PLEASECHECKTHATTHISSETCONTAINSFIFTEEN

(15)PAGES(INCLUDINGTHISPAGE).
WARNING:NOTFORSALEORUNAUTHORIZEDUSE
LEGALETHICSANDPRACTICALEXERCISES
1. Atty.GalingisaBartopnotcher.Hehasbeenteachingmajor
subjectsinalawschoolforeight(8)yearsandhasmastered
thesubjectsheishandling.IsheexemptfromtheMCLE
requirement?
a. No,eight(8)yearsexperienceisnotenough.
b. Yes,sincehehasmasteredwhatheishandling.
c. Yes,professorsoflawareexempted.
d. No,sinceheisnotyetaBarreviewer.
2. Atty.ReyhasbeenaprofessorintheLegalManagement
DepartmentofYUniversityforthirty(30)years.Heteaches
Constitution,ObligationandContracts,Insurance,
IntroductiontoLaw.IsheexemptedfromtheMCLE
requirement?
a. Yes,becausehisteachingexperienceisalreadymore
thanten(10)years.
b. No,becauseheisnotteachingintheCollegeofLaw.
c. Yes,becauseofhisfieldofknowledgeandexperience.
d. No,becauseYUniversityisnotaccredited.

3. ThetermofDeanRexofXCollegeofLawexpiredinthe
firstyearofthethirdcomplianceperiod.Doeshisexemption
extendtothefullextentofsaidcomplianceperiod?
a. No,hemustcomplywithalltheunitrequirements.
b. Yes,tothefullextent.
c. No,butcomplyproportionately.
d. Yes,buthemustapplyforexemption.
4. WhatisthedurationofMCLECompliancePeriod?
a. Twelve(12)months;
b. Twentyfour(24)months;
c. Thirtysix(36)months;
d. Eighteen(18)months.
5. Whendoescomplianceperiodbegin?
a. Whenthelawyeractuallybeginslawpractice;
b. Uponadmission/readmissiontotheBar;
c. 01October2009;
d. 01October2006.
6. DoestheMCLErequirementapplyatoncetoanewly
admittedlawyer?
a. Yes,ifadmittedtotheBarandtherearefour(4)more
monthsremainingofthecomplianceperiod.

b. No,waitforthenextcomplianceperiod.
c. Yes,ifhewillstartlawpracticeimmediately.
d. Yes,ifmorethanone(1)yearremainsofthe
complianceperiod.
7. WhatisthepurposeofMCLE?
a. Toconformwiththerequirementsofinternationallaw.
b. Toprovideavenuetoimprovefraternalrelations
amonglawyers.
c. Tokeepabreastwithlawandjurisprudenceandto
maintaintheethicalstandardsoftheprofession.
d. Tosupplementlegalknowledgeduetosubstandardlaw
schools.
8. Atty.AgawasappointedasTreasurerbytheIBPPresident
withtheapprovaloftheBoardofGovernorsforaterm
coterminouswiththatofthePresident.Ayearthereafter,
Atty.AgaranasBarangayChairmanoftheirplace,andtook
aleaveofabsencefortwo(2)weekstocampaign.MayAtty.
AgareassumeasTreasurerafterhisleaveofabsence?
a. Yes,sincehelostintheelection.
b. No,becausehewasdeemedresigneduponfilingofhis
certificateofcandidacy.
c. Yes,becausehispositionasTreasureriscoterminous
withthePresidentoftheIBP.

d. No,becauseheshouldfirstseektheapprovaloftheIBP
BoardofGovernorsbeforerunningasBrgy.Chairman.
9. Atty.MagtanggolofthePAOwasassignedtodefendXwho
isaccusedofSlightPhysicalInjurybeforetheMTCofafar
flungtown.Duringthetrial,P02Tulcoappearedincourton
behalfofthecomplainant.Atty.Magtanggolobjectedtohis
appearancesincethepolicemanisnotamemberoftheBar.
a. Theobjectionisvalid.Itshouldbethepublic
prosecutorwhoshouldprosecutethecriminalaction.
b. Atty.Magtanggolisjustafraidthathisclientmaybe
convictedthroughtheeffortsofanonlawyer.
c. Inthecourtsofamunicipality,apartymayconducthis
litigationinpersonorwiththeaidofanagentorfriend.
d. Ifapublicprosecutorisnotavailable,atleastaprivate
prosecutorwhomustbealawyershouldbedesignated.
10.
BongTupak,asecondyearlawstudent,waschargedin
theRTCforForcibleAbductionwithRape.Having
knowledgeofcriminallawandprocedure,hedismissedthe
counseldeoficioassignedandappearedforhimself.He
assertedthattherewaslackofforce.Eventually,theRTC
foundhimguiltyofConsentedAbductionandimposedthe
penalty.BongTupaknowassailsthedecision,sayingthat
therewasaviolationofdueprocessbecausehewasallowed
toappearbyhimselfandhedidnotknowthatConsented
Abductionisacrime.Decide.
a. AnaccusedbeforetheRTCmayopttodefendhimself
inpersonandhecannotfaultothersforhisdecision.

b. TheRTCshouldhaveappointedacounseldeoficioto
assisttheaccusedevenifnotsoughtorrequestedbythe
accused.
c. Therewasviolationofdueprocess.Thereisdisparity
betweentheexpertiseofapublicprosecutorandthe
inexperienceofa2ndyearlawstudent.
d. A2ndyearlawstudenthassufficientknowledgeof
criminallawandprocedure,hence,heiscompetentto
defendhimself.
11.
RTCJudgeBellwassoinfuriatedbytheconductof
Atty.Xwhoconvenientlyabsentshimselfwhenhisclients
donotpayhisappearancefeeinadvance.Atty.Xalsouses
disrespectfulandobscenelanguageinhispleadings..Atone
point,whenhiscasewascalledforhearing,Atty.Xdidnot
appearforhisclientalthoughhewasjustoutsidethedoorof
thecourtroom.JudgeBelldirectedtheclienttosummon
Atty.X,butthelatterrefused.JudgeBellthenissuedan
OrderdirectingAtty.Xtoexplainwhynodisciplinaryaction
shallbeimposedonhimforthismisconductbutherefused
thedirective.Decide.
a. RTCJudgeBellcansuspendAtty.Xfromthepractice
oflawbeforehissala.
b. ThecaseofAtty.Xcanbedismissedduetonon
appearanceofcounseleventhoughthepartywas
present.
c. Thehearingofthecaseshouldberescheduledinthe
interestofjustice.

d. Thecourtcanadmonishtheclientforthe
unprofessionalconductofhislawyerandaskhimto
changehislawyer.
12.
Debbie,topnotcheroftheirclass,isnowonher4thyear
lawstudiesandhasenrolledinthelegalaidclinicofthelaw
school.Shewasassignedtohandleadomesticviolenceand
supportcasefiledbytheirclientagainstherhusband.During
thehearing,theclinic'ssupervisingattorneyintroduced
DebbietotheBranchClerkofCourtandthenlefttooversee
anotherintern.Inthemidstoftheproceedings,opposing
counselobjectedtotheappearanceofDebbiebecausesheis
notyetalawyer.Decide.
a. Debbiecanproceedbecausethelawstudentpractice
ruleallowsastudentwhohasfinished3rdyearofthe
regularcoursetoappearwithoutcompensationbeforea
trialcourt.
b. Debbiecanproceedsincesheisappearingonlyduring
thetrialanddidnotsignthepleadings.
c. Debbiecannotproceedwithoutthepresenceoftheir
clinic'ssupervisingattorney.
d. Debbiehasprovenhercapabilitytohandlethecaseand
opposingcounselisobjectingonlynowbecausehe
mightlosetoalawstudent.
13.
Atty.QuisowastheretainedcounselforAlfaSecurity
Agencyandhandledallthecasesinvolvingthecompany.
Adam,theAssistantManageroftheagency,hiredAtty.
Quisowhenhewassuedinanejectmentcase.Later,Adam
wasfiredfromtheagency.Adamdidnotreturnavehicleand
so,Atty.Quisoascounselforthesecurityagencyfileda

replevinsuitAdammovedforAtty.Quiso'sdisqualification
consideringthattheejectmentcaseisstillpending.Isthere
conflictofinterest?
a. No,thecasesaretotallyunrelatedandthereisno
occasiontoundulyuseconfidentialinformation
acquiredfromonecaseintheother.
b. No,Atty.Quisoisdutyboundtohandlea!Icasesofhis
client,includingthereplevincaseagainstAdam.
c. Yes,proscriptionisagainstrepresentationofopposing
partieswhoarepresentclientsorinanunrelatedaction.
d. Yes,Atty.QuisomustwithdrawascounselforAdam,
otherwisehewilllosehisretainer
14.
Mr.Joseph,ownerofaninvestmenthouse,consulteda
friend,Atty.Miro,aboutapotentialcriminalact1onagainst
himbecausehecannotpayinvestorsduetotemporary
liquidityproblems.Atty.MiroaskedMr.Josephtotransferto
himallassetsofthefirmandhewilltakechargeofsettling
theclaimsandgettingquitclaims.Amonthlater,Mr.Joseph
wassurprisedtoreceiveademandletterfromAtty.Miro,as
counselforalltheclaimants,forthepaybackoftheir
investments.Afterawhile,Mr.Josephreceivedreleasesand
quitclaimsfromtheinvestors,withdesistancefromfiling
criminalactionagainsthim.Atty.MirolatertoldMr.Joseph
thathesentthedemandlettersohecanclaimattorney'sfee.
Wasthereaconflictofinterest?
a. No,therewasnoformalengagementofAtty.Miroas
counselforMr.Joseph.

b. Yes,bygivinglegaladvicetoMr.Joseph,thelatter
becameaclientofAtty.Miro.
c. No,thereisnoattorneyclientrelationshipbetweenMr.
JosephandAtty.Miroasnoattorney'sfeewascharged
norpaidtothelatter.
d. Yes,becauseAtty.MirowasrepresentingMr.Joseph
whenhedisposedtheassetstopayofftheclaims.
15.
Atty.GellypassedtheBar1n1975.Aftertakinghis
oath,hedidnotenlistinanyIBPchapterbecausehewentto
theUSAtopursueaMaster'sDegree.Eventually,hepassed
thestatebarandspecializedinlmmigrationlaw.In2005.he
returnedtothePhilippinesandwasbuttheIBPischarging
himfrom1975uptothepresentandthreateninghimwith
expulsionifhedoesnotcomply.IstheIBPcorrect?
a. Atty.GellycannotbecompelledtopaytheIBPdues
becausehewasnotengagedinthepracticeoflawfrom
19752005.
b. Atty.Gellyisexemptfrom19752005becausehewas
outofthecountry.
c. Atty.Gellyshouldpaytheduesfrom1975tothe
presentsincemembershipintheIBPiscompulsary.
d. Atty.Gellyshouldnotpaybecausetheruleonbar
integrationisunconstitutionalforcompellingalawyer
tojoinanassociation.
16.
Mr.Joeyownsa5hectareparceloflandwhichisbeing
expropriatedasmarketsite.Thegovernmentisofferingonly
Php15persqmwhileMr.JoeydeservesPhp20persqm.

Atty.AIagreedtorepresentMr.Joeyintheexpropriation
caseoncontingentbasisinthathisattorney'sfeesshallbethe
excessofPhp20persqm.Duetoexperthandling,the
expropriationcourtawardedMr.Joeythefairmarketvalue
ofPhp35persqm.Mr.Joeycomplainedtothecourtthatthe
attorney'sfeebeingchargedisexcessiveasitamountsto
about63/ooftheaward.Decide.
a. Aretainer'sagreement,asacontract,hastheforceof
lawbetweenthepartiesandmustbecompliedwithin
goodfaith.
b. Itwastheexcellenthandlingofthecasethatresultedin
abiggeraward;hence,itisfairthatAtty.AIshouldbe
rewardedwiththeexcess.
c. Mr.Joeygotthedesiredvaluationforhisland.So,he
musthonorhiscontractwithAtty.AI.
d. Attorney'sfeesisalwayssubjecttocourtsupervision
andmaybereducedbythecourtbasedonquantum
meruit.
17.
Atty.AtraswasthecounselforMr.Abante.Soonafter
thecasewassubmittedfordecision,Mr.Abantegotthefiles
andinformedAtty.Atrasthathewashiringanotherlawyer.
Onthatsameday,acopyofthedecisionwasreceivedby
Atty.Atrasbuthedidnotdoanythinganymore.Healso'
failedtofilehiswithdrawal,andnoappearancewasmadeby
thenewcounsel.WhenMr.Abantefoundoutaboutthe
adversedecision,theperiodtoappealhadlapsed.Was
servicetoAtty.Atraseffective?

a. Yes,Atty.Atrasisstillconsideredthecounselofrecord
untilhiswithdrawalofappearancehasbeenactually
filedandgranted.
b. ServiceshouldbedoneonMr.Abantebecausehehad
alreadyseveredlawyerclientrelationshipwithAtty.
Atras.
c. Serviceshouldbedoneonthenewcounselassoonas
heentershisappearance.
d. ServiceuponAtty.Atrasisnoteffectivebecausehis
serviceshavealreadybeenterminatedbytheclient.
18.
Atty.UtangborrowedfromYPhp300,000.00secured
byapostdatedcheck.Whenpresented,thecheckwas
dishonored.YfiledaBP22caseincourt,andadisbarment
complaintwiththeIBP.Inthelattercase,Atty.Utangmoved
fordismissalastheacthasnothingtodowithhisbeing.a
lawyerandthatitisprematurebecausethecaseispending
andheisentitledtopresumptionofinnocence.Shouldthe
disbarmentcomplaintbedismissed?
a. No,becauselawyersmaybedisciplinedforallacts,
whetherprofessionalorprivate.
b. Yes,thereisnoconvictionyet.
c. Yes,BP22doesnotinvolvemoralturpitude.
d. No,unlesshepaystheamountofthechecktothe
satisfactionofY.
19.
Atty.JuanCruzoftheCruz,CruzandCruzLawOffice
personallyhandledadamagecaseofMr.Gonzalowhich
resultedinanawardofPhp500,000.00.Thewritof

executionwasservedbySheriffOnoy,butresultedin
recoveryofonlyPhp70,000.00.Mr.Gonzalowasunsatisfied
andfiledanadministrativecomplaint.Wheninformed,
SheriffOnoyberatedandthreatenedMr.Gonzalo;andfor
this,theSheriffwaschargedwithGraveThreat.Atty.Pedro
CruzofthesameCruz,CiuzandCruzLawOfficeappeared
asdefensecounselprobono.Mr.Gonzaloseekshis
disqualification.Decide.
a. Noconflictofinterest.TheGraveThreatcasearoseout
ofadifferentfactualscenario.
b. ThereisconflictofinterestbecausebothAtty.Juan
CruzandAtty.PedroCruzbelongtoonelawoffice.
c. Noconflictofinterestsincethecourtcasewaswholly
handledbyAtty.JuanCruz.Thelawofficedidnot
participateinanyway.
d. Noconflictofinterest.Nolikelihoodthatinformation
inthecivilcasecanbeusedinthecriminalcase.
20.
Atty.Lorna,alegalofficerofagovernmentagency,
andChona,anurseinthemedicaldepartment,werebest
friends.Atonetime,ChonaconsultedAtty.Lornaabouta
legalmatter,revealingthatsheislivingwithamarriedman
andthatshehasachildoutofwedlockfatheredbyanother
man.Later,therelationbetweenAtty.LornaandChona
soured.WhenChonaappliedforpromotion,Atty.Lornafiled
immoralitychargesagainstChonautilizingsolelythe
disclosurebythelatterofherprivatelife.Chonaobjectedand
invokedconfidentialityofinformationfromattorneyclient
relationship.Decide.

a. Thereisnoattorneyclientrelationshipbecause,being
inthegovernment,Atty.Lornaisdisallowedfrom
practicingherprofession.
b. Nolawyerclientrelationshipprivilegebecausethe
informationwasgivenasafriend,andnotasalawyer.
c. PersonalsecretsrevealedtoAtty.Lornaforthepurpose
ofseekinglegal.adviceiscoveredbyattorneyclient
privilege.
d. Thereisnoattorneyclientrelationshipbecauseno
attorney'sfeewaspaidtoAtty.Lorna.
21.
Atty.NelsonrecentlypassedtheBarandwantedto
specializeinmarinelaborlaw.Hegaveoutcallingcardswith
hisname,addressandtelephonenumberinfront,andthe
followingwordsattheback:"Weprovidelegalassistanceto
overseasseamenwhoarerepatriatedduetoaccident,illness,
injury,ordeath.WealsoofferFINANCIALASSISTANCE."
Doesthisconstituteethicalmisconduct?
a. No,clientshavefreedomintheselectionoftheir
counsel.
b. No,useofaprofessionalcardisalawfulwayof
announcinghisservicesasaprofessional.
c. Yes,becausetheofferoffinancialassistanceisan
undignifiedwayofluringclients.
d. Yes,becausetheofferofassistanceisstatedatthe
back.
22.
Whichofthesedoesnotconstitutecompetentevidence
ofidentity?

a. Passport;
b. SSScard;
c. CommunityTaxCertificate;
d. SeniorCitizenCard.
23.
Arecoveryofownershipcomplaintwasfiledbythe
DedoandDedoLawFirm,throughAtty.JoseDedoas
counsel.Duringallthephasesoftrial,itwasAtty.JoseDedo
whoappeared.Unfortunately,Atty.JoseDedodiedbefore
completionoftrial.NoticesandorderssenttotheDedoand
DedoLawFirmwerereturnedtothecourtwiththe
manifestationthatAtty.Dedoalreadydiedandrequestingthe
courttodirectlysendthematterstotheclient.Isthisproper?
a. No,thelawfirmthroughanotherlawyershould
continuetoappearfortheclient.
b. Yes,becausethedeathofthehandlinglawyer
terminatestheattorneyclientrelationship.
c. Yes,becauseattorney'sfeeswasnotpaidtothelaw
firm.
d. No,itwillbeunjustfortheclienttopayanother
lawyer.
24.

Whichoftheseisnotagroundfordisbarment?
a. Convictionofacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude.
b. Belligerentdisobediencetoalawfulorderofatrial
court.

c. Malpracticeorothergrossmisconductinoffice.
d. Grosslyimmoralconduct.
25.

(unreadtext)

SupremeCourtarehandledby:
a. ClerkofCourtoftheSupremeCourt
b. Ombudsman
c. PresidingJusticeoftheCourtofAppeals
d. OfficeoftheCourtAdministrator
26.
Atty.AimeewasconvictedbyfinaljudgmentofEstafa
ThruFalsificationofaCommercialDocument,acrime
involvingmoralturpitude.Whatistheappropriatepenalty?
a. Disbarment
b. Indefinitesuspension
c. Suspensionforthree(3)years
d. Admonition
27.
DuringtheIBPChapterelections,thecandidatesfor
PresidentwereAtty.EJ,alaborarbiteroftheNLRC,Fiscal
RJoftheDOJandAtty.GaniofthePAO.Aftercanvass,
FiscalRJgarneredthehighestnumberofvotes,followedby
ArbiterEJandbyAtty.Gani.ThewinningVicePresident
movedfortheannulmentoftheelectionforPresident
becauseallthecandidatesforPresidentaregovernment
officialsandaredisqualified.Decide.

a. Theelectionforpresidencyisinvalid,andtheelected
VicePresidentshallassumethePresidencyby
succession.
b. Theelectionisafailure,andnewelectionsshouldbe
held.
c. FiscalRJandArbiterEJaredisqualified.Atty.Gani
shouldbedeclaredwinner.
d. Allthecandidateswhoaregovernmentofficialsare
deemedresignedupontheiracceptanceofnomination;
andso,FiscalRJiswinner.
28.
Atty.Edadisan85yearoldlawyer.Hedoesnot
practicelawanymore.However,hisIBPChaptercontinues
tosendhimnoticestopayhisIBPduesofmorethanten(1
0)yearswithwarningthatfailuretocomplywillresultinthe
removalofhisname.Piquedbythis,Atty.Edadfiledwith
theIBPSecretaryaswornletternotifyingthatheis
voluntarilyterminatinghismembershipwiththeIBP.Should
hebeallowed?
a. No,becausemembershipinIBPiscompulsoryforall
lawyers.
b. Yes,anerstwhileIBPmembermayterminatehis
membershipforgoodreasons.
c. No,thatisonlyaploytoevadepaymentofIBPdues.
d. Yes,itwillviolatehisrightnottojoinanassociation.
29.
WhoelectsthemembersoftheBoardofGovernorsof
theIBP?

a. ThePresidentsofallIBPChapters;
b. ThemembersatlargeoftheIBP;
c. TheHouseofDelegates;
d. ThePastPresidentsofallIBPchapters.
30.
WhoelectsthePresidentandVicePresidentofthe
IBP?
a. ThePresidentofallIBPChapters;
b. TheIBPmembersvotingatlarge;
c. TheBoardofGovernors;
d. TheoutgoingIBPofficers.
31.
Ajudgeorjudicialofficerisdisqualifiedtohearacase
beforehimwhereinapartyisrelatedtohimbyconsanguinity
oraffinity
a. uptothe6thdegree;
b. uptothe5thdegree;
c. uptothe4thdegree;
d. uptothe3rddegree.
32.
Ajudgeorjudicial.officershouldinhibithimselffrom
hearingacasebeforehimwherethecounselforeitherparty
isarelativebyconsanguinityoraffinity
a. uptothe3rddegree;

b. uptothe4thdegree;
c. uptothe5thdegree;
d. uptothe6thdegree.
33.
Victorhasbeenlegallyseparatedfromhiswife,Belen
forfifteen(15)years.Hehasfoundtrueloveandhappiness
withAmorandtheylivedtogetherashusbandandwife.
AmorconvincedVictortostudylawandgavehimfinancial
support.Recently,Victorpassedthe2011BarExaminations.
Uponknowingthis,BelenfiledacomplaintagainstVictor
forimmorality.ShouldVictorbeallowedtotakeoathasan
attorney?
a. Yes,hisrelationshipwithAmorisimbuedwithgenuine
loveandcannotbeconsideredimmoralandindecent.
b. Yes,legalseparationdoesnotallowthespousesto
remarry.
c. No,becauselegalseparationdoesnotdissolvethe
marriageand,therefore,Victor'srelationshipwith
Amorisstillconsideredillicit.
d. Yes,itistotallyunfairforBelentocomplainsincethey
havelivedseparatelives.
34.
JudgeNacypersonallywitnessedavehicularaccident
nearhishouse.Later,theRecklessImprudencecasewas
raffledtohissala.Isthereavalidgroundforhisinhibition?
a. No.heisnotacquaintednorrelatedwithanyofthe
partiesorlawyer.

b. No,hispersonalknowledgeofwhatactuallyhappened
willevenensurethathewilldecidethecasejustlyon
thebasisofthetruefacts.
c. Yes,becauseajudgeshoulddecideacaseonthebasis
oftheevidencepresentedbeforehimandnoton
extraneousmatters.
d. No,becausethereisnogroundfordisqualificationand
nomotionforinhibition.
35.
JudgeRamonobtainedatwo(2)yearcarloanfroma
financingcompany.Heneverpaidasingleamortization.
Afterthelapseoftwo(2)years,thefinancingcompanyfiled
anadministrativecomplaintagainstthejudgeforwillful
failuretopayajustdebt.Isthejudgeadministrativelyliable?
a. No,sincetheloanisnotconnectedwithhisjudicial
function.
b. Yes,becauseajudgeshouldavoidimproprietyorthe
appearanceofimproprietyeveninhisprivatedealings.
c. No,thefinancingcompanyshouldhaveavailedofthe
remedyofforeclosure.
d. No,becausetheadministrativechargeisonlymeantto
forcethejudgetopay.
36.
Bong,sonofJudgeRey,isafourthyearlawstudent.
Hehelpedhisfriendprepareanaffidavitcomplaintfor
ViolationofBatasPambansaBig.22.Afterdrafting,they
showedittoJudgeReywhomadesomecorrections.Later,
theBP22casewasraffledtoJudgeReywhotriedand
convictedtheaccused.Wasthereimpropriety?

a. Yes,sinceJudgeReywasnotafairandimpartialjudge.
b. No,theevidencefortheprosecutionwasstrongand
sufficienttoproveguiltbeyondreasonabledoubt.
c. No,becauseanyotherjudgewouldalsohaveconvicted
theaccused.
d. No,thosematterswerenotknowntotheaccused.
37.
Atty.Fredisalawpractitionerandheadedalawfirm
bearinghisnameandthoseofhispartners.WhenAtty.Fred
waselectedasCongressman,hisclient'sneedswerehandled
bytheotherpartners.Later,A,anewlyproclaimed
congressmanfriend,facedanelectionprotestbeforethe
HRET,andsoughtthehelpofCongressmanFredwho
immediatelydirectedhislawfirmtoappearforA.8,the
protestant,soughtthedisqualificationofCongressmanFred's
lawfirmfromappearingbeforetheHRETbecause
CongressmanFredisprohibitedfrompracticinghis
profession.Decide.
a. Yes,CongressmanFred'slawfirmisdisqualified
becauseCongressmanFredmayexerciseundue
influenceonhispeerswhoaremembersofHRET.
b. No,thelawfirmisnotdisqualifiedbecauseitisanother
partner,andnotCongressmanFredwhoisappearing.
c. No,theprohibitionisonCongressmanFredfrom
personallyappearing,andnottohispartners.
d. Yes,thespiritoftheprohibitionisclearlytoavoid
influenceandcannotbeindirectlycircumvented.

38.
ViceMayorRonisawelllovedlawpractitioner
becauseheassistshisconstituents,especiallytheindigents.
Ed,oneofhisfriendswhoisemployedasCashierinthe
RegisterofDeeds,soughthisassistancebecausehewas
chargedwithMalversationincourt.CanViceMayorRon
appearascounselofEd?
a. Yes,membersoftheSanggunianareallowedto
practicetheirprofession.
b. No,becauseEdischargedwithanoffenseinrelationto
hisoffice.
c. Yes,sincethepositionofEddoesnotpertaintothe
localgovernment.
d. No,becauseallcriminalcasesareagainstthe
government.
39.
Atty.NoewaselectedViceGovernorandcontinued
withhislawpractice.Later,thegovernorwentonsickleave
forone(1)yearandAtty.NoewasdesignatedasActing
Governor.Sincehearingshavealreadybeenset,canAtty.
Noecontinueappearingascounselinthecaseshandledby
him?
a. Yes,becausehiselectionisonlyasViceGovernor,and
hisdelegationasGovernorisonlytemporary.
b. Yes,butonlyforthehearingsthathavealreadybeen
set.
c. Yes,providedAtty.NoeseeksthepermissionofDILG.
d. No,allgovernorsevenunderactingcapacityare
prohibitedfromexercisingtheirprofession.

40.
Atty.DudeistheCOMELECOfficerinaverydistant
municipality.Heis.theonlylawyerinthatarea.When
electionperiodisover,hehasmuchsparetime.Manypeople
gotohimforcounseling,legaladvice,preparationof
documentsofSale,Mortgageandthelike.Hedoesnot
chargeafeeinmoney,buthereceivesgiftswhichare
offered.Isthereimpropriety?
a. Yes,givinglegaladviceandpreparinglegaldocuments,
eveniffree,constitutesprivatepracticeoflaw,whichis
prohibitedofgovernmentemployees.
b. No,itisonlygivingofadvices,andnotcourt
appearance.
c. Yes,becauseAtty.Dudeacceptsgifts.
d. No,sinceAtty.Dudedoesnotacceptmoney.
41.
Anotarypublicisrequiredtorecordchronologically
thenotarialactsthatheperformsinthe:
a. NotarialBook;
b. RollofDocumentsNotarized;
c. NotarialRegister;
d. NotarialLooseLeafsSheets.
42.
Apartytoacontractdoesnotknowhowtowrite.
Neithercanheaffixhisthumbmarkbecausebothhandswere
amputated.Howwillthatpersonexecutethecontract?
a. Askthepartytoaffixamarkusingthetoeofhisfootin
thepresenceofthenotarypublicandtwo(2)

disinterestedandunaffectedwitnessestothe
instrument.
b. Askthepartytoholdthepenwithhisteethandaffixa
+marktobefollowedbythesignatureofonefriend.
c. Thepartymayaskthenotarypublictosigninhis
behalf.
d. Noneoftheabove.
43.

ThereportsofaNotaryPublicaresubmittedtothe:
a. ExecutiveJudge;
b. CourtAdministrator;
c. NotarialArchives;
d. ClerkofCourt.

44.
Atty.Tonyisa25yearoldFilipinolawyer.Hehas
beenaresidentinParanaqueCityforaboutten(10)years
andholdsofficeinhisresidence.Hefiledapetitionfor
appointmentasNotaryPublicinParanaqueandhasclearance
fromtheIBPandtheBarConfidant.However,itappears
thatwhilestillacollegestudent,hewasconvictedbya
LagunaCourtforRecklessImprudenceResultinginDamage
toProperty.Duringthesummaryhearingofhispetition,the
offendedpartythereinstronglyobjectedonthatground.Can
Atty.Tonybeappointed?
a. No,becausehehasapreviouscriminalrecord.
b. No,becauseoftheopposition.

c. Yes,theoffenseofRecklessImprudencedoesnot
involvemoralturpitude.
d. Yes,sincetheRecklessImprudencecasedidnot
happeninthejurisdictionwhereAtty.Tonyisapplying.
45.
Whatistheeffectwhenthepartiestoadocument
acknowledgedbeforeanotarypublicdidnotpresent
competentevidenceofidentity?
a. Voidable;
b. Valid;
c. InvalidNotarization;
d. Unenforceable.
46.
Thepetitionforappointmentasanotarypublicshould
befiledwith:
a. TheOfficeoftheCourtAdministrator;
b. TheClerkofCourt;
c. TheMeTCExecutiveJudge;
d. TheRTCExecutiveJudge.
47.

Whatisaretaininglien?
a. Thelawyerwhohandledthecaseduringthetrialstage
shouldcontinuetoberetaineduptotheappeal.
b. Therightofthelawyertoberetainedascounselfora
partyuntiltheentirecaseisfinished.

c. Therightofalawyerwhoisdischargedorwithdrawn
tokeeptherecordsandpropertyoftheclientinhis
possessionuntilhislawfulserviceshavebeenpaid.
d. Theprerogativeofaclient'sretainertorecoveroutof
pocketexpenses.
48.
Forgravemisconduct,alawyerwassuspendedfrom
thepracticeoflawindefinitely.Ishestillobligedtopayhis
IBPduesduringhissuspension?
a. Yes,ashecontinuestobealawyerandamemberof
theIBP.
b. No,becauseindefinitesuspensionispractically
disbarment.
c. NoneedtopayIBPduesbecausehecannotpractice
anyway.
d. Payonlyaftertheliftingofthesuspension,ifitcomes.
49.
Becauseofhispoliticalbeliefs,Atty.Guerrajoineda
rebelgroup.Later,hewasapprehendedandchargedwith
Rebellionincourt.Adisbarmentcasewasalsofiledagainst
him.Whilethecasewaspending,thegovernmentapproveda
generalamnestyprogramandAtty.Guerraappliedforand
wasgrantedamnesty.Shouldthedisbarmentcasebealso
dismissedautomatically?
a. Yes,becauseamnestyobliteratesthecriminalact.
b. No,disciplinaryactiononlawyersaresuigenerisand
generalpenalprinciplesdonotstrictlyapply.

c. No,alawyerhasthedutytomaintainallegiancetothe
RepublicofthePhilippinesandtosupportthe
ConstitutionandobeythelawsofthePhilippines.
d. Yes,iftheSecretaryofJusticeapprovesthedismissal.
50.
SoonafterAtty.CesarpassedthePhilippineBarin
1975,healsotooktheNewYorkStateBarandpassedthe
same.Hepracticedlawfor25yearsintheUSA,buthewas
disbarredthereinforinsurancefraud.Hereturnedtothe
Philippinesandstartedtopracticelaw.X,whoknewabout
hisNewYorkdisbarment,filedadisbarmentcomplaintwith
theIBP.Decide.
a. ThefactualbasisfortheNewYorkdisbarmentwhichis
deceitalsoconstitutesagroundfordisbarmentinthe
Philippines.
b. Theactscomplainedofhappenedinaforeigncountry
andcannotbepenalizedhere.
c. Normsofethicalbehavioroflawyersarethesame
worldwide.
d. Alawyer'sfitnesstobecomealawyermustbe
maintainedwhereverhemaybe.
NOTHINGFOLLOWS
HANDINYOURANSWERSHEET.
THEREISNONEEDTORETURNTHIS
QUESTIONNAIRETOTHEHEADWATCHER.

2012BAREXAMINATIONS
LEGALETHICSANDPRACTICALEXERCISES
28October2012

2:30P.M.5:00P.M.
SetB
INSTRUCTIONS

ThefollowingquestionnaireconsistsofFIFTEEN(15)pages,
includingthispage.
Youarepresentedwithahypotheticalcasetrialscenarioplus
researchmaterials(provisionsoflawandjurisprudence)thatyou
maywanttouseinyourwork.Thesematerialsaredesignedto
providesufficientbasisforyourMemorandum.Butyouarefreeto
includesuchlaws,rulesandprinciplesnotprovidedthatyoufeel
willenhanceyourwork.Someofthesematerialsmaybe
irrelevant.Consequently,useyourjudgmentinwritingonlywhat
isrelevanttothepositionyoutake.
Youaregiventhreethings:(a)thecasetrialscenario,(b)aDraft
Padand(c)AnswerPad.Youarefreetojotnotesorplacehelpful
markingslikeunderlinesonthecasetrialscenarioandtheenclosed
materials.UsetheDraftPadformakingadraftofyour
Memorandumasthiswillpermityoutofreelyeditandrewrite
yourwork.Editingandrewritingareessentialtosound
MemorandumWriting.
Budgetyourtimewell.Thebellswillberungthreetimes.First
bellwillberungonehourbeforetheendoftheexamtosignalthe
needforyoutobegintransferringyourworktoyourAnswerPad.
Secondbellwillberung15minutesbeforetheendoftheexamto
allowyoutowrapupyourwork.Andthethirdbellwillberungto

signaltheendoftheexam.TheAnswerPadwillbecollected
whetheryouarefinishedornot.Thetimepressureispartofthe
exam.
Youmayprefertoskipthepreparationofadraftandwriteyour
MemorandumdirectlyonyourAnswerPad.Thatisallowed.
Qualityofwriting,notlength,isdesired.
CorrectionsevenonyourfinalMemorandumontheAnswerPad
areallowedandwillnotresultinanydeduction.Still,itisadvised
thatyouwriteclearly,legiblyandinanorderlymanner.
Youwillnotbegradedforatechnicallyrightorwrong
Memorandumbutforthequalityofyourlegaladvocacy.
Thetestisintendedtomeasureyourskillsin:
1.communicatinginEnglish20%;
2.sortingoutandextractingtherelevantfacts15%;
3.identifyingtheissueorissuespresented15%;and
4.constructingyourargumentsinsupportofyourpointofview
50%.
HANDINYOURANSWERPAD.THEREISNONEEDTO
RETURNTHEDRAFTPADANDTHISQUESTIONNAIRETO
THEHEADWATCHER.
GOODLUCK!!!
_____________________________________
MARTINS.VILLARAMA,JR.

Chairperson
2012BarExaminationsCommittee
PLEASECHECKTHATTHISSETCONTAINSFIFTEEN
(15)PAGESINCLUDINGTHESE(INSTRUCTIONS)
PAGES.
WARNING:NOTFORSALEORUNAUTHORIZEDUSE
LEGALETHICSANDPRACTICALEXERCISES
Mr.HenryChaoischargedbeforetheMetropolitanTrialCourt
(MeTC)Manilawithfive(5)countsofViolationofBatas
PambansaBig.22(B.P.22).Considerthefactualscenariofromthe
testimoniesofcomplainantMr.BenQueandaccusedMr.Henry
Chao.
AssumetobetheDefenseCounselandpreparea
MEMORANDUMFORTHEACCUSEDforyourclient,Mr.
HenryChao.
TestimonyofMr.BenQue
(Afterthecaseswerecalledforjointtrial)
P.Prosecutor:GoodMorning,YourHonor.Appearingforthe
prosecution.Ready.
D.Counsel:GoodMorning,YourHonor.Appearingascounsel
fortheaccused.Ready.
P.Prosecutor:Wearecallingtothewitnessstand,the
complainant,Mr.BenQue,whowillprovethecommissionofthe
offense.

CourtStaff:Mr.BenQue,doyousweartotellthetruth,the
wholetruthandnothingbutthetruthinthisproceeding?
Witness:Yes,sir.
CourtStaff:Stateyourname,age,statusandotherpersonal
circumstances.
Witness:IamBenQue,60yearsold,married,andaresidentof
123TridaloStreet,MandaluyongCity
P.Prosecutor:Mr.Que,doyouknowMr.HenryChaowhois
theaccusedinthiscaseand,ifso,underwhatcircumstances?
Witness:Yes,sir.HeistheManagerofAtlasParts.LastJune
01,2011,accusedborrowedfrommetheamountofP50,000.00,
with5/omonthlyinterest,payableinfive(5)equalmonthly
installmentsofP12,500.00.Hesaidthatthemoneywillbeusedto
payfortheirstocks.
P.Prosecutor:Didyouexecuteadocumenttoevidenceyour
transaction?
Witness:Asperouragreement,heissuedanddeliveredtome
five(5)checks.
D.Counsel:YourHonor,please.Fortherecord,Itake
exceptiontothestatementofthewitnessthathereceivedchecks
fromtheaccused.Ifwecloselyexaminetheseinstruments,itwill
showthattheyareNOWslips,thatis,NegotiableOrderof
Withdrawalslips.Thesearenotbillsofexchangewithinthe
meaningoftheNegotiableInstrumentsLaw,andtherefore,cannot
beconsideredaschecks.
P.Prosecutor:YourHonor,theyarestillbankinstruments.
ComplainantMr.Quespecificallyrequiredtheissuanceofchecks

tofacilitateandensurethepaymentoftheobligation,andthe
accusedissuedanddeliveredthemforthatpurpose.Violationof
theBouncingChecksLawismalumprohibitum.Thelawwas
enactedtomaintainfaithinbankinstrumentsforutilizationin
commercialtransactions.Wehavetoapplythespiritofthelaw.
COURT:Observationnoted.
P.Prosecutor:Whenandwheredidtheaccusedexecuteand
handovertoyouthesefive(5)instruments?
Witness:OnJune01,2011,atmyhouseinMandaluyongCity,
afterIgavehimincashtheP50,000.00thatheloaned.
P.Prosecutor:Andwherearetheseinstrumentsnow?
Witness:Heresir.(Witnesshandlingthemtotheprosecutor.)
P.Prosecutor:MayImanifestfortherecordtheobservation
thattheinstrumentsareofthesamesizeandmaterialasthenormal
checksandhavethesechecklikefeatures:
NOWAccountNo.
123456

No.0001

Date:July1,
2011
PAYTO:Mr.BenQue P12,500.00
PESOS:Twelve
ThousandFiveHundred
Pesos
Sgd.Henry

Chao
AlloyBank

PasongTamoBranch
AtlasParts

Makati
P.Prosecutor:Doyouknowwhosesignatureisthatappearing
onthelowerrightsideofthisinstrumentandallthefour(4)others,
aswell?
Witness:ThosearethesignaturesoftheaccusedHenryChao.I
personallysawhimsignthemandthereafter,handedthefive(5)
instrumentstome.
P.Prosecutor:MayIrequestthatNo.0001datedJuly1,2011in
theamountofP12,500.00bemarkedasExhibitAforthe
prosecution;No.0002datedAugust1,2011alsointhesame
amountasExhibitB;No.0003datedSeptember2,2011asExhibit
C;No.0004datedOctober1,2011asExhibitD;andNo.0005
datedNovember1,2011asExhibitE.
COURT:Markthemasrequested.
P.Prosecutor:Whatdidyoudowiththeseinstrumentswhich
representedtheinstallmentpaymentsofaccusedforhisloan
obligation?
Witness:Ontheirrespectiveduedates,Idepositedeachofthem
tomySavingsAccountatBODBank,ManilaCityHallBranchin
Manila,butallofthemweredishonoredbythedrawee,Alloy
Bank,forthereason"AccountClosed."
P.Prosecutor:Whatproofdoyouhavethattheseinstruments
weredishonored?
Witness:IreceivedseveraldebitadvicesfromBODBank
togetherwiththereturnedslipswithastampatthebackstatingas
follows:

DISHONORED/RETURNED
Reason:AccountClosed
Officer:Mr.M

P.Prosecutor:MayIrequestthatthestampsofdishonorandthe
reason"AccountClosed"appearingatthebackofeachinstrument
becorrespondinglymarkedasExhibitsA1toE1,respectively.
COURT:Markthemaccordingly.
D.Counsel:Imovetostrikeoutthisparticulartestimonyfor
beinghearsay.Thiswitnessisnotcompetenttotestifyonthese
matterspertainingtobankrecords.
COURT:Doesthedefensedenythatallfive(5)instruments
weredishonoredandreturnedtothewitness?
D.Counsel:No,YourHonor.Butthesemattersshouldbe
testifiedonbythebankpersonnel.
COURT:Motiontostrikeisdenied.
P.Prosecutor:Whatactiondidyoutake?
Witness:Aftereachdishonor,IpersonallywenttoMr.Chao
anddemandedthathemakegoodhiscommitment,buthemerely
ignoredmydemands.
P.Prosecutor:Whatdidyoudothenafterallthefive(5)
instrumentsweredishonoredandyourdemandsignored?

Witness:Iconsultedalawyerandheadvisedmetosenda
formaldemandlettertotheaccused,whichIdid.OnJanuary2,
2012,IsenttheletterbyregisteredmailtoMr.HenryChaotohis
officeaddressat007MalugayStreet,MalabonCitygivinghim
five(5)daystomakegoodhispromise.
Hereistheregistryreceipt.
P.Prosecutor:Irequestthatthedemandletterbemarkedas
ExhibitFandthattheRegistryReceiptNo.321datedJanuary2,
2012postedatMandaluyongCityPostOfficebemarkedas
ExhibitGfortheprosecution.
COURT:Markitthen.
P.Prosecutor:Doyouknowifaccusedactuallyreceivedyour
lettersentbyregisteredmail?
Witness:Iassumedthathehadreceiveditbecausethe
registeredletterwasnotreturnedtome.
D.Counsel:Itakeexceptiontothatstatement.YourHonor,
becausejurisprudencerequireactualreceiptbythedrawerofthe
demandbeforeanycriminalliabilitycanattach.
P.Prosecutor:MayIclarify,YourHonor,thatthefive(5)days
fromnoticeofdishonorgiventothedrawerofachecktomake
arrangementforpaymentbythedraweeoftheamountofthe
dishonoredchecksistoforestalltheexistenceofaprimafacie
evidenceofknowledgeoftheinsufficiencyoffunds.Buthere,the
reasonofthedishonoris"AccountClosed,"andnotjust
insufficiencyoffunds.Inshort,thereisactualproofoflackof
creditwithdraweebank.Theaccountisalreadyclosedand
accusedcannotevenmakeadepositanymore.
COURT:Themanifestationisnoted.

P.Prosecutor:Hastheaccusedpaidtheamountscoveredbythe
dishonoredinstruments?
Witness:No,sir.Hehasarrogantlyrefusedtomakeany
payment.
P.Prosecutor:Nofurtherquestions.
COURT:Cross.
D.Counsel:WiththeCourt'spermission.Youearlierstatedthat
accusedHenryChaoistheManagerofAtlasPartsandthatthe
moneyborrowedwasusedtopayfortheirstocks,isthatcorrect?
Witness:Yes,sir.Thatiswhathetoldme.
D.Counsel:So,itisclearthatthemoneyloanedfromyouwas
notusedbytheaccusedforhisbenefit?
Witness:Idonotknowhowheusedit.ThefactisthatIlentthe
moneytohim.
D.Counsel:Regardingthedemandletterthatyouallegedlysent
toaccused,doyouhavetheregistryreturncardshowingthat
accusedreceivedtheletter?
Witness:No,sir.ButIhavetheregistryreceipt.Sincetheletter
wasnotreturnedtosender,itispresumedthatitwasreceivedby
theaddressee.
D.Counsel:Isitnotafactthatyouhavefiledanothercollection
suitagainstAtlasPartsseekingtorecoverthesameP50,000.00
coveredbythedishonoredslips?
Witness:Yes,sir.ThatistruebecauseIwanttorecovermy
moneyfromeitherofthem.

D.Counsel:Nofurtherquestions,YourHonor.
TestimonyofMr.HenryChao
(Afteroathandformalofferoftestimony.)
D.Counsel:DoyouownNOWAccountNo.123456
maintainedatAlloyBank,PasongTamoBranch?
Witness:No,sir.ThatisownedbymyemployerAtlasParts
and,astheManager,Iamthesignatory.
D.Counsel:Mr.Chao,inJune2011whenyouissuedthe
dishonoredNOWslips,didyouderiveanypersonalbenefitfrom
theamountloaned?
Witness:No,sir.Themoneywasusedtopayanaccount
payable.
D.Counsel:DuringtheduedatesoftheNOWslipsthatyou
issuedtoMr.Que,wereyoustilltheManagerofAtlasParts?
Witness:Notanymore,sir,becauseinthemiddleofJune2011,
IresignedasManager,andIwasnotawareofthedishonor.
D.Counsel:Didyoureceivethedemandlettersenttoyouby
Mr.Queafterthedishonor?
Witness:No,sir.
COURT:Cross?
P.Prosecutor:WiththekindpermissionoftheCourt.Mr.Chao,
isitnotafactthatMr.Quespecificallyrequiredyoutoissue
checkstopaythemonthlyinstallmentoftheloan?
Witness:Yes,sir.

P.Prosecutor:Youwillagreewithmethatwithoutthosefive
(5)checks,orNOWslipsasyoucallthem,Mr.Quewillnotlend
moneytoyou?
Witness:Yes,sir.
P.Prosecutor:YouwillalsoagreethatthedemandletterofMr.
Quewasdeliveredtoyo'urofficeaddressbecausethatisthe
addressthatyougavetoMr.Queinconnectionwithyour
transaction?
Witness:Yes,sir.Thatispossible,butIwasnotabletoreceiveit
becauseIhadalreadyresignedandIcouldnotdoanything
anymore.
P.Prosecutor:Thatisall,YourHonor.
LAWSANDJURISPRUDENCE
A.BATASPAMBANSABLG.22
ANACTPENALIZINGTHEMAKINGORDRAWINGAND
ISSUANCEOFACHECKWITHOUTSUFFICIENTFUNDS
ORCREDITSANDFOROTHERPURPOSES.
Section1.Checkswithoutsufficientfunds.Anypersonwho
makesordrawsandissuesanychecktoapplyonaccountorfor
value,knowingatthetimeofissuethathedoesnothavesufficient
fundsinorcreditwiththedraweebankforthepaymentofsuch
checkinfulluponitspresentment,whichcheckissubsequently
dishonoredbythedraweebankforinsufficiencyoffundsorcredit
orwouldhavebeendishonoredforthesamereasonhadnotthe
drawer,withoutanyvalidreason,orderedthebanktostop
payment,shallbepunishedbyimprisonmentofnotlessthanthirty
(30)daysbutnotmorethenone(1)yearorbyafineofnotless

thanbutnotmorethandoubletheamountofthecheckwhichfine
shallinnocaseexceedTwoHundredThousandPesos,orboth
suchfineandimprisonmentatthediscretionofthecourt.
Thesamepenaltyshallbeimposeduponanypersonwho,having
sufficientfundsinorcreditwiththedraweebankwhenhemakes
ordrawsandissuesacheck,shallfailtokeepsufficientfundsorto
maintainacredittocoverthefullamountofthecheckifpresented
withinaperiodofninety(90)daysfromthedateappearing
thereon,forwhichreasonitisdishonoredbythedraweebank.
Where.thecheckisdrawnbyacorporation,companyorentity,the
personorpersonswhoactuallysignedthecheckinbehalfofsuch
drawershallbeliableunderthisAct.
Section2.Evidenceofknowledgeofinsufficientfunds.The
making,drawingandissuanceofacheck,paymentofwhichis
refusedbythedraweebecauseofinsufficientfundsinorcredit
withsuchbankwhenpresentedwithinninety(90)daysfromthe
dateofthecheck,shallbeprimafacieevidenceofknowledgeof
suchinsufficiencyoffundsorcreditunlesssuchmakerordrawer
paystheholderthereoftheamountduethereon,ormakes
arrangementsforpaymentinfullbythedraweeofsuchcheck
withinfive(5)bankingdaysafterreceivingnoticethatsuchcheck
hasnotbeenpaidbythedrawee.
Section3.Dutyofdrawee;rulesofevidence.Itshallbetheduty
ofthedraweeofanycheck,whenrefusingtopaythesametothe
holderthereofuponpresentment,tocausetobewritten,printed,or
stampedinplainlanguagethereon,orattachedthereto,thereason
fordrawee'sdishonororrefusaltopaythesame.Provided,that
wheretherearenosufficientfundsinorcreditwithsuchdrawee
bank,suchfactshallalwaysbeexplicitlystatedinthenoticeof
dishonororrefusal.InallprosecutionsunderthisAct,the

introductioninevidenceofanyunpaidanddishonoredcheck,
having'thedrawee'srefusaltopaystampedorwrittenthereonor
attachedthereto,withthereasonthereforasaforesaid,shallbe
primafacieevidenceofthemakingorissuanceofsaidcheck,and
theduepresentmenttothedraweeforpaymentandthedishonor
thereof,andthatthesamewasproperlydishonoredforthereason
written,stampedorattachedbythedraweeonsuchdishonored
check.
Notwithstandingreceiptofanordertostoppayment,thedrawee
shallstateinthenoticethattherewerenosufficientfundsinor
creditwithsuchbankforthepaymentinfullofsuchcheck,ifsuch
bethefact.
B.NEGOTIABLEINSTRUMENTSLAW
ACTNO.2031
ANACTENTITLED"THENEGOTIABLEINSTRUMENTS
LAW."
Section1.Formofnegotiableinstruments.Aninstrumenttobe
negotiablemustconformtothefollowingrequirements:
(a)Itmustbeinwritingandsignedbythemakerordrawer;
(b)Mustcontainanunconditionalpromiseorordertopayasum
certaininmoney;
(c)Mustbepayableondemand,oratafixedordeterminable
futuretime;
(d)Mustbepayabletoorderortobearer;and
(e)Wheretheinstrumentisaddressedtoadrawee,hemustbe
namedorotherwiseindicatedthereinwithreasonablecertainty.

Section126.Billofexchange,defined.Abillofexchangeisan
unconditionalorderinwritingaddressedbyonepersontoanother,
signedbythepersongivingit,requiringthepersontowhomitis
addressedtopayondemandoratafixedordeterminablefuture
timeasumcertaininmoneytoorderortobearer.
Section185.Check,defined.Acheckisabillofexchangedrawn
onabankpayableondemand.Exceptashereinotherwise
provided,theprovisionsofthisActapplicabletoabillofexchange
payableondemandapplytoacheck.
C.RULESOFCOURT
RULE132
Section34.Offerofevidence.Thecourtshallconsiderno
evidencewhichhasnotbeenformallyoffered.Thepurposefor
whichtheevidenceisofferedmustbespecified.
Section35.Whentomakeoffer.Asregardsthetestimonyofa
witness,theoffermustbemadeatthetimethewitnessiscalledto
testify.
Documentaryandobjectevidenceshallbeofferedafterthe
presentationofaparty'stestimonialevidence.Suchoffershallbe
doneorallyunlessallowedbythecourttobedoneinwriting.
JURISPRUDENCE
Isipvs.People
G.R.No.170298,June26,2007,525SCRA735
Theconceptofvenueofactionsincriminalcases,unlikeincivil
cases,isjurisdictional.Theplacewherethecrimewascommitted
determinesnotonlythevenueoftheactionbutisanessential

elementofjurisdiction.Itisafundamentalrulethatforjurisdiction
tobeacquiredbycourtsincriminalcases,theoffenseshouldhave
beencommittedoranyoneofitsessentialingredientsshouldhave
takenplacewithintheterritorialjurisdictionofthecourt.
Territorialjurisdictionincriminalcasesistheterritorywherethe
courthasjurisdictiontotakecognizanceortotrytheoffense
allegedlycommittedthereinbytheaccused.Thus,itcannottake
jurisdictionoverapersonchargedwithanoffense13llegedly
committedoutsideofthatlimitedterritory.Furthermore,the
jurisdictionofacourtoverthecriminalcaseisdeterminedbythe
allegationsinthecomplaintorinformation.Andonceitisso
shown,thecourtmayvalidlytakecognizanceofthecase.
However,iftheevidenceadducedduringthetrialshowsthatthe
offensewascommittedsomewhereelse,thecourtshoulddismiss
theactionforwantofjurisdiction.
Alferezvs.People
G.R.No.182301,January31,2011,641SCRA116
Inthiscase,theprosecutionmerelypresentedacopyofthe
demandletter,togetherwiththeregistryreceiptandthereturncard
allegedlysenttopetitioner.However,therewasnoattemptto
authenticateoridentifythesignatureontheregistryreturncard.
Receiptsforregisteredlettersandreturnreceiptsdonotby
themselvesprovereceipt;theymustbeproperlyauthenticatedto
serveasproofofreceiptoftheletter,claimedtobeanoticeof
dishonor.Tobesure,thepresentationoftheregistrycardwithan
unauthenticatedsignature,doesnotmeettherequiredproofbeyond
reasonabledoubtthatpetitionerreceivedsuchnotice.Itisnot
enoughfortheprosecutiontoprovethatanoticeofdishonorwas
senttothedraweeofthecheck..Theprosecutionmustalsoprove
actualreceiptofsaidnotice,becausethefactofserviceprovided
forinthelawisreckonedfromreceiptofsuchnoticeofdishonor
bythedraweeofthecheck.Theburdenofprovingnoticerests

uponthepartyassertingitsexistence.Ordinarily,preponderanceof
evidenceissufficienttoprovenotice.Incriminalcases,however,
thequantumofproofrequiredisproofbeyondreasonabledoubt.
Hence,forB.P.Big.22cases,thereshouldbeclearproofof
notice.Moreover,fornoticebymail,itmustappearthatthesame
wasservedontheaddresseeoradulyauthorizedagentofthe
addressee.Fromtheregistryreceiptalone,itispossiblethat
petitionerorhisauthorizedagentdidreceivethedemandletter.
Possibilities,however,cannotreplaceproofbeyondreasonable
doubt.Theconsistentruleisthatpenalstatuteshave"tobe
construedstrictlyagainsttheStateandliberallyinfavorofthe
accused.Theabsenceofanoticeofdishonornecessarilydeprives
theaccusedanopportunitytoprecludeacriminalprosecution.As
thereisinsufficientproofthatpetitionerreceivedthenoticeof
dishonor,thepresumptionthathehadknowledgeofinsufficiency
offundscannotarise.
Lozanovs.Hon.Martinez
G.R.Nos.L63419,L6683942,L71654,L7452425,L75122
49,L7581213,L7576567andL75789,December18,1986,
146SCRA323
ThegravemenoftheoffensepunishedbyB.P.22istheactof
makingandissuingaworthlesscheckoracheckthatisdishonored
uponitspresentationforpayment.Itisnotthenonpaymentofan
obligationwhichthelawpunishes.Thelawisnotintendedor
designedtocoerceadebtortopayhisdebt.Thethrustofthelawis
toprohibit,underpainofpenalsanctions,themakingofworthless
checksandputtingthemincirculation.Becauseofitsdeleterious
effectsonthepublicinterest,thepracticeisproscribedbylaw.The
lawpunishestheactnotasanoffenseagainstproperty,butan
offenseagainstpublicorder.

Ambitovs.People
G.R.No.127327,February13,2009,579SCRA69
Themereactofissuingaworthlesscheckwhetherasadeposit,
asaguaranteeorevenasevidenceofpreexistingdebtismalum
prohibitum.
UnderB.P.Big.22,theprosecutionmustprovenotonlythatthe
accusedissuedacheckthatwassubsequentlydishonored.Itmust
alsoestablishthattheaccusedwasactuallynotifiedthatthecheck
wasdishonored,andthatheorshefailed,withinfive(5)banking
daysfromreceiptofthenotice,topaytheholderofthecheckthe
amountduethereonortomakearrangementforitspayment.
Absentproofthattheaccusedreceivedsuchnotice,aprosecution
forviolationoftheBouncingChecksLawcannotprosper.
Theabsenceofanoticeofdishonornecessarilydeprivesan
accusedanopportunitytoprecludeacriminalprosecution.
Accordingly,proceduraldueprocessclearlyenjoinsthatanotice
ofdishonorbeactuallysenttoandreceivedbytheaccused.The
accusedhasarighttodemandandthebasicpostulatesoffairness
requirethatthenoticeofdishonorbeactuallysenttoand
receivedbythesametoaffordhim/hertheopportunitytoavert
prosecutionunderB.P.Big.22.
Gosiacovs.Ching
G.R.No.173807,April16,2009,585SCRA471
B.P.Big.22imposesadistinctcivilliabilityonthesignatoryofthe
checkwhichisdistinctfromthecivilliabilityofthecorporation
fortheamountrepresentedfromthecheck.Thecivilliability
attachingtothesignatoryarisesfromthewrongfulactofsigning
thecheckdespitetheinsufficiencyoffundsintheaccount,while
thecivilliabilityattachingtothecorporationisitselfthevery

obligationcoveredbythecheckortheconsiderationforits
execution.Yetthesecivilliabilitiesaremistakentobeindistinct.
Theconfusionistraceabletothesingularityoftheamountofeach.
Ifweconclude,asweshould,thatunderthecurrentRulesof
CriminalProcedure,thecivilactionthatisimpliedlyinstitutedin
theB.P.Big.22actionisonlythecivilliabilityofthesignatory,
andnotthatofthecorporationitself,thedistinctnessofthecause
ofactionagainstthesignatoryandthatagainstthecorporationis
renderedbeyonddispute.Itfollowsthattheactionsinvolvingthese
liabilitiesshouldbeadjudgedaccordingtotheirrespective
standardsandmerits.Inthe.B.P.Big.22case,whatthetrialcourt
shoulddetermineiswhetherornotthesignatoryhadsignedthe
checkwithknowledgeoftheinsufficiencyoffundsorcreditinthe
bankaccount,whileinthecivilcasethetrialcourtshouldascertain
whetherornottheobligationitselfisvalidanddemandable.The
litigation
ofbothquestionscould,intheory,proceedindependentlyand
simultaneouslywithoutbeingultimatelyconclusiveononeorthe
other.
END
NOTHINGFOLLOWS
HANDINYOURANSWERPAD.
THEREISNONEEDTORETURNTHIS
QUESTIONNAIRETOTHEHEADWATCHER.