2009 Page 12 9/26/201712

or dissimilarities, between the questioned handwriting and an authentic one. (Punzalan v.

Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 132435 prom. April 27, 1998 citing Lorenzo v. Diaz, 53 O.G.
4110-4111, cited in Francisco on Evidence, Vol. VII, Part I, 1997 Edition, p. 674)
Questions involving the mere similarity or dissimilarity of handwritings could be determined
by the court itself as authorized under Sec. 22, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court by making a
comparison of the disputed handwriting "with writings admitted or treated as genuine by the party
against whom the evidence is offered, or proved to be genuine to the satisfaction of the judge."
(Punzalan v. Commission on Elections, supra)

2. Secondary Evidence Rule 130, Secs. 5-8

2.1 Instances when secondary evidence may be introduced:
2.1.1 when original document is unavailable (lost, destroyed or cannot be produced in court) -
- The offeror, upon proof of (1) its execution or existence and (2) cause of its unavailability, without
bad faith on his part may prove its contents by:
= A copy
= A recital of its contents in some authentic document
= The testimony of witnesses.
The order stated must be followed.
2.1.2 When original document is in adverse partys custody or control.
- If after reasonable notice is given to the adverse party to produce the document and after
satisfactory proof of the existence of the document is made, he fails to produce the document,
secondary evidence may be presented.
2.1.3 when original document is a public record.
- Its contents may be proved by a certified copy issued by the public officer in custody thereof.
2.2 A party who calls for the production of a document and inspects it is not obliged to offer it as
evidence.
The voluminous character of the document must be established before evidence other than
the original may be introduced. (Compania Maritima vs. Allied Free Workers, 1977)
In the case where the original is in the custody of the adverse party, it is not necessary that
it be in the actual possession of the adverse party. It is enough that the circumstances show that
the writing is in his possession or under his control. Secondary evidence is admissible where the
adverse party denies having it in his possession. (Villa Rey Transit vs. Ferrer, 1968)
All duplicates or counterparts must be accounted for before using copies as evidence. (De
Vera vs. Aguilar, 1983)

3. Parol Evidence Rule Rule 130, Sec. 9

Nature of parol evidence rule: It is not a rule of evidence but of substantive law.
It is part of the law of contracts, the law of negotiable instruments, and the law of wills. It is
founded upon the substantive rights of the parties. It was made part of the rules of evidence in order
that it may be considered in all its phases in one place.
Reasons for the parol evidence rule:
1) When the parties have reduced their agreement in writing,
2) it is presumed that they have made the writing
3) the only repository and memorial of the truth, and
4) whatever is not found in the writing must be understood to have been waived or abandoned.

General Rule: When the terms of an AGREEMENT (including WILLS) have been reduced to WRITING,
it is considered as containing ALL the terms agreed upon and there can be, between the parties and
their successors in interest, NO evidence (testimonial or documentary) of such terms other than the
contents of the written agreement.
Exceptions: A party may present evidence to
a. Modify,
b. Explain or
c. Add to
the terms of written agreement if he puts in issue in his pleading:
 hlp2009 Page 13 9/26/201713

(a) An intrinsic ambiguity, mistake or imperfection in the written agreement;

(b) The failure of the written agreement to express the true intent and agreement of the
parties thereto;
(c) The validity of the written agreement; or
(d) The existence of other terms agreed to by the parties or their successors in interest after
the execution of the written agreement.

ILLUSTRATION: The vendee can validly tell the court that the deed of sale is not really one of
sale but one or mortgage as long as he puts in issue in the pleadings, any of the matters
enumerated above. [N.B. Art. 1602, NCC presumes that a deed of sale is an equitable
mortgage when: 1] price of sale with right to purchase is unusually inadequate; 2) Vendor
remains in possession as lessee or otherwise; 3) When another instrument extending period
of redemption is executed; 4) When purchaser retains for himself a part of purchase price;
5) Vendor assumes tax; 6) Other circumstances]

ILLUSTRATION: There is a sale of a piece of land in favor of Juan dela Cruz. If you read the
document there is really nothing wrong because there is a vendor, there is a vendee and
there is an object and consideration. But it turns out that there are two persons who carry
the name Juan de la Cruz. That document is intrinsically ambiguous because we do not
know who the vendee in that sale. The defect can be remedied by the introduction of
testimonial evidence or other documentary evidence to show to the court who is the Juan
dela Cruz mentioned in the deed of sale as the vendee.

But if in that deed of sale where Juan dela Cruz is the vendee, and there is only one
Juan dela Cruz, but the property sold is simply a piece of land. There is an ambiguity what
particular land is sold as there is no description. The ambiguity is extrinsic. It arises from
the face of the document itself. Here we cannot introduce evidence aliunde. The contract is
void, which under the Rules cannot allow be corrected and converted into a valid contract.

US cases and some Philippine cases recognized intermediate ambiguity, and

evidence aliunde may be admitted by the court to explain or add to its meaning.
This arises by the use of equivocal word/s which is susceptible of more than one
interpretation.
Example: Defendant sold to plaintiff a distilling apparatus of guaranteed capacity
of 6,000 liters daily. Defendant claimed that the phrase referred to receiving
capacity. Here the word capacity was susceptible of two interpretations. SC
held that parol evidence is admissible to show which of the two interpretations
meant by the parties. (Palanca v. Fred Wilson & Co., 37 Phil. 506)

What is the coverage of the parol evidence rule and what are the exceptions to the parol
evidence rule ?
a. Covered. Only prior and contemporaneous agreements which are deemed to have been
merged in the writing conformably to the "integration of the agreement rule." (Woodhouse v. Halili,
93 Phil. 526)
b. Not covered.
1) Subsequent agreements, notwithstanding that such agreements may have the
effect of adding to, changing, modifying, or even altogether abrogating the contract of the
parties as evidenced by the writing.
2) Collateral agreements which although oral and contemporaneous with the writing
are separate and distinct agreements. (PNB v. Seeto, 91 Phil. 756)
3) It also does not apply if the issue revolves around fraud and false representation
since they are incidental to the execution and not to the integration. (Woodhouse vs. Halili,
1953)
4) It does not apply either when third parties are involved. (Lechugas vs. CA, 1986)
 hlp2009 Page 14 9/26/201714

NOTES:
a. Contemporaneous agreement. A contemporaneous agreement is one entered into at the
same time as the agreement which has been reduced to writing.

b. Tests to determine whether a contemporaneous oral agreement is separate and distinct

from the written agreement and therefore provable by parol evidence:
1) The first test is the subject-matter of the two agreements. If the subject-matter of the
written agreement is different from that of the contemporaneous oral agreement, then the
latter is a separate and distinct agreement and, therefore, provable by parol evidence.
2) If the two agreements refer to the same subject-matter, the test is to determine whether
or not the contemporaneous oral agreement is separable, then the contemporaneous oral
agreement is separate and distinct and, therefore, probable by parol evidence. (Lese v.
Lamprecht, 196 N.Y. 32)

c. Example of agreement which CANNOT be proven by parol evidence : Express trusts

concerning real property cannot be proven by parol evidence because title and possession cannot be
defeated by oral evidence which can easily be fabricated and contradicted. (Sinaon, et al., v.
Sorongon, et al., 136 SCRA 410)

d. Examples of collateral agreements which CAN be proved by parol evidence:

1) An agreement of reconveyance is a distinct agreement, separate from the sale itself,
although the two agreements are usually contained in one and the same document.
(Laureano v. Kilayco, 34 Phil. 148; Yacapin v. Neri, 40 Phil. 61)
2) Inducements and representations which led to the execution of an agreement may be
proven by parol evidence because they do not vary the terms of the agreement.
(Woodhouse v. Halili, 93 Phil. 526; Bough v. Cantiveros, 40 Phil. 209)
3) Parol evidence is admissible to prove an independent and collateral agreement which
constitutes an inducement to the making of the sale or part of the consideration thereof.
(Robles v. Lizarraga Hnos., 50 Phil. 387)
4) A condition precedent not stipulated in writing is provable by oral evidence. REASON:
Before the happening of the condition, there is no written agreement yet to which the parol
evidence may apply.
5) Verbal assurances given by the indorser of an out-of-town check to the employees of the
bank where it was presented for encashment that he would refund the amount if the check
should be dishonored by the drawee bank is a collateral agreement separate and distinct
from the indorsement, by virtue of which the first bank was induced to cash the same, and
therefore, provable by parol evidence. (PNB v. Seeto, 91 Phil. 756)
6) Any prior or contemporaneous conversaion in connection with a note or its indorsement
may be proved by parol evidence. (PNB v. Seeto, 91 Phil. 756; Philips v. Preston, 5 How.
[U.S.] 278)
7) An extrinsic agreement between indorser and indorsee which cannot be embodied in the
instrument without impairing its credit may be proved by parol evidence. (PNB v. Seeto, 91
Phil. 756; 9 Wigmore 148)
8.) The fact that parties who appear to have signed as principals did so as merely sureties is
provable by parol evidence. (Tan Machan v. De la Trinidad, 3 Phil. 684)

FALSA DEMONSTRATION NON NOCET

- False description will not invalidate an instrument
- The erroneous description will be considered as a surplusage.

ILLUSTRATION: In a deed of sale of a parcel of land covered by: TCT 12345, located in City
of Muntinlupa. There is really a land covered by TCT 12345 with same technical description
however it is not located in Muntinlupa, but in Laguna. The erroneous description will not
invalidate the contract.
 hlp2009 Page 15 9/26/201715

Best evidence rule distinguished from parol evidence rule:

1) Under the best evidence rule, the issue is contents of a writing (Sec. 3, Rule 130, ROC) WHILE
under the parol evidence rule, there is no issue as to contents of a writing (Sec. 9, Rule 130, ROC);
2) Under the best evidence rule, secondary evidence is offered to prove the contents of a writing,
which is not allowed unless the case falls under any of the exceptions (Sec. 3, Rule 130, ROC)
WHILE under the parol evidence rule, the purpose of the offer of parol evidence is to change, vary,
modify, qualify, or contradict the terms of a complete written agreement, which is not allowed unless
the case falls under any of the exceptions. (Sec. 9, Rule 130, ROC)

Only the parties and their successors in interest, and not strangers may invoke the protection of the
parol evidence rule. (Sec. 9, Rule 130, ROC)

PAROLE EVIDENCE DISTINGUISHED FROM STATUTE OF FRAUDS

The Statute of Frauds requires that certain agreements be proved by writing or by some note or
memorandum thereof in order to be enforceable. On the other hand, the Parole Evidence Rule has
nothing to do with the manner of proving agreements. Its object is to prohibit alteration, change,
modification, variation or contradiction of the terms of a written agreement by parol evidence.

4. Interpretation of Documents Rule 130, Secs. 10-19

SEC. 10. Interpretation of a writing according to its legal meaning. The language of a writing is to
be interpreted according to the legal meaning it bears in the place of its execution, unless the parties
intended otherwise.
SEC. 11. Instrument construed so as to give effect to all provisions. In the construction of an
instrument where there are several provisions or particulars, such a construction is, if possible, to be
adopted as will give effect to all.
SEC. 12. Interpretation according to intention; general and particular provisions. In the
construction of an instrument, the intention of the parties is to be pursued; and when a general and
a particular provision are inconsistent, the latter is paramount to the former. So a particular intent
will control a general one that is inconsistent with it.
SEC. 13. Interpretation according to circumstances. For the proper construction of an instrument,
the circumstances under which it was made, including the situation of the subject thereof and of the
parties to it, may be shown, so that the judge may be placed in the position of those whose
language he is to interpret.
SEC. 14. Peculiar signification of terms. The terms of a writing are presumed to have been used in
their primary and general acceptation, but evidence is admissible to show that they have a local,
technical, or otherwise peculiar signification, and were so used and understood, in the particular
instance, in which case the agreement must be construed accordingly.
SEC. 15. Written words control printed. When an instrument consists partly of written words and
partly of a printed form, and the two are inconsistent, the former controls the latter.
SEC. 16. Experts and interpreters to be used in explaining certain writings. When the characters in
which an instrument is written are difficult to be deciphered, or the language is not understood by
the court, the evidence of persons skilled in deciphering the characters, or who understand the
language, is admissible to declare the characters or the meaning of the language.
SEC. 17. Of two constructions, which preferred. When the terms of an agreement have been
intended in a different sense by the different parties to it, that sense is to prevail against either party
in which he supposed the other understood it, and when different constructions of a provision are
otherwise equally proper, that is to be taken which is the most favorable to the party in whose favor
the provision is made.
SEC. 18. Construction in favor of natural right. When an instrument is equally susceptible of two
interpretations, one in favor of natural right and the other against it, the former is to be adopted.
SEC. 19. Interpretation according to usage. An instrument may be construed according to usage,
in order to determine its true character.
 hlp2009 Page 16 9/26/201716

C. Testimonial Evidence
Qualifications of Witnesses Rule 130, Sec. 20
- Can perceive, and perceiving, can make their known perception to others.

GR: A disinterested person could be compelled to give his testimony through subpoena
Exceptions: Persons who are immune from the process of subpoena by tradition, convention or
law:
a. Ambassadors of foreign countries by virtue of treaty obligations
b. President of the Philippines or other country

Disqualifications
a. Mental incapacity or immaturity (Sec. 21, Rule 130, ROC);
b. Marriage (Sec. 22, Ibid);
c. Death or insanity of adverse party (Sec. 23, Ibid.)
d. Privileged communication (Sec. 24, Ibid.) [Applies to Rules on Electronic Evidence]
1) Marital privileged communication rule (Sec. 24 [a], Ibid.);
2) Lawyer-client privileged communication rule (Sec. 24 [b], Ibid.);
3) Doctor-patient privileged communication rule (Sec. 24 [c], Ibid.)- (N/A in criminal cases)
4) Priest-penitent privileged communication rule (Sec. 24 [d], Ibid.); and
5) Public officer privileged communication rule (Sec. 24 [e], Ibid.).
e. Parental and filial testimonial privilege rule (Sec. 25, Rule 130, ROC)
Note: Conviction of a crime does not disqualify a person from testifying but may disqualify
him from being discharged as a state witness. (Sec. 9 [e], Rule 119, ROC)
Note: This is not an exclusive enumeration of the Rules on privilege communication. Other
examples are:
a. Under Rules on Alternative dispute Resolution, information or communication given by
parties who participate in ADR is confidential
b. Information derived by editors, reporters and publishers
c. The negotiations under the Witness Protection Program (Accused discharged as state
witness)

A. By reason of mental incapacity or immaturity Rule 30, Sec. 21

- Those whose mental condition, at the time of their production for examination, is such that they
are incapable of intelligently making known their perception to others;
- Children whose mental maturity is such as to render them incapable of perceiving the facts
respecting which they are examined and of relating them truthfully.
A mental retardate is not for this reason alone disqualified from being a witness. (People vs.
Salomon, 1993)
Requisites of competency of a child as witness: capacity of observation; capacity of
recollection; and capacity of communication. (People vs. Mendoza, 1996)

B. Marital Disqualification Rule 130, Sec. 22

General Rule: During their marriage, neither the husband nor the wife may testify for or against the
other without the consent of the affected spouse.
Exceptions:
- In a civil case by one against the other or,
- In a criminal case for a crime committed by one against the other or the latter's direct descendants
or ascendants.

The right to invoke this disqualification belongs to the spouse-party (Ortiz v. Arambulo, 8 Phil. 98)
against or for whom the testimony is being proferred. It may be waived
1) By a failure to interpose timely objection, or
2) By calling the other spouse as witness (Ibid., People v. Francisco, 78 Phil. 694)
 hlp2009 Page 17 9/26/201717

The privilege could be invoked even if the spouse is testifying in favor of the spouse-party because
damaging testimony may be elicited during the cross-examination.

DIFFERENCE B/W PRIVILEGE AND MARITAL DISQUALIFICATION

a. Privilege is applicable regardless of whether the spouses are parties or not

- Marital disqualification is applicable only when one or both spouses are parties

b. The privilege applies to testimonies on confidential communication only

-Marital disqualification applies to testimony on any fact

c. Marital disqualification ceases after dissolution of marriage

-Privileged communication lasts even after the death of either spouse

d. Even if the communication is not confidential, the marital disqualification may still be invoked

e. Marital disqualification is more concerned with the consequences. If the rule is not there, perjury
and domestic disunity may result.
- Privilege protects the hallowed confidences inherent in marriage b/w husband and wife and
therefore guarantees the preservation of the marriage and further the relationship between the
spouses as it encourages the disclosure of confidential matters without fear of revelation.

Marrying the Witness

An accused can effectively seal the lips of a witness by marrying the witness. As long as a valid
marriage is in existence at the time of the trial, the witness-spouse cannot be compelled to testify
even where the crime charged is against the witness person, and even though the marriage was
entered into for the express purpose of suppressing the testimony. (Marriage for convenience)

CASE: A filed a complaint against husband and wife for annulment of a contract by reason of
fraud. (H&W both defendants). A subpoenaed the wife to be his hostile witness which is allowed in
civil cases. When the wife received the subpoena, the husband filed a motion in court for the
quashing of the subpoeana, on the ground that there is a violation of the rule on marital
disqualification/spousal immunity. A told the court that this is not a case where the wife will be
giving testimony as an adverse witness in favor of the plaintiff. So the rule on spousal immunity
does not apply. Ruling of the Court: Spousal immunity applies. If the wife was allowed to testify as
an adverse witness for the plaintiff, she might give testimony that he will harm her interest and that
of her husband. So that there will be a violation of the spousal immunity.
A conceded. A told the court now that if he cannot compel the wife to be an adverse witness, then
he should be allowed to get the deposition of the wife, because under the Rules of Court when the
deposition of a person is taken, it does not necessarily mean that the deponent will be used as a
witness in court, since it is only a mode of discovery. Ruling of the Court: Even if the purpose is
just to get the deposition of the wife the rule on spousal immunity applies.

CASE: A son filed a complaint against his own father for recovery of property or some assets. The
son asked her mother to testify in his favor. SC held that there will be a violation of the spousal
immunity rule.

Note: As long as there is a case INVOLVING the husband OR wife, the disqualification is absolute.

C. Dead Mans Statute Rule 130, Sec. 23

- Sometime called the Survivors disqualification rule
Parties or assignor of parties to a case, or persons in whose behalf a case is prosecuted, against
- An executor or
- Administrator or
 hlp2009 Page 18 9/26/201718

- Other representative
of a deceased person, or against a person of unsound mind,
upon a claim or demand against the estate of such deceased person or against such person of
unsound mind, cannot testify as to any matter of fact occurring BEFORE the death of such deceased
person or before such person became of unsound mind.

Exceptions to the survivors disqualification rule:

1) Ordinary witnesses, who are not the plaintiff, assignor of plaintiff, or person in whose behalf the
case is prosecuted may testify. (Francia v. Hipolito, 93 Phil. 968)
2) When the plaintiff is a corporation, the officers or stockholders thereof are not disqualified.
(Lichauco v. Atlantic Gulf, et c., 84 Phil. 330)
3) When there is an imputation of fraud against the deceased, the plaintiff is not barred from
testifying to such fraud. (Go Chi Gun v. Co Cho, 96 Phil. 622)
4) When the plaintiff is the executor, administrator or legal representative of the deceased, or the
person of unsound mind, the defendant or defendants are free to testify against the plaintiff.
(Tongco v. Vianzon, 50 Phil. 698)
5) When the defendant or defendants, though heirs of the deceased, are sued in their personal and
individual capacities, the plaintiff may testify against them. (Go Chi Gun v. Co Cho, 96 Phil. 622)
6) When the survivor's testimony refers to a negative fact. (Mendezona v. vda. de Goitia, 54 Phil.
557)
7) When the survivor's testimony is favorable to the deceased. (Icard v. Marasigan, 71 Phil. 419)
8) The adverse party is competent to testify to transactions or communications with the deceased or
incompetent person which were made with an agent of such person in cases in which the agent is
still alive and competent to testify. But the testimony of the adverse party must be confined o those
transactions or communications which were had with the agent. (Goni, et al., v. Court of Appeals, et
al., 144 SCRA 231)

How protection of the dead mans statute is waived:

1) By not objecting to plaintiff's testimony on prohibited matters. (Marella v. Reyes, 12 Phil. 1)
2) By cross-examining the plaintiff on prohibited matters. (Tongco v. Vianzon, 50 Phil. 698)
3) By calling witnesses to testify on prohibited matters. (Arroyo v. Azur, 76 Phil. 493)
4) When the plaintiff's deposition is taken by the representative of the estate or when counsel for
the representative cross-examined the plaintiff as to matters occurring during the deceased's
lifetime. (Goni, et al., v. Court of Appeals, et al., 144 SCRA 231)

CASE: Mr. D approaches Mr. C to borrow P100,000 to be paid next year. Mr. C gives Mr. D the
amount. Mr. C did not require Mr. D to execute a promissory note. A day before the agreed date of
payment, Mr. D died. Mr. C went to the executor of the estate of Mr. D and claims the payment of
the debt.
In this case, Mr. C is incompetent to testify as to the transaction he had with Mr. D.

D. Privileged Communication
1. Marital Privilege Rule 130, Sec. 24 (a)
Husband or the wife, during or after the marriage, cannot be examined without the consent of the
other as to any communication received in confidence by one from the other during the marriage
- EXCEPT:
= In a civil case by one against the other, or
= In a criminal case for a crime committed by one against the other or the latter's direct
descendants or ascendants;

CASE: If the communication is made in front of the children of the husband and wife. Can the
privilege be invoked? YES, if the children are still minors.

Note: The assumption is any communication given by one spouse to the other is presumably
confidential because there is no standard given in the Rules.
 hlp2009 Page 19 9/26/201719

Applications of the marital privileged communciation rule:

1) Every communication between spouses is presumed to be confidential. (Sexton v. Sexton, 129
Ia. 487; Wigmore, Sec. 2336)
2) Communications made in the presence of third parties are not confidential, unless the third
person may be considered as an agent of the spouses. (Floyd v. Miller, 61 Ind. 224)
3) Communications overheard by third persons remain confidential as between the spouses, but the
third person who overheard may be called upon to testify. (People v. Carlos, 47 Phil. 626)
4) Communications coming into the hands of third persons, whether legally or illegally, remain
confidential as between the spouses, but the third person may be called upon to testify. (People,
and Hammons, supra)
But if the third person acquired knowledge of the communication by collusion and voluntary
disclosure on the part of either of the spouses, he thereby becomes an agent of such spouses so that
the privilege is claimable against him. (Ibid.)
5) Communications intended for transmission to third persons are not confidential. (U.S. v.
Antipolo, 37 Phil. 726)

Waiver of the marital privileged communication rule: The privilege is claimable by the spouse
not called as witness, so that it is waivable only by him or her; and it is waivable by any act of such
spouse which might be considered as an express or implied consent to the disclosure of the
communication. (People v. Hayes, 140 N.Y. 484)
.

2. Attorney-Client Privilege Rule 30, Sec. 24 (b)

An attorney cannot, without the consent of his client, be examined as to
- Any communication made by the client to him, or
- His advice given thereon in the course of, or with a view to, professional employment,
nor can an attorney's secretary, stenographer, or clerk be examined, without the consent of the
client and his employer, concerning any fact the knowledge of which has been acquired in such
capacity;
- Privilege is owned by the client. It is he who can invoke the privilege. If the client waives the
privilege, no one else including the attorney can invoke it. Hence it the client is asked on cross-
examination of his communications to his lawyer and reveals the same there would be a waiver.
There is also a waiver if the client does not object to the attorneys testimony.

The attorney-client privilege may not be invoked to refuse to divulge the identity of the
client, EXCEPT: (1) When a strong probability exists that revealing the name would implicate that
person in the very same activity for which he sought the lawyers advice; (2) When disclosure would
open the client to liability; (3) When the name would furnish the only link that would form the chain
of testimony necessary to convict. (Regala vs. Sandiganbayan, 1996)
LAST LINK DOCTRINE: Non-privileged information, such as identity of the client is
protected if the revelation of such information would necessarily reveal the privileged information.

- It is enough that the client reasonably believed that the person consulted is a lawyer.
- Communications may refer to anticipated litigations or may not refer to any litigation at all.
- Privilege does not extend to communications where the clients purpose is the furtherance of
a future intended crime or fraud

3. Physician-Patient Privilege Rule 30, Sec. 24 (c)

A person authorized to practice medicine, surgery or obstetrics cannot in a CIVIL CASE, without the
consent of the patient, be examined as to
- Any advice or treatment given by him or
- Any information which he may have acquired in attending such patient in a professional capacity,
which information was necessary to enable him to act in capacity, and which would blacken the
reputation of the patient;
- This privilege belongs to the patient, so that it is only he that can claim or waive it. It is waivable
 hlp2009 Page 20 9/26/201720

expressly or impliedly. It is impliedly waived like any other privilege rule. (Penn. Mutual Life Ins.
Co. v. Wiler, 100 Ind. 92)
- The waiver may be by a contract as in medical or life insurance
- When the patient answers questions on cross examination, there is waiver
- Under Rule 28 ROC, the court may order a party to submit to a physical or mental examination, so
long as the mental or physical condition is in dispute. The party examined may request a report of
the examination. By doing so, he waives any privilege he may have in that action regarding the
testimony of every other person who has examined him in respect of the same examination.
This privilege does not apply when the doctor is presented as an expert witness and only
hypothetical problems were presented to him. (Lim vs. CA, 1992)

4. Priest- Penitent Privilege Rule 30, Sec. 24 (d)

A minister or priest cannot, without the consent of the person making the confession, be examined
as to
- Any confession made to or
- Any advice given by him in his professional character in the course of discipline enjoined by the
church to which the minister or priest belongs

5. Public Officer Privilege Rule 30, Sec. 24 (e)

A public officer cannot be examined during his term of office or afterwards, as to communications
made to him in official confidence, when the court finds that the public interest would suffer by the
disclosure.

6. Parental and Filial Privilege Rule 130, Sec. 25

A person cannot be compelled to testify against his parents, other direct ascendants, children or
other direct descendants.

N.B. There is an inconsistency between the ROC and Family Code with respect to this privilege. ROC
prevails since it took effect in 1989 and is made by the SC. While the Family Code took effect in
1989, and though substantive is procedural in character.

Who are not covered and may be compelled to testify:

1) Relatives by affinity.
2) Brothers and sisters.
3) Aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces.
4) Cousins of whatever degree.
5) Other collateral relatives.
Note: Parental and filial testimony dies not prohibit voluntary testimony or compelled
testimony against relatives by affinity or collateral relatives.
Note: It is believed that adopted and adopter are covered by the parental and filial
testimonial privilege rule but only insofar as the parent and child is concerned. It does not extend to
the direct ascendants of the adopter because the adoptive relation is between the adopter and the
adopted only. The reason for this opinion is the rationale behind the privilege, which is to preserve
harmonious relations between parent and child which could be ruptured through testifying in court.
Furthermore, perjury may result because the parent or the child may give false testimony to protect
the other.

Admissions and Confessions

Admissions Rule 130, Sec. 26

- Any act, declaration or omission of a party as to a relevant fact may be given in evidence against
him.
Such admission may be received in evidence not only against the party who made it or his
successors-in-interest but also against third persons. (Viacrucis vs. CA, 1986)
The silence of an accused under custody or his failure to deny statements by another
 hlp2009 Page 21 9/26/201721

implicating him in a crime cannot be considered as a tacit confession of his participation in the
commission of the crime. (People vs. Alegre, 1979)

Self-serving evidence
An admission favorable to the party making it. (Lichauco v. Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Co., 84 Phil. 342)
a. Self-serving or favorable admissions made out of court not admissible: REASONS:
1) A man may be safely believed if he declares against his own interest, but not if he
advocates his interest. (Lichauco v. Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Co., 84 Phil. 342)
2) It is excluded on the same ground as any hearsay evidence, that, the lack of opportunity
for cross-examination by the adverse party. (National Development Co., v. Workmen's
Compensation Commission, 19 SCRA 865)
b. When self-serving or favorable admissions are admissible:
1) If made in open court
2) giving full opportunity to the adverse party
3) to exercise his right of cross-examination.

Rule 129 Sec. 4 vs. Rule 130 Sec. 26

First is a JUDICIAL ADMISSION, which is conclusive upon the admitter whether in writing or oral.
This applies to civil, criminal cases and even special proceedings.

Second is an EXTRAJUDICIAL ADMISSION. Under this rule, the admission is admissible only if it is
against the interest of the admitter. (otherwise it is a self-serving statement)
Example: Flight is considered a disserving act, since it is prejudicial to the interest of the
accused. Flight is considered as circumstantial evidence of the guilt of the accused. BUT non-flight
cannot be used as evidence to prove his innocence, because that will be considered as an act that is
favorable to the interest of the accused.

Extra-judicial Confession vs. Admission

A confession, as distinguished from admission, is a declaration made at any time by a person,
voluntarily and without compulsion or inducement, stating or acknowledging that he had committed
or participated in the commission of a crime.

The term, admission, on the other hand, is usually applied in criminal cases to statements of fact by
the accused which do not directly involve an acknowledgment of the guilt of the accused or of
criminal intent to commit the offense with which he is charged. (U.S. v. Corrales, 28 Phil. 365)

Admission by silence.
a. An act or declaration made
1) in the presence and
2) within the hearing or
3) observation
b. of a party who does or says nothing
c. when the act or declaration
1) is such as naturally to call for action or comment if not true, and
2) when proper and possible for him to do so,
d. may be given in evidence against him. (Sec. 32, Rule 130, ROC arrangement and numbering
supplied)

Exceptions to the rule on admission by silence or instances where there is no admission

by silence:
1) Where no good reason exists for the party to comment on the act or declaration (Veil v. Strong,
10 Vt. 455), as when the act or declaration was not specifically directed to the party who remained
silent. (80 A.L.R., Anno., 1272)
2) When the party had no opportunity to comment on the act or declaration. (People v. Ranario, 49
Phil. 220)
 hlp2009 Page 22 9/26/201722

3) Where the act or declaration was made in the course of an official investigation. (People v. Tia
Fong, 98 Phil. 609)
4) When silence is upon advice of counsel. (People v. Kozlowski, 115 A.L.R. 1505)

res inter alios acta alteri nocere non debet or res inter alios acta Rule
(First Part of Rule) Statements made or matters accomplished between two parties cannot
prejudice a third party. (Blanza v. Arcangel, 21 SCRA 4)
The rights of a party cannot be prejudiced by an act, declaration, or omission of another, except
as hereinafter provided. (Sec. 28, Rule 130, ROC)

Exceptions to res inter alios acta:

1) When there is a rational similarity or resemblance between the conditions giving rise to he fact
offered and the circumstances surrounding the issue or fact to be proved. (Cruz, et al., v. Court of
Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 126713, prom. July 27, 1998)
2) In actions based on fraud and deceit, because it sheds light on the state of mind or knowledge of
a person; it provides insight into such person's motive or intent; it uncovers a scheme, design or
plan; or it reveals a mistake. (Cruz, supra)
3) (Vicarious Admissions)- The rights of a party may be prejudiced by the act, declaration or
omission of another when between the party making the admission and against whom it is offered
there exists a relation of:
a) partnership;
b) agency;
c) joint interest;
d) conspiracy; or
e) privity.

Exceptions to the rule that extrajudicial statements of an accused implicating a co-

accused may not be utilized against the latter:
(1) the co-accused impliedly acquiesced in or adopted the confession by not questioning its
truthfulness;
(2) the accused persons voluntarily and independently executed identical confessions without
collusion and without contradiction by the others present;
(3) the accused admitted the facts after being apprised of the confession;
(4) if they are charged as co-conspirators of the crime which was confessed by 1 of the accused and
the confession is used only as a corroborating evidence;
(5) the confession is used as circumstantial evidence to show the probability of participation by the
co-conspirator;
(6) the confessant testified for his co-defendant;
(7) the co-conspirators extrajudicial confession is corroborated by other evidence on record. (People
vs. Raquel, 1996)

Rule on admission by co-partner or agent:

1) The act or declaration of a partner or
2) agent within the scope of his authority and during the existence of the partnership or agency,
3) may be given in evidence against such party
4) after the partnership or agency
a) is shown by evidence [(testimonial or documentary, which may be 2ndary evidence)]
b) other than such act or declaration.
5) The same rule applies to the act or declaration of a joint owner, joint debtor, or other person
jointly interested with the party. (Sec. 29, Rule 130, ROC arrangement and numbering supplied)

Rule on admission by conspirator:

1) The act or declaration of a conspirator
2) relating to the conspiracy and during its existence,
3) may be given in evidence against the co-conspirator
4) after the conspiracy
 hlp2009 Page 23 9/26/201723

a) is shown by evidence (Circumstantial Evidence- cannot be proven by documentary

evidence, since conspirators do not normally reduce their agreement in writing)
b) other than such act or declaration. (Sec. 30, Rule 130)
*This refers to extrajudicial acts and declarations of a conspirator and not to his testimony as a
witness in the trial. (People v. Atencio, L-222518, Jan. 17, 1968)

Rule on Admission by Privies Rule 130, Sec. 31

- Where one derives title to property from another, the act, declaration, or omission of the latter,
while holding the title, in relation to the property, is evidence against the former
Example: X, father of Z, while the former was alive, openly told his acquaintances, that the
land where his house stood had already been sold to Y. Here, the declaration by X is not admissible
against Z, the sole heir of Y, because the statement was made after X held title to the land.

Second Part of Inter alios acta Rule (Similar Acts as Evidence)

Rule 130, Secs. 34
- Evidence that one did or did not do a certain thing at one time is not admissible to prove that he
did or did not do the same or similar thing at another time; but it may be received to prove a specific
intent or knowledge; identity, plan, system, scheme, habit, custom or usage, and the like.

Confessions Rule 130, Sec. 133; Rule 115 (e); Art. III, Sec. 17, 1987 Constitution
- Declaration of an accused acknowledging his guilt of the offense charged, or of any offense
necessarily included therein; may be given in evidence against him.
- Confession is evidence of high order:
1) There is no evidence of a higher quality than a confession, It represents the outward
manifestation of a man. Unless, therefore, the confession is nullified by evidence of duress, the
same is admissible as an evidence of guilt of a high quality. (People v. Garcia, 54 Phil. 329, 358)
2) If a confession be true and voluntary, the deliberate act of the accused with a full
comprehension of its significance, there is no impediment to its admission as evidence and it then
becomes evidence of a high order, since it is supported by the presumption, a very strong one, that
no person of normal mind will deliberately and knowingly confess himself to be the perpetrator of a
crime, especially if it be a serious crime, unless prompted by truth and conscience. (People v. Zea,
et al., 130 SCRA 87, 88)

Probative value of recantations: They are looked upon with disfavor as recantations are usually
secured through intimidation or for a monetary consideration. (Molina v. People, 259 SCRA 138)

General rule on admissibility of confession: A confession is admissible only against the accused
who made it and not against his co-accused, for as against the latter, the confession would be
hearsay and res inter alios acta. (People v. Talledo, 85 Phil. 533)
Exceptions: when a confession is admissible against co-accused:
1) When the confession of an accused implicating his co-accused is made judicially at a joint trial
(U.S. v. Macamay, 36 Phil. 893) or when the extrajudicial statements implicating a co-accused are
repeated in open court (People v. Ola, G.R. No. L-47147, July 3, 1987), because the co-accused as a
chance to cross-examine.
2) When the offer in evidence of an extrajudicial confession against a co-accused is not objected to.
(People v. Atienza, 86 Phil. 576)
3) When the co-accused against whom an extrajudicial confession is offered had, by his acts,
conducts and declarations adopted he confession as his own. (People v. Atienza, supra; People v.
Orencia, 47 Phil. 970)
4) Where several accused, without collusion, made extrajduicial confessions which are identical in
essential details and corroborated by other evidence, such confession is admissible against the
others. (People v. Pelonia, L-14624, July 24, 1960)
5) The confession of a conspirator is admissible against his co-conspirator provided it was made
during the existence of the conspiracy. (Sec. 30, Rule 130, ROC; People v. Ramirez, L-5875, May
15, 1953)
 hlp2009 Page 24 9/26/201724

6) When the recitals in the extrajudicial confession of an accused is corroborated in its important
details by other proofs in the record, it may be admitted against the other accused. (People v.
Villanueva, L-12687, July 31, 1962)

Extrajudicial confessions identical in material respects (also known as interlocking

confessions) admissible against all declarants:
1) As circumstantial evidence. Extrajudicial confessions independently made without collusion
and are identical with each other in their material respects and confirmatory of the other are
admissible as circumstantial evidence against co-accused implicated therein to show the probability
of the latter's actual participation in the commission of the crime. (People v. Encipido, et al., 146
SCRA 492)
2) As corroborative evidence. They are admissible as corroborative evidence against the other
accused, if it is clear from other facts and circumstances presented that persons other than the
declarants themselves participated in the commission of the crime charged and proved. (Ibid.)
They are what is commonly known as interlocking confession and constitute an exception to
the general rule that extrajudicial confessions/admissions are admissible in evidence only against the
declarants thereof. (Ibid.)
The invocation of amnesty is in the nature of a plea of confession and avoidance, which
means that the pleader admits the allegations against him, but disclaims liability therefor on account
of intervening facts which, if proved, would bring the crime charged within the scope of the amnesty
proclamation. (People v. Salig, et al., 133 SCRA 69 citing Vera v. People, 7 SCRA 153)

What is meant by corpus delicti ?

a. It refers to a particular crime and signifies that the specific offense had been actually
committed by someone, being composed of two elements:
1) certain results were produced, and
2) someone is criminally responsible. (People v. Marquez, 77 Phil. 83)

b. It also means actual commission of the crime charged. (People v. Madrid, 88 Phil. 1;
People v. Sanchez, 89 Phil. 423), or the specific fact of loss or injury. (People v. Garcia, 99 Phil.
381)

Examples of corpus delicti:

a. In murder or homicide, the corpus delicti is the fact of death (People v. Garcia, 99 Phil. 381),
which may be proved even circumstantially. (People v. Sasota, 91 Phil. 111; People v. Moro Ansang,
93 Phil. 44).
b. In robbery or theft, the fact of loss. (People v. Niem, 75 Phil. 668)
c. In arson, the fact of burning, (People v. Marquez, 77 Phil. 83; People v. Mones, 58 Phil. 46)
d. In an affray, the fact that pistol shots were heard and a bystander was killed by one of the shots
constitute evidence of corpus delicti, which is the violent death of a person, whether feloniously
caused or not. (People v. Nocum, 77 Phil. 1018)

Conviction for murder proper even if victims body is not produced: In all crimes against persons in
which the death of the victim is an essential element of the offense, there must be satisfactory
evidence of the fact of death and the identity of the victim that a crime has been committed which is
what corpus delicti really means.

The failure of the prosecution to produce the body of the victim does not imply the absence of corpus
delicti for the term does not refer to the body of the murdered person. (People v. Centeno, et al.,
130 SCRA 209)

- Sec. 17, Art III No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
The operative act in determining whether the right against self-incrimination has been
violated is when the police investigation is no longer a general inquiry into an unsolved crime but
has begun to focus on a particular suspect who has been taken into custody by the police to carry
out a process of interrogation that lends itself to eliciting incriminatory statements and not the
 hlp2009 Page 25 9/26/201725

signing by the suspect of his supposed extrajudicial confession. (People vs. Compil, 1995)
By affixing their signatures on the boxes, accused in effect made a tacit admission of the
crime charged. These signatures are tantamount to an extrajudicial confession made without the
assistance of counsel, which is not sanctioned by the Bill of Rights. (People vs. Wong Chuen Ming,
1996)
Any confession, including a re-enactment without admonition of the right to silence and to
counsel, and without counsel chosen by the accused is inadmissible in evidence. (People vs. Yip Wai
Ming, 1996)

The declaration of an accused expressly acknowledging his guilt of the offense may be given in
evidence against him and any person, otherwise competent to testify as a witness who heard the
confession is competent to testify as to the substance of what he heard if he heard and understood
it. (People vs. Maqueda, 1995)

Compromises Rule 130, Sec. 27

1.Civil Cases An offer of compromise is not an admission of any liability, and is not admissible
against the offeror.
2. Criminal Cases An offer of compromise by the accused may be received in evidence as an
implied admission of guilt EXCEPT in cases involving quasi-offenses
(criminal negligence) or those allowed by law to be compromised.

- A plea of guilty later withdrawn, or an unaccepted offer of a plea of guilty to lesser offense, is not
admissible in evidence against the accused who made the plea or offer.

The Good Samaritan Rule: An offer to pay or the payment of medical, hospital or other expenses
occasioned by an injury is not admissible in evidence as proof of civil or criminal liability for the
injury.
It has long been held that in cases of public crimes, the accused is permitted to show that
the offer was not made under a consciousness of guilt but merely to avoid the inconvenience of
imprisonment of for some other reason which would justify a claim by the accused that the offer was
not in truth an admission of his guilt or an attempt to avoid the legal consequences which would
ordinarily ensue therefrom. (People vs. Godoy, 1995)
A plea of forgiveness may be considered as analogous to an attempt to compromise.
(People vs. De Guzman, 1996)
An offer to compromise does not require that a criminal complaint be first filed before the offer
can be received as evidence against the offeror. (People vs. Yparriguirre, 1997)

THE Hearsay Rule

1. Testimonial Knowledge Rule 130, Sec. 36

1 What can a witness testify to?
- A witness can testify only to those facts which he knows of his personal knowledge = those which
are derived from his own perception, except as otherwise provided in these rules.
The hearsay evidence rule applies also to affidavits when the supposed affiant never
identified the affidavit and there was no opportunity for the prosecution to cross-examine him/her.
(People vs. Brioso, 1971).
The testimony of a witness regarding a statement made by another person, if intended to
establish the truth of the facts asserted in the statement is clearly hearsay evidence. It is otherwise
if the purpose is merely to establish the fact that the statement was made, or the tenor of such
statement. (People vs. Cusi, 1965)
The testimony of a witness on the confession made to him by the accused is not hearsay.
He is testifying to a fact which he knows of his personal knowledge (was testifying to the fact that
the accused told him that he stabbed the victim) and not to the truth of the statement of the
accused. (People vs. Gaddi, 1989)
 hlp2009 Page 26 9/26/201726

Examples of hearsay evidence:

1) The testimony of a witness as to what he has heard another person say about the facts in
dispute. (People v. Reyes, 76 Phil. 354; Aldecoa & Co., v. WArner Barnes & Co., 30 Phil. 153)
NOTE: See concept of independent relevant statement.
2) Affidavits. (Marisfosque v. Luna, L-9095, May 25, 1957; People v. Pagkaliwagan, 76 Phil.
457)
General rule: Affidavits without presenting affiant in court is mere hearsay: The
constitutional right to confrontation precludes reliance on affidavits. Such a constitutional safeguard
cannot be satisfied unless the opportunity is given to the accused to test the credibility of any
person, who, by affidavit or deposition would impute the commission of an offense to him. It would
be to disregard one of the most valuable guarantees of a person accused if solely on the affidavits
presented, his guilt could be predicated. (People v. Santos, et al., 139 SCRA 586-587 citing People
v. Lavarez, 23 SCRA 1301)
Exceptions: when affidavits are given weight:
1) Where said affidavits are overwhelming, uncontroverted by competent evidence and not
inherently improbable. (Top-Weld Manufacturing, Inc. v. ECED, S.A., et al., 138 SCRA 132)
2) Under the Rule on Summary Procedure for civil cases;
3) When a motion is based on facts not appearing of record the court may hear the matter
on affidavits or depositions presented by the respective parties, but the court may direct hat
the matter be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or depositions. (Sec. 7, Rule 133,
ROC)
3) A letter offered in evidence to establish the facts in issue. (Pastor v. Gaspar, 2 Phil. 592; People
v. Carlos, 47 Phil. 626)
4) A medical certificate to the extent of the injuries found by the doctor on the offended party's
body. (De Guia v. Meralco, 40 Phil. 706)
5) A resolution of the municipal council of a certain municipality as to the character of an accused in
a criminal case. (U.S. v. Tanjuatco, 1 Phil. 374)
6) Newspaper Articles- (Double deck hearsay or Double hearsay)

Theory of the hearsay rule: When a human utterance is offered as evidence of the truth of the
fact asserted in it, the credit of the assertor becomes the basis of inference, and therefore the
assertion can be received as evidence only when made on the witness stand, subject to the test of
cross-examination.

TWO CONCEPTS OF HEARSAY EVIDENCE:

1. Second hand information (not derived from personal knowledge of witness)
2. Testimony by a witness derived from his personal knowledge BUT the adverse party is not
given opportunity to cross-examine
Example (No. 2): Plaintiff presents witness A. A testifies in court on matters personally
known to him. After direct examination, court tells that defendant can cross examine on next
scheduled hearing. On the next scheduled hearing witness A no longer appears and could no
longer be located. [The remedy here now is to ask that the testimony of witness A be
stricken out since it now becomes hearsay]

Rationale behind the non-admissibility of hearsay evidence:

1) A witness can testify only to those facts which he knows of his own knowledge; and
2) To preserve the right of parties to cross-examine the original witness or person claiming to have
knowledge of the transaction or occurrence. (People v. Pagkaliwagan, 76 Phil. 457)
The right to cross-examine he adverse party's witnesses is essential in the administration of justice
for it is the only means of testing the credibility of witnesses and their testimony, and this right is
not available in respect of hearsay evidence since he declarant is not in court. (Donnelly v. U.S.,
228 U.S. 243)

Principle of Independently Relevant Statements

- Under this principle regardless of the truth or falsity of a statement, the fact that such statements
 hlp2009 Page 27 9/26/201727

have been made is relevant. The hearsay rule does not apply, and the statements are admissible as
evidence. Evidence as to the making of such statement is not secondary but primary, for the
statement itself may constitute a fact in issue or be circumstantially relevant as to the existence of
such a fact.
- Independent relevant statements are hearsay in character but not legal hearsay, hence they are
not considered as exceptions to the hearsay rule.

Illustration: A was drinking with his buddies. A told them that: My neighbor is a thief. Later on As
neighbor was charged with theft. Prosecution calls as his witness one of the drinking buddies. The
drinking buddy testifies in court saying: The accused is a thief because I heard A says so. [THIS IS
HEARSAY EVIDENCE]
Now, supposing the neighbor filed a libel case against A. The drinking buddy serves as a
witness for the plaintiff, and says: I heard A said that the plaintiff is a thief.. [Now this time this is
not hearsay, because the FACT IN ISSUE is whether or not the utterances were made by a particular
person, regardless of the truth or falsity of the statement]

CASE: ESTRADA v. DESIERTO, APRIL 3, 2001

Issue: Whether or not the use of the Angara diary to determine the state of mind of President
Estrada violates the rule against the admission of hearsay evidence
Held: 1) Angara diary is not an OUT-OF-COURT STATEMENT, since it is part of the pleadings in the
case.
2) Angara diary is not covered by the hearsay rule. Evidence is called hearsay when its probative
force depends in whole or in part, on the competency and credibility of some persons other than the
witness by whom it is sought to produce it.
3) Admission are not excluded by hearsay evidence. The Angara diary contains direct statements of
petitioner which can be categorized as admissions of a party. And though the diary is not Estradas
hence non-binding on him, SC held that the doctrine of adoptive admission applies.
4) res inter alios acta rule- exception: admissions by a co-partner or agent. Executive Secretary
Angara was the little president, an alter ego of the president. Indeed, he was authorized by the
petitioner to act for him in the critical hours and days before he abandoned Malacanan.
5) Independently Relevant Statement- there are two classes: (1) Statements which are the very
facts in issue; (2) Statements which are circumstantial evidence. The second class includes:
a. Statement of a person knowing his state of mind, that is his mental condition, knowledge,
belief, intention, ill will and other emotions
b. Statements of a person which show his physical condition as illnesses and the like
c. Statements of a person which an inference may be made as to the state of mind of
another, that is the knowledge, belief, motive, good or bad faith of the latter
d. Statements which may identify the date, place and persons in questions
e. Statements showing the lack of credibility of a witness
The Angara diary contains statements of the petitioner which reflect his state of mind and are
circumstantial evidence of his intent to resign .

2. Exceptions
2.1 Dying Declaration Rule 130, Sec. 37
- Declaration was made under the consciousness of an impending death
- Declaration refers to cause and surrounding circumstances of the death of the declarant
- Declaration may be received in any case wherein declarants death is the subject of inquiry (In one
case. The husband was shot and wife was stabbed. The wife died instantly. The husband was
brought to the hospital and made a statement that it was X who stab her wife. The husband then
died. The statement is not a dying declaration because it pertains to the wife)
- The declarant must be competent as a witness (What if declarant is proved to be a congenital liar?
Still this exception may apply, because he is not disqualified from testifying in court if he were alive)
- The declarant actually died, otherwise, the declaration may be admitted as part of the res gestae
and not as a dying declaration

APPLICABILITY: Both Civil and Criminal. [Criminal: Only those which involve death, homicide,
 hlp2009 Page 28 9/26/201728

murder, parricide, robbery with homicide, rape with homicide]

Victim need not state that he has lost all hope of recovery. It is sufficient that circumstances
are such as to inevitably lead to the conclusion that at the time the declaration was made, the
declarant would not expect to survive the injury from which he actually died.
The degree and seriousness of the wounds and the fact that death supervened thereafter
constitute substantial evidence of the victim's consciousness of his impending death. (People v.
Tanaman, et al., G.R. No. 71768, July 28, 1987)

Dying declaration has weight even if declarant did not die immediately after his
declaration: The fact that the declarant died four (4) hours after his statement does not diminish
the probative value of the dying declaration since it is not indispensable that the a declarant expires
immediately thereafter.
It is the belief of impending death and not the rapid succession of death that renders the
dying declaration admissible. (People v. Bautista, G.R. No. 111149, prom. September 5, 1997)

Mere gesture of dying victim inconclusive: The gesture of a dying woman in pointing to a
direction, when asked for the identity of her assailant, is too vague to be given such probative value
in determining the culpability of the accused.
REASON: Unlike an oral or a written declaration, a simple gesture of the hand
unaccompanied by words, is open to various interpretations by the witness who testifies to its
existence. Thus, the evidence comes to the court couched in the witness' second hand perception
and possibly, imbued with his personal meanings and biases. This is what makes hearsay evidence
objectionable. The second hand evidence is placed before the court without the benefit of cross-
examination by the party against whom it is brought, nor of any other means of assessing the
competence and credibility of the source. (People v. Ola, G.R. No. L-47147, July 3, 1987)

CASE: The crime charged is rape with homicide. The victim before death tells to the police
investigator/doctor: I was raped. [This is not a dying declaration, because the statement has
nothing to do with the cause and circumstances surrounding the death. But this may be admitted as
part of res gestae]

2.2 Res Gestae Rule 130, Sec. 42

- What are admissible as part of the res gestae:
- Statements made by a person while a starting occurrence is taking place or immediately prior or
subsequent thereto with respect to the circumstances thereof
- Statements accompanying an equivocal act material to the issue and giving it legal significance
TWO CONCEPTS:
A. Spontaneous Statements
B. Statements accompanying Equivocal Acts- Equivocal means ambiguous; capable of different
interpretations.
EXAMPLE: a) SPONTANEOUS STATEMENT: X barged into the house of Y, tied her to a chair
and robbed her. X brought Ys maid to a bedroom and raped her. Y could hear the maid crying:
Huwag! Maawa ka sa akin!. When X fled, Y with the maid rushed to the police station and told the
police what happened. The maid told the police that despite her pleas X still raped her. The police
noticed that the maid was hysterical and on the verge of collapse. X was charged with robbery with
rape. During the trial the maid could no longer be located. The prosecution presents the policeman
to testify on what the maid told him. [The testimony would be hearsay but as an exception to the
hearsay rule. The statements made by the maid fall within the res gestae rule]
b) EQUIVOCAL/VERBAL ACTS: A witness testifies on the stand for the plaintiff in a collection
case where the defendant denies having borrowed P10,000 from the plaintiff. The debt is not
evidenced by a promissory note because plaintiff claims that defendant had orally borrowed money
from him in the past and had always paid. This time he refuses to pay. The witness testifies that one
year ago he saw the plaintiff give money to the defendant. And that he heart the plaintiff said that:
Heres the money you are borrowing from me. Further, he said that he heard the defendant say:
Thank you, I will pay one year after. [Here the equivocal act of handing the money was given
 hlp2009 Page 29 9/26/201729

significance by the statement of the plaintiff]

DYING DECLARATION vs. RES GESTAE

Time when statements made: DYING DECLARATION- statements must be made after the injury has
been inflicted upon the applicant.
RES GESTAE- in so far as startling occurrence is concerned, the statements
could be made prior or simultaneous with or after the startling occurrence.

Death of declarant: DYING DECLARATION- declarant must die

RES GESTAE- no need for declarant to die

Declarant: DYING DECLARATION- must be the victim

RES GESTAE- anybody

PEOPLE vs. CLOUD (265 SCRA 472) Concept of independently relevant statements and res
gestae applied simultaneously. [N.B. dying declaration may likewise be applied
simultaneously with independently relevant statement]
Josephine Aguilar was at the emergency room of a hospital to have some stitches removed from her
daughters head when she saw a boy being carried by a man, followed by an old woman who was
shouting hysterically. The boys face was swollen and bruised and his body covered with dry blood.
The old woman, apparently the boys grandmother, cried and repeatedly screamed. Pinatay siya ng
sariling ama!. The old woman told the people inside the emergency room that the boys father had
beaten him up, tied his hands, and stabbed him.

Ruling of SC: Insofar as the statements of Rufina Alconyes(old woman) are concerned, they are
admissible as part of the res gestae, they having been caused by and did result from the startling, if
not gruesome, occurrence that she witnessed; and these were shortly thereafter uttered by her with
spontaneity, without prior opportunity to contrive the same.
The report made thereof by Josephine Aguilar is not hearsay since she was actually there
and personally heard the statements of Alconyes which she recounted in court. Her account of said
statements of Alconyes are admissible under the doctrine of independently relevant statements, with
respect to the tenor and not the truth thereof, since independent of the truth or falsity of the same
they are relevant to the issue on the cause of the death of the victim.

2.3 Declaration Against Interest Rule 130, Sec. 38

By whom made: a person deceased, or unable to testify, against the interest of the declarant
Subject of declaration/act: the fact asserted in the declaration was at the time it was made so far
contrary to declarant's own interest, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made the
declaration unless he believed it to be true
Against whom received: such may be received in evidence against himself or his successors in
interest and against third persons.

REQUISITES:
a. The declaration is made by
1) a person deceased, or
2) unable to testify [i.e. in foreign country or physical/mental impairments]
b. against the interest of the declarant, [declarant MUST KNOW that it is against his interest]
c. if the fact asserted in the declaration
1) was at the time it was made
2) so far contrary to declarant's own interest,
3) that a reasonable man in his position
a) would not have made the declaration
b) unless he believed it to be true. (Sec. 38, Rule 130, ROC)
 hlp2009 Page 30 9/26/201730

Declaration against interest distinguished from admission:

1) An admission is not necessarily against the interest of the admitter WHILE the declaration must
be against the declarant's own interest(penal, proprietary, financial)
2) An admission may be received even if the admitter is alive WHILE the declarant must be dead or
is unable to testify;
3) An admission may be received in evidence only against the admitter and those identified with
him in legal interest WHILE the declaration may be received even against third persons. (Smith v.
Moore, 142 N.C. 277)

Inability to testify = either dead, mentally incapacitated or physically incompetent. Mere absence
from the jurisdiction does not make him ipso facto unavailable. Fuentes vs. CA (1996)

CASE: People v. Holgado

Jose was killed. Pedro admitted that he was the one who killed Jose. Unfortunately, Pedro also died.
The prosecutor filed an information charging Juan with homicide of Jose. The defense presented a
witness who heard Pedro say that he was the one who killed Jose. SC held that Pedros declaration is
a declaration against interest. It is therefore admissible to show that the accused did not commit the
crime charged.

2.4 Pedigree Rule 130, Sec. 39

By whom made: person deceased, or unable to testify
Subject of declaration/act: pedigree of another person related to him by birth or marriage
When admissible: occurred before the controversy, and the relationship between the two persons is
shown by evidence other than such act or declaration.
Pedigree - includes relationship, family genealogy, birth, marriage, death, the dates when and the
places where these fast occurred, and the names of the relatives. It embraces also facts of family
history intimately connected with pedigree.

2.5 Family Tradition Rule 130, Sec. 40

Subject of exception: reputation or tradition existing in a family previous to the controversy, in
respect to the pedigree of any one of its members, may be received in evidence if the witness
testifying thereon be also a member of the family, either by consanguinity or affinity.
-Entries in family bibles or other family books or charts, engravings on rings, family portraits and the
like, may be received as evidence of pedigree.

2.6 Common Reputation Rule 130, Sec. 41

- What are admissible?
- Common reputation existing previous to the controversy, respecting facts of public or general
interest > 30 years old, or respecting marriage or moral character, may be given in evidence.
- Monuments and inscriptions in public places may be received as evidence of common reputation
Note: When it comes to presentation of evidence concerning the good or bad moral
character, the only evidence admissible is evidence of COMMON REPUTATION. So if character
evidence is allowed a litigant cannot present proof that he is of good moral character.
Example: A parish priest of the community where the accused belongs is presented as
witness. And the parish priest testifies that the accused goes to mass everyday and receives holy
communion. [The testimony is not admissible to show the accuseds good moral character; Moral
character for purposes of evidence can be demonstrated ONLY by evidence of REPUTATION]. So the
parish priest should tell the court what is the reputation of the accused in the community.

Principle of NEGATIVE REPUTE

If in a community nothing good or bad is heard about a particular person, the presumption is that he
is really a good person, because that flows from the established principle in substantive law that
everyone is acting in good faith.
 hlp2009 Page 31 9/26/201731

2.7 Entries in the Course of Business Rule 130, Sec. 42; Rule 8, REE
When made: Entries made at, or near the time of transactions to which they refer
By whom made: by a person deceased, or unable to testify, who was in a position to know the facts
therein stated,
Treatment of such evidence: prima facie evidence, if such person made the entries in his
professional capacity or in the performance of duty and in the ordinary or regular course of business
or duty.

Rule 8, Section 1. Hearsay rule exception: A memorandum, report, record or data compilation of
acts, events, conditions, opinions, or diagnoses, made by electronic, optical or other similar means
at or near the time of or from transmission or supply of information by a person with knowledge
thereof, and kept in the regular course or conduct of a business activity, and such was the regular
practice to make the memorandum, report, record, or data compilation by electronic, optical or
similar means, all of which are shown by the testimony of the custodian or other qualified witnesses.

Rule 8, Section 2. This presumption may be overcome by evidence of the untrustworthiness of the
source of information or the method or circumstances of the preparation, transmission or storage
thereof.

2.8 Official Records Rule 130, Sec. 44

When made: Entries made at, or near the time of transactions to which they refer.
By whom made: by a person deceased, or unable to testify, who was in a position to know the facts
therein stated,
Treatment of such evidence: prima facie evidence, if such person made the entries in his
professional capacity or in the performance of duty and in the ordinary or regular course of business
or duty.
The report submitted by a police officer in the performance of his duties on the basis of his
own personal observation of the facts reported, may properly be constituted as an exception.
(Caltex vs. Africa, 1966)
Entries in a police blotter are not conclusive proof of the truth of such entries. (People vs.
Cabuang, 1993)

2.9 Commercial Lists Rule 130, Sec. 45

Evidence of statements of matters of interest to persons engaged in an occupation contained in a
list, register, periodical, or other published compilation is admissible as tending to prove the truth of
any relevant matter so stated if that compilation is published for use by persons engaged in that
occupation and is generally used and relied upon by them therein.

2.10 Learned Treatises Rule 130, Sec. 46

A published treatise, periodical or pamphlet on a subject of history, law, science, or art is admissible
as tending to prove the truth of a matter stated therein if the court takes judicial notice, or a witness
expert in the subject testifies, that the writer of the statement in the treatise, periodical or pamphlet
is recognized in his profession or calling as expert in the subject.

2.11 Prior Testimony Rule 130, Sec. 47

By whom made: a witness deceased or unable to testify,
When given: in a former case or proceeding, judicial or administrative, involving the same parties
and subject matter,
When admissible: may be given in evidence against the adverse party who had the opportunity to
cross-examine him.
Unable to testify refers to an inability proceeding from a grave cause almost amounting to
death as when the witness is old and has lost the power of speech. (Tan vs. CA, 1967)

Conduct and Character as Evidence

 hlp2009 Page 32 9/26/201732

Conduct Rule 130, Secs. 34-35

- Evidence that one did or did not do a certain thing at one time is not admissible to prove that he
did or did not do the same or similar thing at another time; but it may be received to prove a specific
intent or knowledge; identity, plan, system, scheme, habit, custom or usage, and the like.
- An offer in writing to pay a particular sum of money or to deliver a written instrument or specific
personal property is, if rejected without valid cause, equivalent to the actual production and tender
of the money, instrument, or property.

Character Rule 130, Sec. 51; Rule 132, Sec. 14

General Rule: Character evidence is not admissible, [because it is purely circumstantial] exceptions-
1. In criminal cases
- Accused = may prove his good moral character which is pertinent to the moral trait involved in the
offense charged.
- Prosecution = may not prove his bad moral character unless in rebuttal.
- Offended Party = his/her good or bad moral character may be proved if it tends to establish in any
reasonable degree the probability or improbability of the offense charged.

2. In civil cases
- Evidence of the moral character of a party in a civil case is admissible only when pertinent to the
issue of character involved in the case.
- Witness = Evidence of his/her good character is not admissible until such character has been
impeached.
While evidence of another crime is, as a rule, not admissible in a prosecution for robbery; it
is admissible when it is otherwise relevant, as when it tends to identify defendant as the perpetrator
and tends to show is presence at the scene of the crime or in the vicinity of the crime at the time
charged, or when it is evidence of a circumstance connected with the crime. (People vs. Irang,
1937)
Good or bad moral character of the victim is not necessary in a crime of murder where the
killing is committed through treachery or premeditation. (People vs. Soliman, 1957)

V. Opinion Rule Rule 130, Secs. 48-50

General Rule: The opinion of a witness is not admissible (R130, 48)
Except:
1. Expert witness: opinion of a witness on a matter requiring special knowledge, skill, experience or
training which he shown to possess (R130, 49)
2. Ordinary witness: The opinion of a witness for which proper basis is given, may be received in
evidence regarding
(a) The identity of a person about whom he has adequate knowledge;
(b) A handwriting with which he has sufficient familiarity; and
(c) The mental sanity of a person with whom he is sufficiently acquainted.
(d) The witness may also testify on his impressions of the emotion, behavior, condition or
appearance of a person. (R130, 50)
There is no precise requirement as to the mode in which skill or experience shall have been
acquired. Scientific study and training are not always essential to the competency of a witness as an
expert. Knowledge acquired by doing is no less valuable than that acquired by study. (Dilag Co. vs.
Merced, 1949)
Polygraph test has not as yet attained scientific acceptance as a reliable and accurate means
of ascertaining truth or deception. (People vs. Adoviso, 1999)
Expert opinions are not ordinarily conclusive in the sense that they must be accepted as true
on the subject of their testimony, but are generally regarded as purely advisory; the courts may
place whatever weight they choose upon such testimony and may reject it, if they find that it is
inconsistent with the facts in the case or otherwise unreasonable.(Punzalan v. Commission on
Elections, et al., G.R. No. 126669)
Testimony of handwriting expert not indispensable to COMELEC. Handwriting experts, while
probably useful, are not indispensable in examining or comparing handwriting; this can be done by
the COMELEC itself. It was ruled by the Supreme Court that evidence aliunde is not allowed to
 hlp2009 Page 33 9/26/201733

prove that a ballot is marked, an inspection of the ballot itself being sufficient. ((Punzalan v.
Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. No. 126669)

VI. Burden of Proof and Presumptions

1. Burden of Proof Rule 131, Sec. 1
Burden of proof (Risk of non-persuasion): duty of a party to present evidence on the facts in issue
necessary to establish his claim or defense by the amount required by law.
Criminal Cases: The burden of proof is on the prosecution, because under Rule 133 the accused
is entitled to acquittal unless his guilt is demonstrated by proof beyond reasonable doubt
Civil Cases: The usual principle is that whoever makes an affirmative allegation has the burden
of proof
Infringement cases: The burden of proof to substantiate a charge of infringement is with the
plaintiff. But where he plaintiff introduces the patent in evidence, and the same is in due form, there
is created a prima facie presumption of its correctness and validity. The decision of the
Commissioner of Patent (now the Director of the Intellectual Property Office), in granting the patent
is presumed to be correct.
The burden of going forward with the evidence (burden of evidence) then shifts to the defendant
to overcome by competent evidence this legal presumption. (Maguan v. Court of Appeals, et al.,
146 SCRA 116, 117)

Two separate burdens in Burden of Proof:

1. Burden of going forward- that of producing evidence
2. Burden of persuasion- burden of persuading the trier of fact that the burdened party is
entitled to prevail

Illustration of going forward with the evidence: For example after the existence of a debt has been
proven by the creditor the burden of proving payment devolves upon the debtor. Where the debtor
introduces evidence of payment, the burden of going forward with the evidence - as distinct from the
general burden of proof- shifts to the creditor who is then under the duty of producing evidence to
show non-payment. (Jimenez, et al, v. NLRC, et al., G.R. No,. 116960, prom. April 2, 1996)
In short, the burden of going forward is the burden of producing evidence.

EFFECT OF ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE or no evidence is presented

CRIMINAL CASE: Accused is acquitted

CIVIL CASE:
a. When defendant does not file an answer- Plaintiff wins
b. When defendant files an answer and sets up purely negative defenses and no evidence is
presented by both sides- Defendant wins because plaintiff has not carried his burden
c. When defendant files an answer and sets up affirmative defenses and no evidence is
presented by both sides- Plaintiff wins
Example: The defendant filed an answer: I admit that I borrowed money from the
plaintiff, but the plaintiff has no reason to run after me because I have paid that account long time
ago. [If no evidence is presented by both sides then plaintiff wins because the defendant admitted
the existence of loan. And it is the defendants burden to prove his affirmative defense.]

BURDEN OF EVIDENCE- the duty resting upon a party, by means of evidence, to create or meet a
prima facie case.

BURDEN OF PROOF vs. BURDEN OF EVIDENCE

Burden of Proof NEVER SHIFTS, while Burden of Evidence is TRANSFERRED from one litigant to
another depending on the progress of trial.

Illustration: Plaintiff files a complaint for recovery of a defaulted loan. Defendant files an answer with
a negative defense, denying the existence of the loan. [ At the start, the plaintiff has the burden of
 hlp2009 Page 34 9/26/201734

proof and also burden of evidence, he should go to trial and present evidence to show that he has a
cause of action. If he has introduced enough proof that he has a cause of action, the burden of
evidence will now be shifted to the defendant. If defendant presents enough evidence to prove his
negative defense then the burden of evidence is shifted again to the plaintiff on rebuttal evidence.]

Can the accused in a criminal/civil case before presenting his own evidence ascertain
conditionally or provisionally whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is
enough to convict him?
Yes. In a criminal/civil case, the accused(defendant/plaintiff) can easily determine the sentiment of
the court concerning the quantum of evidence presented by the prosecution(defendant/plaintiff) by
simply filing a demurrer to evidence with leave of court.

PRINCIPLE OF NEGATIVING AVERMENT

A negative averment do not have to be proven UNLESS the negative averment is an essential part of
the cause of action or defense.

Example: In an information for illegal possession of firearms, the information will contain an
averment that the accused does not have a license to possess the firearm[negative averment].
* In this case, the negative averment is an essential part of the commission of the crime, hence
this must be proven.

Doctrine of equipoise or Equiponderance Rule

Where the evidence on an issue of fact is in equipoise or there is doubt on which side the
evidence preponderates, the party having the burden of proof fails upon that issue. (Rivera v. Court
of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 115625, prom. January 23, 1998)
Therefore, as neither party was able to make out a case, neither side could establish its cause of
action and prevail with the evidence it had. They are thus no better off than before they proceeded
to litigate, and, as a consequence thereof, the courts can only leave them as they are. (Rivera,
supra citing Municipality of Candijay, Bohol v. Court of Appeals, 251 SCRA 530)

2. Presumptions Rule 131, Secs. 2-4

Presumption- an inference as to the existence or non-existence of a fact which courts are permitted
to draw from the proof of other facts.

CLASSIFICATIONS
1. PRESUMPTION JURIS OR OF LAW- a deduction which the law expressly directs to be made
from particular facts
-Must be made whenever the facts appear which furnish the basis for the inference
-Reduced to fixed rules and form part of the system of jurisprudence
2. PRESUMPTION HOMINIS OR OF FACT- a deduction which reason draws from facts proved
without an express direction from the law to that effect
-Discretionary on the court
-Derived from circumstances of a particular case through common experience of mankind

CLASSIFICATIONS OF PRESUMPTIONS OF LAW

1. Conclusive- not permitted to be overcome by any proof to the contrary
2. Disputable- law permits to be overcome or contradicted

2.1 Conclusive
2.1.1. Whenever a party by his own declaration, act, omission, has led another
1 to believe a particular thing to be true AND
2 to act upon such belief,
he cannot in any litigation arising out of such declaration, act or omission be permitted to falsify it.
(Estoppel)
2.1.2. The TENANT is not permitted to deny the title of his landlord at the time of the
 hlp2009 Page 35 9/26/201735

COMMENCEMENT of the relation of landlord and tenant between them.

Note: There is also a conclusive presumption under the Rule 39, which is a public policy principle of
res judicata (a judgment is conclusive upon the title to the thing or upon the political or legal
condition of a person, {judgment in rem or in personam})

2.2 Disputable

CLASSIFICATIONS:
1. Presumption of innocence (Presumption of good faith)
2. Presumption of regularity of official and judicial acts
3. Presumption of regularity of private transactions
- Person is innocent of a crime or wrong;
- Unlawful act is done with an unlawful intent;
- Person intends the ordinary consequences of his voluntary act;
- Person takes ordinary care of his concerns;
- Evidence willfully suppressed would be adverse if produced
ELEMENTS:
a. The suppression is wilful. (Sec. 3-e, Rule 131, ROC) continue
b. The suppression is not in the exercise of a privilege.
c. The evidence suppressed is not merely corroborative.
d. The evidence is at the disposal only of the suppressing party.

NOTES: Instances where adverse presumption from suppression of evidence does not apply:
a. If the evidence is at the disposal of both parties. (People v. Ducay, 225 SCRA 1)
b. The suppression was not willful.
c. The suppressed evidence is merely corroborative or cumulative.
d. The suppression is an exercise of a privilege. (People v. Navaja, 220 SCRA 624)

- Money paid by one to another was due to the latter;

- Thing delivered by one to another belonged to the latter;
- Obligation delivered up to the debtor has been paid;
- Prior rents or installments had been paid when a receipt for the later ones is produced;
- A person found in possession of a thing taken in the doing of a recent wrongful act is the taker and
doer of the whole act; otherwise, that things which a person possesses or exercises acts of
ownership over, are owned by him;
- Person in possession of an order on himself for the payment of the money or the delivery of
anything has paid the money or delivered the thing accordingly; person acting in public office was
regularly appointed or elected to it;
- Official duty has been regularly performed;
- A court or judge acting as such, whether in the Philippines or elsewhere, was acting in the lawful
exercise of jurisdiction;
- All the matters within an issue raised in a case were laid before the court and passed upon by it; all
matters within an issue raised in a dispute submitted for arbitration were laid before arbitrators and
passed upon by them;
- Private transactions have been fair and regular;
- ordinary course of business has been followed;
- there was a sufficient consideration for a contract;
- negotiable instrument was given or indorsed for a sufficient consideration;
- An indorsement of negotiable instrument was made before the instrument was overdue and at the
place where the instrument is dated;
- A writing is truly dated;
- Letter duly directed and mailed was received in the regular course of the mail;
- Absentee of 7 years, it being not known whether or not he is alive, is considered dead for all
purposes except for succession.
= For the purpose of opening his succession: an absence of 10 years, if disappeared after age of 75,
 hlp2009 Page 36 9/26/201736

absence of 5 years.
= The following shall be considered dead for all purposes including the division of the estate among
the heirs:
= Person on board a vessel lost during a sea voyage, or an aircraft with is missing, who has not
been heard of for 4 years since the loss of the vessel or aircraft;
= Member of the armed forces who has taken part in armed hostilities, and has been missing for 4
years;
= Person who has been in danger of death under other circumstances and whose existence has not
been known for four years;
= Spouse, of a married person absent for 4 consecutive years, may contract a subsequent marriage
if he or she has well-founded belief that the absent spouse is already death; 2 years in case of
disappearance, where there is a danger of death the circumstances hereinabove provided. Before
marrying again, the spouse present must institute a summary proceedings as provided in the Family
Code and in the rules for declaration of presumptive death of the absentee, without prejudice to the
effect of reappearance of the absent spouse.
- Acquiescence resulted from a belief that the thing acquiesced in was conformable to the law or
fact;
- Things have happened according to the ordinary course of nature and ordinary nature habits of life;
- Persons acting as copartners have entered into a contract of co-partnership;
- A man and woman deporting themselves as husband and wife have entered into a lawful contract
of marriage;
- Property acquired by a man and a woman who are capacitated to marry each other and who live
exclusively with each other as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage or under void
marriage, has been obtained by their joint efforts, work or industry.
- In cases of cohabitation by a man and a woman who are not capacitated to marry each other and
who have acquire properly through their actual joint contribution of money, property or industry,
such contributions and their corresponding shares including joint deposits of money and evidences of
credit are equal.
- If the marriage is terminated and the mother contracted another marriage within three hundred
days after such termination of the former marriage, these rules shall govern in the absence of proof
to the contrary:
- A child born before 180 days after the solemnization of the subsequent marriage is considered to
have been conceived during such marriage, even though it is born within the 300 days after the
termination of the former marriage.
- A child born after 180 days following the celebration of the subsequent marriage is considered to
have been conceived during such marriage, even though it be born within the 300 days after the
termination of the former marriage.
- A thing once proved to exist continues as long as is usual with things of the nature
- The law has been obeyed;
- A printed or published book, purporting to be printed or published by public authority, was so
printed or published;
- A printed or published book, purporting contain reports of cases adjudged in tribunals of the
country where the book is published, contains correct reports of such cases;
- A trustee or other person whose duty it was to convey real property to a particular person has
actually conveyed it to him when such presumption is necessary to perfect the title of such person or
his successor in interest;
- Except for purposes of succession, when 2 persons perish in the same calamity, and it is not shown
who died first, and there are no particular circumstances from which it can be inferred, the
survivorship is determined from the probabilities resulting from the strength and the age of the
sexes, according to the following rules:
= Both < 15: older survived;
= Both > 60: younger survived;
= One <15; other >60: <15 survived;
= Both >15, <60 and the sex be different, the male is deemed to have survived, if the sex be the
same, the older;
= One < 15 or >, and the other between those ages, the latter is deemed to have survived.
 hlp2009 Page 37 9/26/201737

- That if there is a doubt, as between two or more persons who are called to succeed each other, as
to which of them died first, whoever alleges the death of one prior to the other, shall prove the
same; in the absence of proof, they shall be considered to have died at the same time. (5a)
The presumption that evidence not produced or willfully suppressed is adverse to the party,
will not apply if the evidence is at the disposal of both the defense and the prosecution and if the
evidence is merely conclusive. (People vs. Padiernos, 1976)

VII. Presentation of Evidence

Note: The Rules apply to Summary Procedure but in a modified form, since in Summary Procedure
the testimonies of the witnesses, (in civil cases) will be reduced into writing in the form of affidavit.
Hence, there is no direct, cross, re-cross or re-direct examination.
Affiant is not allowed in Summary Procedure to embody hearsay testimony.

In criminal cases under Summary Procedure, the affidavits of the witnesses take the place of
the direct examination. There is cross examination

VOIR DIRE- preliminary examination of witnesses for the purpose of establishing whether or not a
witness really is qualified as such. (Likewise done in examination of a child witness, but it is only the
judge who can ask questions, plaintiff and defendant can write their questions and give it to the
judge)

Note: Ordinary witnesses are not allowed to be examined in a narrative form, except a child witness.

A. Examination of Witnesses
1. How done Rule 132, Sec. 1
open court
under oath or affirmation
- Mode of answering
General Rule: oral
Exception:
o Witness is incapacitated to speak or
o Question calls for a different mode of answer

2. Rights and Obligations Rule 132, Sec. 3

Obligation of a witness: answer questions, although his answer may tend to establish a claim against
him.

Rights of a witness:
2.1 To be protected from irrelevant, improper, or insulting questions, and from harsh or insulting
demeanor;
2.2 Not to be detained longer than the interests of justice require;
2.3 Not to be examined except only as to matters pertinent to the issue;
2.4 Not to give an answer which will tend to subject him to a penalty for an offense unless otherwise
provided by law; or
2.5 Not to give an answer which will tend to degrade his reputation, unless it to be the very fact at
issue or to a fact from which the fact in issue would be presumed. But a witness must answer to the
fact of his previous final conviction for an offense.

Case: Supposing a witness refused to answer because he feels the question is incriminatory.
However, the court directs the witness to give an answer and the witness obeys the order of the
court. Later on the answer turns out to be incriminatory and later on the witness was indicted for the
commission of this offense, can his testimony in court be given in evidence against him in the form
of an admission?
NO, because the witnsess has initially objected and he gave the answer only in compliance with
an order of the court. According to some decisions that could be treated as a compelled testimony
 hlp2009 Page 38 9/26/201738

given under duress and therefore could not be used against the witness.

EXCEPTIONS TO RULE AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION

1. Use Immunity- the witness will still be indicted for the commission of an offense, but the
statements given by the witness cannot be used against him. He is not immunized from prosecution.
2. Transactional Immunity- There is absolute immunity, both to prosecution and use of the
statements given by the witness.

3. Order in the Examination Rule 132, Sec. 4

3.1 Direct Examination Rule 132, Sec. 5
- Examination-in-chief of a witness by the party presenting him on the facts relevant to the issue.

3.2 Cross-Examination Rule 132, Sec. 6

- When conducted: upon termination of direct examination
- Matters covered: witness may be cross-examined by the adverse party as to
= Any matters stated in the direct examination, or connected therewith, with sufficient fullness and
freedom to test his accuracy and truthfulness and freedom from interest or bias, or the reverse, and
= To elicit all important facts bearing upon the issue.
Implied waiver of cross-examination The party was given the opportunity Dela Paz vs. IAC (1987)

TWO RULES ON LIMITS OF CROSS EXAMINATION

1. English Rule- where a witness is called to testify to a particular fact, he becomes a witness for all
purposes and may be fully cross-examined upon all matters material to the issue, the examination
not being confined to the matters inquired about in the direct examination.
2. American Rule- restricts cross-examination to facts and circumstances which are connected with
the matters that have been stated in the direct examination of the witness. (applies when witness is
the accused in a criminal case; and when witness is hostile or adverse party witness)

3.3 Re-direct Examination Rule 132, Sec. 7

- When conducted: after the cross-examination of the witness has been concluded
- Why conducted: to explain or supplement his answers given during the cross-examination. On re-
direct-examination, the court in its discretion may allow questions on matters not dealt with during
the cross-examination.

3.4 Re-cross Examination Rule 132, Sec. 8

- Adverse party may re-cross-examine the witness on matters stated in his re-direct examination,
and also on such other matters as may be allowed by the court in its discretion, upon the conclusion
of the re-direct examination.

4. Recalling Witnesses Rule 132, Sec. 9

- After the examination of a witness has been concluded by both sides has been concluded, the
witness cannot be recalled without leave of court. The court will grant or withhold leave in its
discretion as the interests of justice may require.
There must be a satisfactory showing of some concrete, substantial ground (i.e. particularly
identified material points were not covered in the cross-examination; particularly described vital
documents were not presented to the witness; the cross-examination was conducted in so inept a
manner as to result in a virtual absence thereof. (People vs. Rivera, 1991)

5. Leading and Misleading Questions Rule 132, Sec. 10

Leading questions
Questions that suggest to the witness the answer, which the examining party desires, are
leading questions.
General Rule: Not allowed
Exceptions:
1. On cross examination;
2. On preliminary matters;
 hlp2009 Page 39 9/26/201739

3. When there is a difficulty is getting direct and intelligible answers from a witness who is
ignorant, or a child of tender years, or is of feeble mind, or a deaf-mute;
4. Of an unwilling or hostile witness; or
o A witness may be considered as unwilling or hostile only if so declared by the court upon
adequate showing of his -
adverse interest,
unjustified reluctance to testify, or
his having misled the party into calling him to the witness stand.
6. Of a witness who is an adverse party or an officer, director, or managing agent of a public or
private corporation or of a partnership or association which is an adverse party.

When the answer is derived from a leading question the evidence has no probative value at
all even if there is no objection to a leading question.

Misleading questions
1 Those that assume as true a fact not yet testified to by the witness, or contrary to that which he
has previously stated.
2 Not allowed.

DOCTRINE OF INCOMPLETE TESTIMONY: When cross examination cannot be done or completed

due to causes attributable to the party who offered the witness, the incomplete testimony is
rendered incompetent and should be stricken from the record. Except: where the prosecution
witness was extensively cross-examined on the material points and thereafter failed to appear and
cannot be produced despite a warrant for his arrest. (People v. GOrospe, GR 51513, May 15, 1984)

Scope of judges participation at trial : A judge who presides at a trial is not a mere referee. He
must actively participate therein by directing counsel to the facts in dispute, by asking clarifying
questions, and by showing an interest in a fast a fair trial. (Clarin v. Yatco, 56 O.G. 7042, Nov. 14,
1960)
He can interrogate witnesses to elicit the truth, to obtain clarification, or to test their
credibility. (People v Moreno, 83 Phil. 286)
However, this power must be exercised by the court sparingly and judiciously. (People v.
Ferrer, 44 O.G. 112). Of course, the judge cannot curtail counsel's right to interrogate witnesses.
(People v. Bedia, 83 Phil. 909)
There is no prohibition against the judge conducting the examination of the witness. The
counsel may object to the questions propounded by the judge.

Power of court to stop further evidence:

1) The court may stop
2) the introduction of further testimony
3) upon any particular point
4) when the evidence upon it is already so full
5) that more witnesses to the same point
6) cannot be reasonably expected
7) to be additionally persuasive.

But this power should be exercised with caution. When the evidence already presented on one point
is sufficient and the party merely seeks to present cumulative evidence which cannot produce
additional persuasive effect or that he is not sure of what the other witnesses would testify, the court
may in its sound discretion stop the introduction of such further evidence. (People v. Reyes, et al.,
133 SCRA 51)

Role of attorney during presentation of evidence: An attorney has a dual role to perform
relative to proving the truth respecting a matter of fact.
 hlp2009 Page 40 9/26/201740

He must ensure that all evidence supporting the material allegations, whether raised in the
pleadings or not are admitted by the court. His other role is to block the admission of evidence
supporting his opponents' material allegations whether raised in the pleadings or not.
In order to perform this dual role the attorney should ensure that the evidence he offers are
admissible in accordance with the Rules of Court and those of his opponent are properly objected to
for being inadmissible

6. Impeachment of Witnesses
6.1. Impeachment of Adverse Partys Witness Rule 132, Sec. 11
- How done:
by contradictory evidence;
by evidence that his general reputation for truth, honesty or integrity is bad; or
by evidence that he has made at other times statements inconsistent with his present testimony.

- Evidence of particular wrongful acts is not allowed except that it may be shown by the examination
of the witness, or the record of the judgment, that he has been convicted of an offense.

6.2. Impeachment of Own Witness Rule 132, Sec. 12

- General Rule: The party producing a witness is not allowed to impeach the latters credibility.
- Exception: The witness is an unwilling or hostile witness.
= A witness may be considered as unwilling or hostile only if so declared by the court upon
adequate showing of his -
adverse interest,
unjustified reluctance to testify, or -
his having misled the party into calling him to the witness stand.
- The impeachment may be made by the party presenting the hostile or unwilling witness in all
respects as if he had been called by the adverse party, except by evidence of bad character. He
may also be impeached and cross-examined by the adverse party, but such cross-examination must
only be on the subject matter of his examination-in-chief.

6.3. Impeachment by Prior Inconsistent Statements Rule 132, Sec. 13

- Before a witness can be impeached by evidence that he has made at other times statements
inconsistent with his present testimony: the statements must be related to him, with the
circumstances of the times and places and the persons present, and he must be asked whether he
made such statements, and if so, be allowed to explain them; if the statements be in writing they
must be shown to the witness before any question is put to him concerning them (laying the
predicate).

Laying the foundation or laying the basis- refers to a situation where an evidence which is
otherwise incompetent will be introduced in evidence because it falls under the exceptions to that
rule on exclusion.
Example: If a party desires to introduce secondary or substitutionary evidence he must first
lay the foundation or lay the basis. He must first proved that there was a writing duly executed and
that the original has been lost or destroyed.

7. Exclusion and Separation of Witnesses Rule 132, Sec. 14

- The judge may exclude from the court any witness not at the time under examination, so that he
may not hear the testimony of other witnesses. The judge may also have the witnesses separated
and prevented from conversing with each other until all have been examined.

8. Refreshing Recollection of Witnesses Rule 132, Sec. 16

8.1 Revival of Present Memory
- A witness may be allowed to refresh his memory respecting a fact, by anything written or recorded
by himself or under his direction at the time when the fact occurred, or immediately thereafter, or at
any other time when the fact was fresh in his memory and knew that the same was correctly written
or recorded,
 hlp2009 Page 41 9/26/201741

- BUT in such case the writing or record must be produced and may be inspected by the adverse
party, who may, if he chooses, cross examine the witness upon it, and may read it in evidence.

Note: The memorandum is not evidence, it is still the testimony

8.2 Past Recollection Recorded

- A witness may testify from such writing or record, (as in the case in revival of present memory)
though he retain no recollection of the particular facts, if he is able to swear that the writing or
record correctly stated the transaction when made; but such evidence must be received with
caution.

Note: It is the memorandum that will serve as evidence (documentary evidence)

What is the consequence of giving in evidence a part of an act, declaration, conversation, writing or
record? (Rule 132, Section 17) [RULE OF COMPLETENESS]
- The whole of the same subject may be inquired into by the other, and when a detached act,
declaration, conversation, writing or record is given in evidence, any other act, declaration,
conversation, writing or record necessary to its understanding may also be given in evidence.

Rule on Examination of a Child Witness

Applicability of the Rule. Unless otherwise provided, this Rule shall govern the examination of child
witnesses who are victims of crime, accused of a crime, and witnesses to crime. It shall apply in all
criminal proceedings and non-criminal proceedings involving child witnesses. (1)

Child witness
I. Definition (4(a))
Any person who at the time of giving testimony is < 18 years.
In child abuse cases: a child includes one over eighteen (18) years but is found by the court as
unable to fully take care of himself or protect himself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation,
or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
II. Competency of a Child Witness: Every child is presumed qualified to be a witness. To rebut the
presumption of competence enjoyed by a child, the burden of proof lies on the party challenging
his competence. (6, 6(b))
Competency exam
A. When conducted-
- Motu proprio or on motion of a party, when it finds that substantial doubt exists
regarding the ability of the child to perceive, remember, communicate, distinguish
truth from falsehood, or appreciate the duty to tell the truth in court. (6)
- A party seeking a competency examination must present proof of necessity of
competency examination. The age of the child by itself is not a sufficient basis for a
competency examination. (6(a))
B. Who are allowed to attend-
- The judge and necessary court personnel;
- The counsel for the parties;
- The guardian ad litem;
- Support person/s for the child; and
- The defendant, unless the court determines that competence can be fully evaluated
in his absence.
(6(c))
C. How conducted-
- By whom conducted: by the judge, counsel for the parties, however, can submit
questions to the judge that he may, in his discretion, ask the child. (6(d))
- Questions asked: appropriate to the age and developmental level of the child; shall
not be related to the issues at trial; and shall focus on the ability of the child to
remember, communicate, distinguish between truth and falsehood, and appreciate
 hlp2009 Page 42 9/26/201742

the duty to testify truthfully. (6(e))

- The court has the duty of continuously assessing the competence of the child
throughout his testimony. (6(f))

III. Testifying
A. Oath: Before testifying, a child shall take an oath or affirmation to tell the truth. (7)
B. Examination
1. How conducted
General Rule: open court, unless the witness is incapacitated to speak, or the question calls
for a different mode of answer, the answers of the witness shall be given orally. (8)
Exception/s:
a) Exclusion of the public
- Why made:
To protect the right to privacy of the child or
If the court determines on the record that requiring the child to testify in open
court would cause psychological harm to him, hinder the ascertainment of truth,
or result in his inability to effectively communicate due to embarrassment, fear,
or timidity.
- In making its order, the court shall consider the developmental level of the child, the
nature of the crime, the nature of his testimony regarding the crime, his relationship
to the accused and to persons attending the trial, his desires, and the interests of his
parents or legal guardian.
- The court may, motu proprio, exclude the public from the courtroom if the evidence
to be produced during trial is of such character as to be offensive to decency or
public morals.
- The court may also, on motion of the accused, exclude the public from trial, except
court personnel and the counsel of the parties.
(23)
b) The court may order that persons attending the trial shall not enter or leave the
courtroom during the testimony of the child. (24)
c) Motion by party who presents a child witness or the guardian ad litem of such child
witness may, however, move the court to allow him to testify in the manner provided in
this Rule (8):

i. Live-link television testimony in criminal cases where the child is a victim or a

witness. (25)
Who may apply for an order that testimony of the child be taken in a room outside
the courtroom and be televised to the courtroom by live-link television:
1 prosecutor,
2 counsel or the
3 guardian ad litem
Period for application: The person seeking such an order shall apply at least five (5)
days before the trial date, unless the court finds on the record that the need for such
an order was not reasonably foreseeable.

Hearing on the application:

The court may motu proprio hear and determine, with notice to the parties, the need
for taking the testimony of the child through live-link television.

The judge may question the
than the courtroom, in the
prosecutor, and counsel for
related to the issues at trial
courtroom.
child in chambers, or in some comfortable place other
presence of the support person, guardian ad litem,
the parties. The questions of the judge shall not be
but to the feelings of the child about testifying in the

The judge may exclude any person, including the accused, whose presence or
hlp2009 Page 43 9/26/201743

conduct causes fear to the child.

Order denying/granting use of live-link TV:

The court shall issue an order granting or denying the use of live-link television and
stating the reasons therefor.

Factors considered by the court in granting/denying application:

(1)The age and level of development of the child;
(2)His physical and mental health, including any mental or physical
disability;
(3)Any physical, emotional, or psychological injury experienced by him;
(4)The nature of the alleged abuse;
(5)Any threats against the child;
(6)His relationship with the accused or adverse party;
(7)His reaction to any prior encounters with the accused in court or
elsewhere;
(8)His reaction prior to trial when the topic of testifying was discussed with
him by parents or professionals;
(9)Specific symptoms of stress exhibited by the child in the days prior to
testifying;
(10)Testimony of expert or lay witnesses;
(11)The custodial situation of the child and the attitude of the members of
his family regarding the events about which he will testify; and
(12)Other relevant factors, such as court atmosphere and formalities of
court procedure.
The court may order that the testimony of the child be taken by live-link television if
there is a substantial likelihood that the child would suffer trauma from testifying in
the presence of the accused, his counsel or the prosecutor as the case may be. The
trauma must be of a kind which would impair the completeness or truthfulness of the
testimony of the child.

How done:
where testimony is taken: in a room separate from the courtroom
who are present:
o guardian ad litem;
o one or both of his support persons;
o the facilitator
o and interpreter, if any;
o a court officer appointed by the court;
o persons necessary to operate the closed-circuit television equipment; and
o other persons whose presence are determined by the court to be necessary
to the welfare and well-being of the child;
- The judge, prosecutor, accused, and counsel for the parties shall be in the
courtroom. The testimony of the child shall be transmitted by live-link television
into the courtroom for viewing and hearing by the judge, prosecutor, counsel for
the parties, accused, victim, and the public unless excluded.
- If it is necessary for the child to identify the accused at trial, the court may allow
the child to enter the courtroom for the limited purpose of identifying the
accused, or the court may allow the child to identify the accused by observing
the image of the latter on a television monitor.
- The court may set other conditions and limitations on the taking of the testimony
that it finds just and appropriate, taking into consideration the best interests of
the child.
hlp2009 Page 44 9/26/201744

- The testimony of the child shall be preserved on videotape, digital disc, or other
similar devices which shall be made part of the court record and shall be subject
to a protective order as provided in section 31(b).

ii. Screens, one-way mirrors, and other devices to shield child from accused. (26)
Who may apply for an order that the chair of the child or that a screen or other
device be placed in the courtroom in such a manner that the child cannot see the
accused while testifying:
1 prosecutor or
2 guardian ad litem (consultation with prosecutor or counsel as in application for
use of live-link TV. also required)

Order granting application:

The court shall issue an order stating the reasons and describing the approved
courtroom arrangement

If the court grants an application to shield the child from the accused while testifying
in the courtroom, the courtroom shall be arranged to enable the accused to view the
child.

iii. Videotaped deposition. (27)

Who may apply for an order that a deposition be taken of the testimony of the child
and that it be recorded and preserved on videotape?
1 prosecutor,
2 counsel, or
3 guardian ad litem (consultation with prosecutor or counsel as in application for use
of live-link TV. also required)

When allowed:If the court finds that the child will not be able to testify in open court
at trial, it shall issue an order that the deposition of the child be taken and preserved
by videotape.

Deposition-taking:
Who are present
o Judge who shall preside at the videotaped deposition of a child;
o Prosecutor;
o defense counsel;
o Guardian ad litem;
o Accused, provided that, if the order of the court is based on evidence that the
child is unable to testify in the physical presence of the accused, the court may
direct the latter to be excluded from the room in which the deposition is
conducted. In case of exclusion of the accused, the court shall order that the
testimony of the child be taken by live-link television in accordance with
section 25 of this Rule. If the accused is excluded from the deposition, it is not
necessary that the child be able to view an image of the accused.
o Other persons whose presence is determined by the court to be necessary to
the welfare and well-being of the child;
o Support person/s, the facilitator and interpreter, if any;
o Court stenographer; and
o Persons necessary to operate the videotape equipment.
Objections to testimony or evidence; rights of the accused
hlp2009 Page 45 9/26/201745

o Objections to deposition testimony or evidence, or parts thereof, and the

grounds for the objection shall be stated and shall be ruled upon at the time of
the taking of the deposition.
o The rights of the accused during trial, especially the right to counsel and to
confront and cross-examine the child, shall not be violated during the
deposition.
The videotaped deposition shall be preserved and stenographically recorded. The
videotape and the stenographic notes shall be transmitted to the clerk of the court
where the case is pending for safekeeping and shall be made a part of the record.
The court may set other conditions on the taking of the deposition that it finds just and
appropriate, taking into consideration the best interests of the child, the constitutional
rights of the accused, and other relevant factors.
The videotaped deposition and stenographic notes shall be subject to a protective
order as provided in section 31(b).
If, at the time of trial, the court finds that the child is unable to testify for a reason
stated in section 25(f) of this Rule, or is unavailable for any reason described in section
4(c), Rule 23 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, the court may admit into evidence
the videotaped deposition of the child in lieu of his testimony at the trial. The court
shall issue an order stating the reasons therefor.
After the original videotaping but before or during trial, any party may file any motion
for additional videotaping on the ground of newly discovered evidence. The court may
order an additional videotaped deposition to receive the newly discovered evidence.
When conducted: The court may order that the testimony of the child should be taken during
a time of day when the child is well-rested. (14)

Provisions for ease of child in testifying/accommodations for a child

a. Interpreter for child (9)
How appointed: the court motu proprio or upon motion
When appointed:When a child does not understand the English or Filipino
language or is unable to communicate in said languages due to his
developmental level, fear, shyness, disability, or other similar reason
Who may be interpreter?
If a witness or member of the family of the child is the only person who can
serve as an interpreter for the child, he shall not be disqualified and may serve
as the interpreter of the child. The interpreter, however, who is also a witness,
shall testify ahead of the child.
An interpreter shall take an oath or affirmation to make a true and accurate
interpretation.
b. Facilitator to pose questions to child (10)
How appointed: The court motu proprio or upon motion,
When appointed: child is unable to understand or respond to questions asked.
Who may be a facilitator: The facilitator may be a child psychologist, psychiatrist,
social worker, guidance counselor, teacher, religious leader, parent, or relative.
The facilitator shall take an oath or affirmation to pose questions to the child
according to the meaning intended by counsel.
Function of facilitator: Respective counsels for the parties shall pose questions
to the child only through the facilitator. The questions shall either be in the
words used by counsel or, if the child is not likely to understand the same, in
words that are comprehensible to the child and which convey the meaning
intended by counsel.
hlp2009 Page 46 9/26/201746

c. Support persons (11)

A child testifying at a judicial proceeding or making a deposition shall have the
right to be accompanied by one or two persons of his own choosing to provide
him emotional support.
(1)Both support persons shall remain within the view of the child
during his testimony.
(2)One of the support persons may accompany the child to the
witness stand, provided the support person does not completely obscure the
child from the view of the opposing party, judge, or hearing officer.
(3)The court may allow the support person to hold the hand of the
child or take other appropriate steps to provide emotional support to the
child in the course of the proceedings.
(4)The court shall instruct the support persons not to prompt, sway, or
influence the child during his testimony.
Support person, also a witness
1 Disapproved if it is sufficiently established that the attendance of the
support person during the testimony of the child would pose a substantial
risk of influencing or affecting the content of the testimony of the child.
2 If allowed his testimony shall be presented ahead of the testimony of the
child.
d. Waiting area for child witnesses (12) that is separate from waiting areas used
by other persons.
e. Courtroom environment (13)

Aim: create a more comfortable environment for the child

court may, in its discretion, direct and supervise the location, movement and
deportment of all persons in the courtroom including the parties, their counsel, child,
witnesses, support persons, guardian ad litem, facilitator, and court personnel.

The child may be allowed to testify from a place other than the witness chair.

The witness chair or other place from which the child testifies may be turned to
facilitate his testimony but the opposing party and his counsel must have a frontal or
profile view of the child during the testimony of the child. The witness chair or other
place from which the child testifies may also be rearranged to allow the child to see
the opposing party and his counsel, if he chooses to look at them, without turning his
body or leaving the witness stand.

The judge need not wear his judicial robe.

Nothing in this section or any other provision of law, except official in-court
identification provisions, shall be construed to require a child to look at the accused.

Accommodations for the child under this section need not be supported by a finding
of trauma to the child.

f. Recess during testimony (15)

The child may be allowed reasonable periods of relief while undergoing
direct, cross, re-direct, and re-cross examinations as often as necessary
depending on his developmental level.
g. Testimonial aids (16): use of dolls, anatomically-correct dolls, puppets,
drawings, mannequins, or any other appropriate demonstrative device to assist
him in his testimony.
h. Emotional security item (17): While testifying, a child shall be allowed to have
an item of his own choosing such as a blanket, toy, or doll
i. Conduct in questioning the witness:
 hlp2009 Page 47 9/26/201747

i. Conduct of counsel: a counsel may be prohibited from approaching a

child if it appears that the child is fearful of or intimidated by the counsel.
(18)
ii.Mode of questioning:
- The court shall exercise control over the questioning of children so as to
(1) facilitate the ascertainment of the truth,
(2) ensure that questions are stated in a form appropriate to the
developmental level of the child,
(3) protect children from harassment or undue embarrassment, and
(4) avoid waste of time.
- The court may allow the child witness to testify in a narrative form.
iii. Questions and objections thereto
leading questions in all stages of examination of a child may be allowed if the
same will further the interests of justice (20)

Objections to questions should be couched in a manner so as not to mislead,

confuse, frighten, or intimidate the child. (21)
j. Weight given to testimony of child witness: strong; corroboration not required -
His testimony, if credible by itself, shall be sufficient to support a finding of fact,
conclusion, or judgment subject to the standard of proof required in criminal and
non-criminal cases. (22)

IV. Questions of Admissibility

C. Hearsay Exception in Child Abuse Cases (28)
Where admitted: child abuse cases, criminal or non-criminal
How admitted:
1) Before such hearsay statement may be admitted, its proponent shall make known to the
adverse party the intention to offer such statement and its particulars to provide him a
fair opportunity to object.
a. Child is available
The court shall, upon motion of the adverse party, require the child to be
present at the presentation of the hearsay statement for cross-examination
by the adverse party.
b. Child is unavailable
the fact of such circumstance must be proved by the proponent.
When unavailable:
(1)Is deceased, suffers from physical infirmity, lack of memory,
mental illness, or will be exposed to severe psychological injury; or
(2)Is absent from the hearing and the proponent of his statement
has been unable to procure his attendance by process or other reasonable
means.
When the child witness is unavailable, his hearsay testimony shall be
admitted only if corroborated by other admissible evidence.
2) In ruling on the admissibility of such hearsay statement, the court shall consider the
time, content and circumstances thereof which provide sufficient indicia of reliability. It
shall consider the following factors:
c. Whether there is a motive to lie;
d. The general character of the declarant child;
e. Whether more than one person heard the statement;
f. Whether the statement was spontaneous;
g. The timing of the statement and the relationship between the declarant child and
witness;
h. Cross-examination could not show the lack of knowledge of the declarant child;
i. The possibility of faulty recollection of the declarant child is remote; and
j. The circumstances surrounding the statement are such that there is no reason to
suppose the declarant child misrepresented the involvement of the accused.
hlp2009 Page 48 9/26/201748

D. Videotaped and audiotaped in-depth investigative or disclosure interviews in child abuse

cases (29)
When admissible:
1 The child witness -
(1)Is deceased, suffers from physical infirmity, lack of memory, mental illness, or
will be exposed to severe psychological injury; or
(2)Is absent from the hearing and the proponent of his statement has been unable
to procure his attendance by process or other reasonable means.
2 Before the videotape or audiotape is offered in evidence, all parties shall be afforded
an opportunity to view or listen to it and shall be furnished a copy of a written
transcript of the proceedings.
By whom conducted:
duly trained members of a multidisciplinary team or representatives of law
enforcement or child protective services in situations where child abuse is suspected so as to
determine whether child abuse occurred.
individual conducting the interview of the child shall be available at trial for
examination by any party.
Proof of the following must be given by party offering the videotape or audiotape:
(1)The videotape or audiotape discloses the identity of all individuals present and at all
times includes their images and voices;
(2)The statement was not made in response to questioning calculated to lead the child to
make a particular statement or is clearly shown to be the statement of the child and not the
product of improper suggestion;
(3)The videotape and audiotape machine or device was capable of recording testimony;
(4)The person operating the device was competent to operate it;
(5)The videotape or audiotape is authentic and correct; and
(6)It has been duly preserved.
Value of an investigative interview that was not done as required in this Rule: The fact that
an investigative interview is not videotaped or audiotaped as required by this section shall
not by itself constitute a basis to exclude from evidence out-of-court statements or
testimony of the child. It may, however, be considered in determining the reliability of the
statements of the child describing abuse.

E. Sexual abuse shield rule

Inadmissible evidence in any criminal proceeding involving alleged child sexual abuse:
(1) Evidence offered to prove that the alleged victim engaged in other sexual behavior;
and
(2) Evidence offered to prove the sexual predisposition of the alleged victim.
When admissible: Evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the alleged
victim to prove that a person other than the accused was the source of semen,
injury, or other physical evidence shall be admissible.
How admitted:
1. A party intending to offer such evidence must:
(1) File a written motion at least 15 days before trial, specifically describing
the evidence and stating the purpose for which it is offered, unless the court,
for good cause, requires a different time for filing or permits filing during trial;
and
(2) Serve the motion on all parties and the guardian ad litem at least 3 days
before the hearing of the motion.
 hlp2009 Page 49 9/26/201749

2. Before admitting such evidence, the court must conduct a hearing in chambers
and afford the child, his guardian ad litem, the parties, and their counsel a right to
attend and be heard. The motion and the record of the hearing must be sealed and
remain under seal and protected by a protective order set forth in section 31(b).
The child shall not be required to testify at the hearing in chambers except with his
consent.

V. Other protective measures for the child (31)

F. Confidentiality of records.
When records may be released: upon written request and order of the court
To whom may be released:
(1) Members of the court staff for administrative use;
(2) The prosecuting attorney;
(3) Defense counsel;
(4) The guardian ad litem;
(5) Agents of investigating law enforcement agencies; and
(6) Other persons as determined by the court.
G. Protective order
What are covered: Any videotape or audiotape of a child that is part of the court record
Provisos of the protective order:
(1) Tapes may be viewed only by parties, their counsel, their expert witness, and the
guardian ad litem.
(2) No tape, or any portion thereof, shall be divulged by any person mentioned in sub-
section (a) to any other person, except as necessary for the trial.
(3) No person shall be granted access to the tape, its transcription or any part thereof
unless he signs a written affirmation that he has received and read a copy of the protective
order; that he submits to the jurisdiction of the court with respect to the protective order; and
that in case of violation thereof, he will be subject to the contempt power of the court.
(4) Each of the tape cassettes and transcripts thereof made available to the parties, their
counsel, and respective agents shall bear the following cautionary notice:
This object or document and the contents thereof are subject to a
protective order issued by the court in (case title), (case number). They
shall not be examined, inspected, read, viewed, or copied by any person, or
disclosed to any person, except as provided in the protective order. No
additional copies of the tape or any of its portion shall be made, given, sold, or
shown to any person without prior court order. Any person violating such
protective order is subject to the contempt power of the court and other
penalties prescribed by law.
(5) No tape shall be given, loaned, sold, or shown to any person except as ordered by the
court.
(6) Within 30 days from receipt, all copies of the tape and any transcripts thereof shall be
returned to the clerk of court for safekeeping unless the period is extended by the court on
motion of a party.
(7) This protective order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of the
court.
H. Additional protective orders. The court may, motu proprio or on motion of any party, the
child, his parents, legal guardian, or the guardian ad litem, issue additional orders to protect the
privacy of the child.
I. Publication of identity contemptuous.
What is prohibited: Publication or causing publication in any format the name, address,
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telephone number, school, or other identifying information of a child who is or is alleged to be a

victim or accused of a crime or a witness thereof, or an immediate family of the child
Liability of violator: contempt of court
J. Physical safety of child; exclusion of evidence.
A child has a right at any court proceeding not to testify regarding personal identifying
information, including his name, address, telephone number, school, and other information that
could endanger his physical safety or his family.
The court may, however, require the child to testify regarding personal identifying information in
the interest of justice.
K. Destruction of videotapes and audiotapes produced under the provisions of this Rule or otherwise
made part of the court record shall be destroyed after 5 years have elapsed from the date of
entry of judgment.
L. Records of youthful offender: privileged
1. Youthful offender has been charged before any city or provincial prosecutor or before any
municipal judge and the charges have been ordered dropped
All the records of the case shall be considered as privileged and may not be
disclosed directly or indirectly to anyone for any purpose whatsoever.
2. Youthful offender has been charged and the court acquits him, or dismisses the case or
commits him to an institution and subsequently releases him pursuant to Chapter 3 of P. D.
No. 603,
All the records of his case shall also be considered as privileged and may not be
disclosed directly or indirectly to anyone EXCEPT to determine if a defendant may
have his sentence suspended under Article 192 of P. D. No. 603 or if he may be
granted probation under the provisions of P. D. No. 968 or to enforce his civil
liability, if said liability has been imposed in the criminal action.
The youthful offender concerned shall not be held under any provision of law to be
guilty of perjury or of concealment or misrepresentation by reason of his failure to
acknowledge the case or recite any fact related thereto in response to any inquiry
made to him for any purpose.
VI. Suppletory application of Rules of Court: The provisions of the Rules of Court on deposition,
conditional examination of witnesses, and evidence shall be applied in a suppletory character.
(32)

Authentication and Proof of Documents

1. Classes of Documents
1.1 Public Documents Rule 132, Sec. 19
1.1.1-A Written official acts of the sovereign authority, official bodies and tribunals, and public
officers, whether of the Philippines or of a foreign country;
- How Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 23
- Documents consisting of entries in public records made in the performance of a duty by a public
officer are prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated. All other public documents are evidence,
even against a third person of the fact which gave rise to their execution and of the date of the
latter.

1.1.1-B Records of the official acts of the sovereign authority, official bodies and tribunals, and public
officers, whether of the Philippines or of a foreign country.
- How Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 24
- The record may be evidenced by: (1) an official publication thereof; (2) a copy attested by the
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officer having the legal custody of the record, or by his deputy, and accompanied, if the record is not
kept in the Philippines, with a certificate that such officer has the custody.
If the record is in a foreign country, the certificate may be made by a secretary of the embassy or
legation, consul-general, consul, vice-consul, or consular agent or by any officer in the foreign
service of the Philippines stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept, and
authenticated by the seal of his office.

*Contents of Attestation = Rule 132, Sec 25

- The attestation must state that the copy is a correct copy of the original or a specific part thereof,
as the case may be. The attestation must be under the official seal of the attesting officer, if there
be any, or if he be the clerk of a court having a seal, under the seal of such court.

- Irremovability of Record = Rule 132, Sec. 26

- Any public record, an official copy of which is admissible in evidence, must not be removed from
the office in which it is kept, except upon order of a court where the inspection of the record is
essential to the just determination of a pending case.

1.1.2 Notarial Documents except last wills and testaments;

- How Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 30
- Notarial documents may be presented in evidence without further proof, the certificate of
acknowledgment being prima facie evidence of the execution of the instrument or document
involved.

1.1.3 Public Records (kept in the Philippines) of Private Documents required by law to be entered
therein
- How Proven = Sec. 27
- Such may be proved by the original record, or a copy thereof, attested by the legal custodian of
the record, with an appropriate certificate that such officer has the custody.
- Proof of Lack of Record = Sec. 28
A written statement signed by an officer having the custody of an official record or by his deputy that
after diligent search, no record or entry of a specified tenor is found to exist in the records of his
office, accompanied by a certificate that such officer has the custody, is admissible to prove that the
records of his office contain no such record or entry.

1.2 Private Documents

- How Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 20
Before any private document offered as authentic is received in evidence, its due execution and
authenticity must be proved either: (1) by anyone who say the document executed or written; or
(2) by evidence of the genuineness of the signature or handwriting of the maker. Any other private
document need only be identified as that which it is claimed to be.
- Ancient Document Rule = Rule 132, Sec. 21
Requisites: (1) The private document is more than 30 years old; (2) It is produced from a custody
in which it would naturally be found if genuine; (3) It is unblemished by any alterations or
circumstances of suspicion.

If all requisites have been met, no other evidence of its authenticity is required.

1. How Genuineness of Handwriting is Proven = Rule 132, Sec. 22

It may be proved by any witness who believes it to be the handwriting of such person because he
has seen the person write, or has seen writing purporting to be his upon which the witness has acted
or been charged, and has thus acquired knowledge of the handwriting of such person.
Evidence respecting the handwriting may also be given by a comparison made by the witness or the
court, with writings admitted or treated as genuine by the party against whom the evidence is
offered, or proved to be genuine to the satisfaction of the judge.
2. Impeachment of Judicial Record Rule 132, Sec. 29
How done By evidence of (a) want of jurisdiction in the court or judicial officer; (b) collusion
 hlp2009 Page 52 9/26/201752

between the parties; or (c) fraud in the party offering the record, in respect to the proceedings.
3. Alterations Rule 132, Sec. 31
- The party producing a document as genuine, which has been altered and appears to have been
altered after its execution, in a part material to the question in dispute, must account for the
alteration. Failure to do so would result in the inadmissibility of evidence.
- He may show that the alteration was made
f) by another,
g) without his concurrence, or
h) made with the consent of the parties affected by it, or
i) was otherwise properly or innocent made, or
j) The alteration did not change the meaning or language of the instrument.

Seal Rule 132, Sec. 32

- There shall be no difference between sealed and unsealed private documents insofar as their
admissibility as evidence is concerned.

Documents Written in an Unofficial Language Rule 132, Sec.33

- Not admissible unless accompanied with a translation into English or Filipino; parties or their
attorneys are directed to have such translation prepared before trial.

IS THERE ANY WAY TO AVOID THE TEDIOUS PROCESS OF AUTHENTICATION?

1. Rule on actionable documents (Rule 8). It provides that if an actionable document is the basis of a
complaint of an answer, the law requires that it should be annexed to the pleading or that the
contents thereof be copied in verbatim. If there is failure to specifically deny under oath the
genuineness and due execution of an actionable document that judicial admission will take the place
of authentication
2. Mode of discovery- Request for admission of the genuineness and due execution of a private
writing. Failure to object within 15 days, deemed admitted.
3. Pre-trial of civil and criminal case wherein parties may enter into stipulations, where they will
admit the genuineness and due execution of the private writing.

Offer and Objection

1. Offer of Evidence Rule 132, Sec, 34
1 Why made?
- For evidence to be considered by the court - court shall consider no evidence, which has not been
formally offered.
1.1 When to make offer Rule 132, Sec. 35
- Testimonial Evidence = at the time the witness is called to testify.
- Documentary Evidence = after the presentation of a partys testimonial evidence; offer shall be
done orally unless allowed by the court to be done in writing.

When evidence admitted even if not formally offered:

1. The same must have been duly identified by testimony duly recorded
2. The same must have been incorporated to the records of the case (Mata Vda. De Onate vs. CA)

STAGES in the presentation of documentary evidence

1. Identification- proof that the document being offered is the same one referred to by the witness in
his testimony
2. Marking
3. Authentication- proof of documents due execution and genuineness
4. Inspection
5. Formal Offer
6. Objections

2. Objection - Rule 132, Sec. 36

- Testimonial Evidence = must be objected to immediately after the offer is made.
 hlp2009 Page 53 9/26/201753

= Objection to a question propounded in the course of the oral examination of a witness shall be
made as soon as the grounds therefore shall become reasonably apparent.

- Documentary Evidence = shall be objected to within 3 days after notice of the offer unless a
different period is allowed by the court.

Kinds of Objection
1. General or broadside- does not go beyond declaring the evidence as immaterial, incompetent,
irrelevant, or inadmissible. Does not specify the grounds
2. Specific- States the ground

- When repetition is unnecessary Rule 132, Sec. 37 (Rule on Continuing Objection)

It shall not be necessary to repeat the objection when it becomes reasonably apparent in the course
of the examination of a witness that the questions being propounded are of the same class as those
to which objection has been made, whether such objection was sustained or overruled. It shall be
sufficient for the adverse party to record his continuing objection to such class of questions.

- Ruling Rule 132, Sec. 38

= Given immediately after the objection is made, unless the court desires to take a reasonable time
to inform itself on the question presented; but the ruling shall always be made during the trial and at
such time as will give the party against whom it is made an opportunity to meet the situation
presented by the ruling.
= The reason for sustaining or overruling an objection need not be stated. However, if the objection
is based on two or more grounds, a ruling sustaining the objection on one or some of them must
specify the ground or grounds relied upon.

3. Motion to Strike Rule 132, Sec. 39

- The court may sustain an objection and order the answer given to be stricken off the record should
a witness answer the question before the adverse party had the opportunity to voice fully its
objection and such objection is found to be meritorious.
- The court may also, upon proper motion, order the striking out of answers, which are incompetent,
irrelevant or otherwise improper.

4. Tender of Excluded Evidence Rule 132, Sec. 40

- Documentary evidence the offeror may have the same attached or made part of the record.
- Testimonial evidence the offeror may state for the record the name and other personal
circumstances of the witness and the substance of the proposed testimony.
There is a distinction between identification of documentary evidence and its formal offer as
an exhibit. The former is done in the course of the trial and is accompanied by the marking of the
evidence while the latter is done only when the party rests his/her case. That a document has been
identified does not mean that it will be offered. (Interpacific Transit vs. Aviles, 1990)
While there was no offer of the testimony, petitioner waived this defect by failing to object
when the ground became reasonably apparent the moment private respondent was called to testify
without any prior offer having been made. (Catuira vs. CA, 1994)
The rule requiring that there must be a formal offer of evidence before the evidence can be
considered may be relaxed provided the evidence must have duly identified by testimony duly
recorded and they must have been incorporated in the records of the case. (Vda. De Oate vs. CA,
1995)

OFFER OF PROOF/TENDER OF EXCLUDED EVIDENCE vs. OFFER OF EVIDENCE

First, is only resorted to if admission is refused by the court for purposes of review on appeal.
Second, refers to testimonial, documentary or object evidence that are presented or offered in court
by a party so that the court can consider his evidence when it comes to the preparation of the
decision.
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VIII. Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence

A. Required Quantum of Evidence
1. Preponderance of Evidence (Civil Cases) Rule 133, Sec. 1
- How determined? The court may consider:
= All the facts and circumstances of the case;
= The witnesses manner of testifying;
= Their intelligence;
= Their means and opportunity of knowing the facts to which they testify;
= The probability or improbability of their testimony;
= Their interest or want of interest;
= Personal credibility so far as the same may legitimately appear upon the trial;
= Number of witnesses (note preponderance that is not necessarily equated with the no. of
witnesses)

2. Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt (Criminal Cases) Rule 133, Sec. 2

- What is proof beyond reasonable doubt?
= That degree of proof which produces conviction in an unprejudiced mind.
= Absolute certainty is not required, only moral certainty.

3. Substantial Evidence (Administrative/Quasi-Judicial Cases) Rule133, Sec. 5

- What is substantial evidence? The amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might
accept as adequate to support a conclusion.

B. Extrajudicial Confessions Rule 133, Sec. 3

- An extrajudicial confession made by an accused, is not a sufficient ground for conviction UNLESS
corroborated by evidence of corpus delicti.

C. Circumstantial Evidence Rule 133, Sec. 4

- Requisites for circumstantial evidence to be sufficient for conviction:
a. There is more than 1 circumstance;
b. The facts from which the inferences are derived are proven; and
c. The combination of all the circumstances is such as to produce a conviction beyond reasonable
doubt.

OUT-OF-COURT IDENTIFICATION, THE TOTALITY OF CIRCUMSTANCE TEST

1. Witness opportunity to view the criminal act at the time of the crime
2. Witness degree of attention at that time
3. The accuracy of any prior description given by the witness
4. The level of certainty demonstrated by the witness at the identification
5. The length of time between the crime and the identification
6. The suggestiveness of the identification procedure

res ipsa loquitur (The thing speaks for itself)- A procedural device which presumes that the
person is negligent, when he is in control of an instrumentality causing an injury in the absence of
some explanation by him.

Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus (False in one thing, false in everything)- If the testimony of
the witness on a material issue is willfully false and given with an intention to deceive, court may
disregard all the witness testimony. (Not a mandatory rule of evidence)
- It deals only with the weight of evidence and not a positive rule of law
- The witnesses false or exaggerated statements on other matters shall not preclude the
acceptance of such evidence as is relieved from any sign of falsehood
- The court may accept and reject portions of the witness testimony depending on the
inherent credibility thereof.
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*May the court stop the introduction of further testimony? YES upon any particular point when the
evidence upon it is already so full that more witnesses to the same point cannot be reasonably
expected to be additionally persuasive; this power should be exercised with caution. (Rule 133,
Section 6)

*How will the court dispose of a motion which is based on facts not appearing of record? Court may
hear the matter on
- Affidavits or
- Depositions
presented by the respective parties but the court may direct that the matter be heard wholly or
partly on oral testimony or depositions. (Rule 133, Section 7)

Examples of motion which need hearing hence the presentation of evidence:

CRIMINAL CASES:
Motion for bail (Under Criminal Procedure, the evidence taken up during the hearing of the
motion will form part automatically of the records of the case, so there is no need to repeat in the
trial what have been covered in the hearing of the motion)

CIVIL CASES:
Application for preliminary attachment/injunction
Motion to dismiss founded on certain facts which are not solely predicated on absence of
jurisdiction or failure to state a COA, i.e. it is predicated on the ground of payment
(Same with Criminal Case, evidence taken up during hearing made part automatically of records of
the case)

Rules on Electronic Evidence

Scope
Unless otherwise provided herein, these Rules shall apply whenever an electronic document or
electronic data message (R1, 1)

Cases covered.
All civil actions and proceedings, as well as quasi-judicial and administrative cases. (R1, 2)

Electronic data message

Information generated, sent, received or stored by electronic, optical or similar means. (R2, 1g)

Electronic Signatures (R2, 1j)

Refers to any distinctive mark, characteristic and/or sound in electronic form, representing the
identity of a person and attached to or logically associated with the electronic data message or
electronic document or any methodology or procedure employed or adopted by a person and
executed or adopted by such person with the intention of authenticating, signing or approving an
electronic data message or electronic document.

Includes digital signatures

o Refers to an electronic signature consisting of a transformation of an electronic document or
an electronic data message using an asymmetric or public cryptosystem such that a person
having the initial untransformed electronic document and the signers public key can
accurately determine:
(i) Whether the transformation was created using the private key that corresponds to the
signers public key; and,
(ii) Whether the initial electronic document had been altered after the transformation was
made. (R2, 1e)
o Digitally signed refers to an electronic document or electronic data message bearing a
digital signature verified by the public key listed in a certificate. (R2, 1f)
 hlp2009 Page 56 9/26/201756

Admissible in evidence as the functional equivalent of the signature of a person on a written

document. (R6, 1)

How authenticated? (R6, 2)

1. By evidence that a method or process was utilized to establish a digital signature and verify
the same;
2. By any other means provided by law; or
3. By any other means satisfactory to the judge as establishing the genuineness of the
electronic signature.

Disputable presumptions relating to e-signatures: (R6, 3)

1. The electronic signature is that of the person to whom it correlates;
2. The electronic signature was affixed by that person with the intention of authenticating or
approving the electronic document to which it is related or to indicate such persons consent
to the transaction embodied therein; and
3. The methods or processes utilized to affix or verify the electronic signature operated without
error or fault.

Disputable presumptions relating to digital signatures: (R6, 4)

1. The information contained in a certificate is correct;
2. The digital signature was created during the operational period of a certificate;
3. No cause exists to render a certificate invalid or revocable;
4. The message associated with a digital signature has not been altered from the time it was
signed; and,
5. A certificate had been issued by the certification authority indicated therein.

Electronic document (R2, 1h)

Information or the representation of information, data, figures, symbols or other modes of written
expression, described or however represented,
by which a right is established or an obligation extinguished, or
by which a fact may be proved and affirmed,
which is received, recorded, transmitted, stored, processed, retrieved or produced electronically.

Includes digitally signed documents and any printout or output, readable by sight or other means,
which accurately reflects the electronic data message or electronic document. For purposes of these
Rules, the term electronic document may be used interchangeably with electronic data message.

Functional equivalent of paper-based documents. (R3, 1)

Admissible in evidence if it complies with the rules on admissibility prescribed by the Rules of Court
and related laws and is authenticated in the manner prescribed by these Rules. (R3, 2)

Confidential character of a privileged communication is not lost solely on the ground that it is in the
form of an electronic document. (R3, 3)

BEST EVIDENCE RULE: (R4)

o An electronic document shall be regarded as the equivalent of an original document under
the Best Evidence Rule if it is a printout or output readable by sight or other means, shown
to reflect the data accurately.
o Originals And Copies:
When copies or duplicates regarded as originals:
1. When a document is in two or more copies executed at or about the same time with
identical contents, or
2. Is a counterpart produced by the same impression as the original, or from the same
matrix, or by mechanical or electronic re-recording, or by chemical reproduction, or
by other equivalent techniques that accurately reproduces the original.
When copies or duplicates shall not be admissible to the same extent as the original:
 hlp2009 Page 57 9/26/201757

3. If a genuine question is raised as to the authenticity of the original; or

4. If in the circumstances it would be unjust or inequitable to admit the copy in lieu of
the original.
Authentication of Electronic Documents (R5)
1 Burden of proving authenticity: person seeking to introduce an electronic document in any
legal proceeding has the burden of proving its authenticity.
2 Manner of authentication Before any private electronic document offered as authentic is
received in evidence, its authenticity must be proved by any of the following means:
(a) by evidence that it had been digitally signed by the person purported to have signed the
same;
(b) by evidence that other appropriate security procedures or devices as may be authorized
by the Supreme Court or by law for authentication of electronic documents were applied
to the document; or
(c) by other evidence showing its integrity and reliability to the satisfaction of the judge.
3 A document electronically notarized in accordance with the rules promulgated by the
Supreme Court shall be considered as a public document and proved as a notarial document
under the Rules of Court.

Evidentiary Weight Of Electronic Documents (R7)

> Factors for assessing evidentiary weight.
(a) The reliability of the manner or method in which it was generated, stored or communicated,
including but not limited to input and output procedures, controls, tests and checks for
accuracy and reliability of the electronic data message or document, in the light of all the
circumstances as well as any relevant agreement;
(b) The reliability of the manner in which its originator was identified;
(c) The integrity of the information and communication system in which it is recorded or stored,
including but not limited to the hardware and computer programs or software used as well as
programming errors;
(d) The familiarity of the witness or the person who made the entry with the communication and
information system;
(e) The nature and quality of the information which went into the communication and
information system upon which the electronic data message or electronic document was
based; or
(f) Other factors which the court may consider as affecting the accuracy or integrity of the
electronic document or electronic data message.
> Integrity of an information and communication system. In any dispute involving the integrity of
the information and communication system in which an electronic document or electronic data
message is recorded or stored, the court may consider, among others, the following factors:
(a) Whether the information and communication system or other similar device was operated in
a manner that did not affect the integrity of the electronic document, and there are no other
reasonable grounds to doubt the integrity of the information and communication system;
(b) Whether the electronic document was recorded or stored by a party to the proceedings with
interest adverse to that of the party using it; or
(c)Whether the electronic document was recorded or stored in the usual and ordinary course of
business by a person who is not a party to the proceedings and who did not act under the
control of the party using it.

Hearsay rule exception: A memorandum, report, record or data compilation of acts, events,
conditions, opinions, or diagnoses, made by electronic, optical or other similar means at or near the
time of or from transmission or supply of information by a person with knowledge thereof, and kept
in the regular course or conduct of a business activity, and such was the regular practice to make
the memorandum, report, record, or data compilation by electronic, optical or similar means, all of
which are shown by the testimony of the custodian or other qualified witnesses. (R8, 1)
This presumption may be overcome by evidence of the untrustworthiness of the source of
information or the method or circumstances of the preparation, transmission or storage thereof.
(R8, 2)
 hlp2009 Page 58 9/26/201758

How are matters relating to the admissibility and evidentiary weight of an electronic
document established? (R9)
o by an affidavit stating facts of direct personal knowledge of the affiant or based on
authentic records.
The affidavit must affirmatively show the competence of the affiant to testify on the
matters contained therein.
The affiant shall be made to affirm the contents of the affidavit in open court and may be
cross-examined as a matter of right by the adverse party.

Examination Of Witnesses (R10)

Electronic testimony
1 After summarily hearing the parties pursuant to Rule 9 of these Rules, the court may
authorize the presentation of testimonial evidence by electronic means. Before so
authorizing, the court shall determine the necessity for such presentation and prescribe
terms and conditions as may be necessary under the circumstances, including the
protection of the rights of the parties and witnesses concerned.
2 When examination of a witness is done electronically, the entire proceedings, including
the questions and answers, shall be transcribed by a stenographer, steno typist or other
recorder authorized for the purpose, who shall certify as correct the transcript done by
him. The transcript should reflect the fact that the proceedings, either in whole or in
part, had been electronically recorded.
3 The electronic evidence and recording thereof as well as the stenographic notes shall
form part of the record of the case. Such transcript and recording shall be deemed
prima facie evidence of such proceedings.

Ephemeral electronic communication

1 Refers to telephone conversations, text messages, chatroom sessions, streaming audio,
streaming video, and other electronic forms of communication the evidence of which is not
recorded or retained. (R2, 1k)
2 Shall be proven by the testimony of a person who was a party to the same or has personal
knowledge thereof. In the absence or unavailability of such witnesses, other competent
evidence may be admitted. (R11, 2)

Audio, photographic and video evidence (R11, 1-2)

Audio, photographic and video evidence of events, acts or transactions shall be admissible provided
it shall be shown, presented or displayed to the court and shall be identified, explained or
authenticated by the person who made the recording or by some other person competent to testify
on the accuracy thereof.
o Same rule covers a recording of the telephone conversation or ephemeral electronic
communication shall be covered by the immediately preceding section.

If ephemeral, audio, photographic and video evidence are recorded or embodied in an electronic
document, then the provisions authentication electronic documents apply. (R11, 2)

RULE ON DNA EVIDENCE

(a) "Biological sample" means any organic material originating from a person's body, even if found
in inanimate objects, that is susceptible to DNA testing. This includes blood, saliva and other body
fluids, tissues, hairs and bones;

(b) "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the chain of molecules found in every nucleated
cell of the body. The totality of an individual's DNA is unique for the individual, except identical
twins;
 hlp2009 Page 59 9/26/201759

(c) "DNA evidence" constitutes the totality of the DNA profiles, results and other genetic
information directly generated from DNA testing of biological samples;

(d) "DNA profile" means genetic information derived from DNA testing of a biological sample
obtained from a person, which biological sample is clearly identifiable as originating from that
person;

(e) "DNA testing" means verified and credible scientific methods which include the extraction of
DNA from biological samples, the generation of DNA profiles and the comparison of the information
obtained from the DNA testing of biological samples for the purpose of determining, with reasonable
certainty, whether or not the DNA obtained from two or more distinct biological samples originates
from the same person (direct identification) or if the biological samples originate from related
persons (kinship analysis); and

(f) "Probability of Parentage" means the numerical estimate for the likelihood of parentage of a
putative parent compared with the probability of a random match of two unrelated individuals in a
given population.

Application for DNA Testing Order. The appropriate court may, at any time, either motu proprio
or on application of any person who has a legal interest in the matter in litigation, order a DNA
testing. Such order shall issue after due hearing and notice to the parties upon a showing of the
following:
(a) A biological sample exists that is relevant to the case;
(b) The biological sample:
(i) was not previously subjected to the type of DNA testing now requested; or
(ii) was previously subjected to DNA testing, but the results may require confirmation for
good reasons;
(c) The DNA testing uses a scientifically valid technique;
(d) The DNA testing has the scientific potential to produce new information that is relevant to the
proper resolution of the case; and chan robles virtual law library
(e) The existence of other factors, if any, which the court may consider as potentially affecting the
accuracy or integrity of the DNA testing.

This Rule shall not preclude a DNA testing, without need of a prior court order, at the behest of any
party, including law enforcement agencies, before a suit or proceeding is commenced.

An order granting the DNA testing shall be immediately executory and shall not be appealable.

Petition for certiorari shall not stay the implementation of order unless a higher court issues an
injunctive order.

Grant of a DNA testing application NOT an automatic admission of DNA evidence.

Post-conviction DNA testing may be available, without need of prior court order, to the prosecution
or any person convicted by final and executory judgment provided that
(a) a biological sample exists,
(b) such sample is relevant to the case, and
(c) the testing would probably result in the reversal or modification of the judgment of conviction.

Factors in Assessment of probative value of DNA evidence.

(a) The chain of custody, including how the biological samples were collected, how they were
handled, and the possibility of contamination of the samples;
(b) The DNA testing methodology, including the procedure followed in analyzing the samples, the
advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, and compliance with the scientifically valid
standards in conducting the tests;
(c) The forensic DNA laboratory, including accreditation by any reputable standards-setting
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institution and the qualification of the analyst who conducted the tests. If the laboratory is not
accredited, the relevant experience of the laboratory in forensic casework and credibility shall be
properly established; and
(d) The reliability of the testing result

FACTORS in evaluating the Reliability of DNA Testing Methodology.

(a) The falsifiability of the principles or methods used, that is, whether the theory or technique can
be and has been tested;
(b) The subjection to peer review and publication of the principles or methods;
(c) The general acceptance of the principles or methods by the relevant scientific community;
(d) The existence and maintenance of standards and controls to ensure the correctness of data
generated;
(e) The existence of an appropriate reference population database; and
(f) The general degree of confidence attributed to mathematical calculations used in comparing DNA
profiles and the significance and limitation of statistical calculations used in comparing DNA profiles.

FACTORS in Evaluation of DNA Testing Results.

(a) The evaluation of the weight of matching DNA evidence or the relevance of mismatching DNA
evidence;
(b) The results of the DNA testing in the light of the totality of the other evidence presented in the
case; and
(c) DNA results that exclude the putative parent from paternity shall be conclusive proof of non-
paternity. If the value of the Probability of Paternity is less than 99.9%, the results of the DNA
testing shall be considered as corroborative evidence. If the value of the Probability of Paternity is
99.9% or higher, there shall be a disputable presumption of paternity.

Remedy if the Results Are Favorable to the Convict.

The convict or the prosecution may file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in the court of origin.
In case the court, after due hearing, finds the petition to be meritorious, it shall reverse or modify
the judgment of conviction and order the release of the convict, unless continued detention is
justified for a lawful cause.

A similar petition may be filed either in the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, or with any
member of said courts, which may conduct a hearing thereon or remand the petition to the court of
origin and issue the appropriate orders.

RELEASE OF DNA results.

Through order of the court.
Shall only be released to any of the following, under such terms and conditions as may be set forth
by the court:

(a) Person from whom the sample was taken;

(b) Lawyers representing parties in the case or action where the DNA evidence is offered and
presented or sought to be offered and presented;
(c) Lawyers of private complainants in a criminal action;
(d) Duly authorized law enforcement agencies; and
(e) Other persons as determined by the court.

Indirect Contempt- to those who publishes or disclose the DNA results without proper court order

Preservation of DNA Evidence. The trial court shall preserve the DNA evidence in its totality,
including all biological samples, DNA profiles and results or other genetic information obtained from
DNA testing. For this purpose, the court may order the appropriate government agency to preserve
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the DNA evidence as follows:

(a) In criminal cases:

i. for not less than the period of time that any person is under trial for an offense; or
ii. in case the accused is serving sentence, until such time as the accused has served his sentence;
and

(b) In all other cases, until such time as the decision in the case where the DNA evidence was
introduced has become final and executory. chan robles virtual law library

Physical destruction of a biological sample before the expiration of the periods set forth
above, provided that:
(a) There is a court order or
(b) The person from whom the DNA sample was obtained has consented in writing to the disposal of
the DNA evidence.