LEGAL RESEARCH ABOUT THE AUTHOR MILAGROS SANTOS-ONG SC Chief judicial Stat Officer Director I) Chief, Supreme Court Library Services| Website: hitp://wiwwailasantosong info E-mail sclb1951@yahoo.com EDUCATIONAL-ATTAINMENT BSBA. Universty ofthe Phippines, 1973, ‘Master of Library Science University ofthe Phlippines 1977 Master of Arts, University of Shetld (England), 1982 us University ofthe Philippine, 1986 [WORK EXPERIENCE Librarian University of the Philippines, Collegeof Law Library, “April 19721983 Director II ($C Senior Chet Staff Office), Supreme Court of the Spgs, 1968 to present Professorial Lecturer TV, Part-Time, College of La, Pamantasan ng LCungsod ng Mayril, 2000 to present Profesoral Lecturer Part-Time, Graduate School University ofthe East, 2005, Senior Lecturer Part-Time, University of the Philppines School of library ane Information Science, 2003-May 2012, Profesrial LectureePart'Time, Maria Law College, 2007-2000 Professorial Lecturer, Part-Time, Centro Escolar University Callege of Law, 2009-Present Professorial Lect, Part-Time, Graduate of Law, Pammantsan ng, Cungsod ng Mayrila, 2010, 2013, Profetorial Lecture, Part-Time, De La Salle University Coige of Taw, 21 Present‘Agreements 429. Statutes Proper (Legislative Enactments) 414 Administrative Rules and Regulations Research of Case Law. vs 421 Supreme Court Decisions 422 Court of Appeals Decisions... 423 Decisions of Special Courts. 424 Decisions of Administrative Agencies, Commissions and Boards CHAPTER V Legal Profession and Legal Education Law Schools Bar Associations. CHAPTER VI Philippine Legal Citations Sources of Law Primary Sources 612 Statutesaccnnns 612 Jurisprudence. . Secondary Sources — Gitations Repeatedly Used BIBL ogra enn CHAPTER VII Philippine Legal Resources Books and Other Published Legal Materials 241 Reference materials Hlectronie Sources 721 Philippine On-Line Sources Philippine Legal Publishers. za 0 80 85 8 90 9% 201 201 208 Legal Research vras defined as @) The finding and aoa [Black's Lew Dictionary, ‘Abridged Sth ed. 749 (2005). Legal research vary according fo country and the legal system J. Myron Jacobtein, Fundamentals of Legal Research, 8th ed. 1 (2002). The Philippine legal literature is rich considering the great umber of statutes passed and jurisprudence decided; and the annotations, commentaries and treatises writen. Knowing the Philippine lege literature, and their availability, ae important considerations to be able to conduct an accurate and efectve egal esearch The availabilty ofall of these legal materials however, is a problem in_the Philippine scenario ve tof@)lack of printed aw finders < dl compilali and ication. To remedy these problems, and to ensure the availabilty of these legal materials, electronic sources are used, ‘To better understand legal research of Philippine legal materials, ‘one has to know the basic information about the Phlippines, its political and government structure, and its legal system CHAPTER | Introduction ‘The Philippines is an archipelago of 7107 islands with a Jane area of299,740 sq kilometers. Itis surrounded by the Pacific (Ocean on the East, South China Sea on the North and the West, andthe Celebes Sea on the South, This comprises the National Territory of the Philippines. Article 1 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the “National territory comprites the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced thereinoP ae esef lane? hci dns * nother tetstories which the Philippines has sovereignty oF hipsaweelinbe paieio whee hareaeen ing! Laws enacted by Congress defined the baselines ofthe r= al sea ofthe Philippine archipelago. As early a 1935, the lines have been defined in the 1935 Constitation. This was wed by Republic Act No. 3046 as amended by Republic Act 5446. Sec. 2of Republic Act No. 9522, approved on March 1, amended both laws and defined the archipelagic baselines gine of sands.” This definition is consistent with Art. 121 of ited Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines took an active part. Rodolfo Severino, in ticle “Clarifying the Netw Philipines Baseline Law, (Republic No. 9822)" stated that the pnepose ofthe law is mainly to Pd the existing baselines aut and 1 deine the ardipla gic baselines of the Philippines. It does not extend the baselines to Spratlys or to Scarborough Shoal, both of which, Chine and. ‘Vietnam claim in ther temitory, while the Philippines claims a Bas of what i alld Sra andy and al of Sarborough Shoal.” DutD. The constatnality of the le was questoned before the Supreme Court in the case case Magellons etal. Ermila, et al, GR. No. 187167, July 16,2011. This decision, upholding the ‘onstitutionality of the law, was penned by Justice Antonio T. Carpio. The petitioners ofthe case were professors of law, law students, and a legislator. The petitioners filed the casein their capacities as citizens of the Philippines, taxpayers, and as legio- lator. Noteworthy to mention are the two grounds invoked by the petitioners in questioning the constitutionality ofthe law: "i) Rep. Act No, 9522 reduces the Philippine maritime territory, and logically, the each of the Philippine state's sovereign povrer in violation’of Art. 1 f the 1987 Constitution”; and °2) Rep, Act No. 9522 opens the country's waters landward of the baselines ‘to maritime passage by all vestels and aircrafts, undermining Philippine sovereignty and rational security, contravening the couniry'snucearfre policy, and damaging marine resources, in ‘violation of relevant constitutional provisions.” ‘The Phiippine’s claim to the Spratlys and Scazborough ‘Panatag) Shoal i based on the provisions of the United Nations. ‘Confererice on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Philippine claim was brought before the ASEAN during the East Asia Summit in November 2012. China claims that the Philippines is ‘misinterpreting the provisions of the UNCLOS. To validate and defend the Philippine claim, the Philippines has brought the {soue before the United Nations. ‘Another claim that remains unsesolved isthe historic claim of the Philippines to Sabah. The Sultanate of Sulu claims as the ‘owner of Sabeh, There have been clashes between the military forces ofthe Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysia. The United Nations isbeing urged to intervene and initiate negotitions between the too parties ‘The Filipino culture was molded over rose than a hundred tlic groups consisting of Ut Chuisuae: balay, 4 Muslim,VE Vee dumm ale, 15% Chinese, and Sf others. As of May 2010, the Tinton ofthe Philippines hes ineeased from $225 milion 008 to 92.34 milion. The projected population by the end of of is 9.01 milion (nwnacensis gop) Filipino, (Tage) is the national language (1987 Cons- fim-ion, Art. XIV, See. 6) of the Philippines. However, Filipino find English aze the offical languages for the purpose of {onumunication and instruction (Art. XIV, Sec. 7). Optional use the national language, iipino (Tagalog is allowed. Supreme {court Administrative Cacular No. 162010 allowed the optional cand on a per case basis the use of Flipino (Tgeog) in court ceedings in view to the difcltes encountered in the use ino as manifested by the Presiding Judges and the court iographers of some cours: This Ciculer provides that “in sppropiate cases as may be determined by the Presiding judge without objection of the parties the above-mentioned courts ay se Filipino in the heating and zesolution of motions, or in conduct of mediation, pre-val conference, til, and in any ther court procesedings, Existing trandation of laws and rules nay be used freely, and technical terms in English or Latin need rot be tranlated iterlly nto Filipino.” Republi Act No. 10157, inovn as the "Kindergarten Education Act” utilizes the “rmother jongue-based maltilingual edveaton (MTB-MLE) method ‘rimary medium of instruction for teaching and learning the Kindergarten level” (Sec 5). However, alo in Sec. 5 the 7 specifically provides that the Department of Education ust cud init teaching strategies the “child's understanding of English which s also the offical language.” There are several dialects or regional languages spoken sughout the diferent islands of the country, but there aze ight that may be considered as major dalets: Bano, Cebuano, itigaynan or Hengo, can, Panpango, Pangsinense,Tgacg, and ay. There are two major religions inthe country: Christianity and slam, Christianity, more particularly Catholicism, is practiced by ore than 80% of the country’s population. It was introduced ain in 1821, On the other sion was troduced by American missin eM ‘The Aglipayen Church, or the Philippine Independent Church, and the iglesia ni Krist are two Filipino independent churches. Other Christian religious organizations like the El Shaddn, Ang Dating Dann, and Jesus is Lard Movsmtent have been established. These independent churches and religious organiza- tions have a great influence to the nation, most specially during lection. ‘The Constitution of the Philippines specifically provides that the separation of Church and State is inviolable. (1987 Constitution, Art. 1, Sec. 6). However, roigion has = great influence in the legal system of the Philippines. For the Muslim, or Islamic religion a special law, the Code of Muslin Personal Laws (Presidential Decree No. 1083), was promulgated and special courts were established — the Stara courts. The Church has affected the present political system. A priest had to take dave (of absence as such when elected as governor of « province in Region I. Amovement was even started tobe able to choose the President of the Philippines and other government officials on the May 2009 national elections, One of the Catholic churches’ major stand and protest pending in Congres isthe Reproductive ‘Health Bill (HB. 5043), Despite protest of the Church and other members of the community the Reproductive Health Bill was passed into law on December 12,2012 (Republic ActNo. 10354— “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Actof2012"). Cases have been filed before the Supreme Court questioning its constitutionalty. The next issue is Divorce. The Philippines is the oaly country in the world wiich does not recognize divarce. However, annulment of marriage is recognized.‘CHAPTER IL Government Structure The Constitution is the fundamental aw of the land. There had been five Constitutions all ratified by the Filipino People ramely: Malolos Constitution, 1935 Constitution, 1943 Constitution (effective during the Japdnese occupation), 1973 Constitution, and ‘the 1987 Constitution. Th. Constitution was considered as 1 Provisional Constitutign which was issued as a Proclamation by President Corazon C: Aquiro ater the People Power Revol tion. A constitutional commission was created that drafted the 1986 Constitution and upon its ratification in plebiscite held on February 2, 1987, it became the 1987 Constitution. The present poliialigovernment structure was defined by the 1987 Consti- fution, There is a move now in Congress, which started at the House of Representatives, to revise or amend the present Consti- tution. One ofthe major problems tobe resolved by both Houses of Congress is the mode or method in revising or amending the Present 1987 Constitution. he 1987 Constitution provides that the Fidippives is a democratic and republican sate where sovereignty resides inthe People and all goverrunent authority emanates from them (Art I, See. 2). ‘The government stiucture differs as one goes through the histor ofthePhilippines, which may be categorized as follows: a) Pre-Spanish b) Spanish period; c) American period; d Japanese Pied Repl and) Maral Law Peso YP BFP ue. 22 Bre-Spanish (before 1521) The Bunnugays oF independent comn o¢ government structures before Spain colonized the Philippines. ities wee the unit eonbGnon Gaui © 1)? “The head ofeach barangay was the Datu, Tada called Citas de Brangey dating the Spanh peat e fovemed the hamngesusie naive rules which were cuter’ and “amsten There were two cadet ding His pro the Meagan (Code, issued hy Dalu Sumakwel of the Panay Island; and Dal Kalantio inl’ The existence wi these codes is questioned By some historian ut Uke many Ancient societies, al by ordeal was practiced 22_ Spanish period (1521-1598) ‘The Spanish period can be traced from the time Magellan discovered the Philippines when he landed at the Mactan island (Cebu) on March 16, 1521. Royal decrees, Spanish laws, and/ or special issuances of special laws for the Philippines were extended to the Philippines from Spain by the: own i wi aw. The Royal “Audencis, oF the Spanish Supreme Court in the Philippines, also exercised legislative functions when laws are passed in the form of autos accordedos. Melquiades Gamboa, in his book entitled “An Introduction to Philippine La (7h ed, 196), listed the most prominent laws inthis period: FueraJuago,Fuero Rea, ns Site Parties, Lees de Toros, Nuewa Recpiacion de las Leyes ie Indias andthe Novisina Recopiacion, Sore ofthese laws were also in force in other Spanish colonies, Laws in force by the end of the Spanish rule in 1898 are as follows: Codigo Penal de 1870, Lay Provisional pare la Aplicaciones de lag Dispackones del Codigo Penal en las Islas Filipinas, Ley de Enjuclamenta Criminal, Ley de Enjueitmeniento Cini, Codigo de Comercio, Codigo Cioilde 1889, Ley Hiptecari Ley de Minas, Ley Notaral de 1862, Rallway Law of 1877, Law of Foceigners for Ultramarine Provinces and the Code of Military Justice. Some ofthese laws remained in force even uring the early American period and/or until Philippine laws wwe omg Pat ‘baton the Spanish afd he Ads peid is wha Phippns saan fan the he hippie RopeeS liniandnes : PPP aippine Independence in KawitCavite on june 12, 1898 Fete Nialolos Congress, also known as the “Assembly of the Ep resetativs,” which can be considered as revolutionary in fare Was convened on September 15,1696. The rst Philippine | constaton, the Malls Constitution was approved on January 2, 199. General Emilio Aguinsldo was the President of the "Phil pines, and Don Graco Gonzaga was the Chief Justice. A Ptepiblic although with defacto authority, wasn force unt the art of the American Sovereignty when the Testy of Faris was gre on December 10,188. 5 American period (1898-1946) The start of this period can be traced after the Bale of ‘Maia Bay when Spain ceded the Philippines tothe United States ‘upon the signing ofthe Treaty of Paris on Dect B.A. military government was organized with th&military governor as the chief executive, and he exercised executive, legislative g) snd judicial functions. Legislative function was transferred to the Philippine Commission in 1901, which was created by the f] United States President the Commander-in-Chie of the Armed. fj Forces and later ratified by the Philippine Bill of 1902, This ‘same Bill piovided for the establishment of the First Philippine Assembly which convened on October 16, 1907. The Jones Lav 4] Provided for the establishment of a bicameral legislative body ‘on October 16, 1916, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. ‘The United States Constitution was recognized until the romulgation ofthe Philippine Constitution on February 8, 1935, Signed by US, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on March 23, 1885, and ratified ata plebiscite held on May 14,1935. The organic laws that governed the Philippines during this Detiod were: President McKinley’ Instruction to the Second Phitippine Commission on April 7, 1900; Spooner Amendment Sf 1901; Philippine Bill of 1902; Jones Law of 1916 and the ‘Tdings-McDulfie Law of May 1, 1984. The latter law was Significant fr it allowed the establishment of 3 Commonwealth Bove was asso panne ge Cont G ‘coven ENT STRUCTURE ‘The 1935 Constitution initially changed th legislative system from bicameral toa unicameral system. However, the bicameral system was restored pursuant to the IM0 Constitutional amendment. The Commonwealth government was considered 45a transition goverment for ten years before the grant of the Philippine independence. Cayetano Arellano wasinstalledas the frst Chet Justice ofthe Philipines in 1901 The Majority ofthe then Justices of the Philippine Supreme Court were American. Decisions rendered by dhe Supreme Court ofthe Philippines were appealed tothe United States Supreme Court and were reported in the United Staes Supreme Court Reports Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeia were elected as President and Vice-President respectively during the September 14, 1985 elections. In this election, President Quezon and Vice- President Osmefa won over General Emilio Aguinaldo, the President of the First Philippine Republic (1898), and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay, the head of the Aglipayan Church, This ‘Commonwealth government went into exile in Washington D.C. luring the Japanese period fcom May 13, 1942 to October 3, 2944. President Manuel L. Quezon died on August 1, 1944. He was succeeded by President Sergio Osmefta who brought back the government to Manila on February 28, 1985 at944) ion of the Japanese forces began when Clark d, an American military airbase in Pampanga, was bombed on December 8, 1941, This marked the start of the Japanese period, which lasted for thee years. A Japanes: Republic was ‘established with Jose P Laurel as its President Jose Yalo was the ‘Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The ane hundred two (102) Supreme Court decisions during this period were recognized and are found in the Volumes 75 and 74 of the Philippine Reports, the ‘official publication for Supreme Court decisions. This period was considered asa military rule by the Japanese Imperial Army. The 1943 Constitution was ratified by a special national convention ‘of the Kopisinan sn Paging ng Bagong Pinas (KALIBAPP, No law/statutes, promulgated during this period, including the1 FkGs BSA AND Len HS y OR ig PPS July 4, 1946 was the inauguration of Philippine inde- bendence. A Philippine Republic was rebor. A republic ans a government by the people and sovereignty resces in ‘entire people as a body politic. The provisions ofthe 1935 tution defined the government structure, which provided forthe establishment of thee co-equal branches of goverment Erecutive power rests with the President of the Philippines, lative power with thé’ two Houses of Congress, and the dial power with the Supreme Court and other inferior courts paration of powers is recognized, Efforts to amend the 1935 Constitution started on August 1870 with the approval of Republic Act No, 6132, where 10 delegates were slected for the Constitutional Convention November 10, 1970. On June 1, 1971, the Constitstions! wention met. While it was sill in’ session, President Fernand. Marcos declared Martial Law on September 21, 572. The Constitutional Convention completed: the draft of Constitution on November 24,1972. It was submitted for lication trough ctzens’ assembles on January 17,1573. This known asthe “1973 Constitution.” Congress of the Pillppines was abolished when Maral nr wat dedlaced on Sepleber 71, 1972. The Maral Law od was governed by th 173 Cosiaton which established rliamentery form of government. Exective an legislative pers were merged, and the Chief Exectve was made She ne Minster He was elected by majority ofall members of ie National Assembly (Parliamer mye Minister had the rer toadviethe resident Thi resided tichead. tate This parliamentary goverrent vas never imple joe ote transtony provision of fhe 197% Contin. Mine” Rbanalavwere alo exalished. Amendments tothe Coston mot dow ws Doar were made wherein by virtue of Amendment No. 3, the powers, ofthe President and the Prime Minister were merged into the then incumbent President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Amendment No. 6 authorized President Marcos to continue exercising legislative powers during Martial Law. Amendment No. 7 provided for the burangays as the: smallest politcal subdivision and the sanggunions, or counells. The 1981 amendment introduced the ‘modified presidential/parliamentary system of goverment ofthe Philippines. The President shall be elecied by the people {ora term of six years while the Prime Minister shall be elected by a majority of the Balasang Pamiznsa (Parliament) upon the nomination ofthe President. He was the head ofthe Cebinet and hhad supervision overall the ministries. Proclamation ‘No. 2045 (1961) lifted Marti Law and abolished the military tribunals. Elections were held on June 16, 1981, President Maicos wis ce-elected into office as President. ‘The constitution was again amended in 198, anda plebiscite was held on January 27, 1984 pursuant to Batas Pambansa Blg, 643, (1984), Elections were held on May 14, 1984 for the 183 elective seat in the 200 member of the Batsang Pambanse Animpeachment resolution by 57 membersofthe opposition ‘was iled against President Marcos, bt the same was dismissed, ‘Asspecial presidental election, popularly known a the "Snap Election,” was called by President Marcos on Novernber 3, 1985. ‘This was held on February 7, 1986, The National Movement for Free Blectons, or MAMEREL, results showed that Corazon ‘Aquino led by-over @ million votes. However, the Balasang Pambansa declared that Ferdinand E. Marcos, and Arturo M. ‘Tolentino won aver Corazon C. Aquino and Salvador H, Laurel a5 President and Vice-President, respectively. This event led to the People Power Revolution and ousted President Marcos on February 25,1986 27 RepublicRevival 966presen ‘he Republic period was revived afer the blodles cevoltin pepulaiy now te -Pale Pr eeltion or he GUSH Reelin, aeek . : 1 dha nba nec tne” Corazon C. Aquino and Salvador H, Laurel took their oath ce as President and Vio President ofthe Philippine Repub- "February 25, 1986, Proclamation No. 1 (1986) was promul- topoleeel repentance neta No. 3 (198), adopted as the Provisional Constitution or Freedom ene acere eee! ‘A Constitutional Commission was constituted by virtue the Art. V of the Provisional Consttation and Proclamation Kio. 9 (1986). The, Consittional Commission, composed. of BS members, was mandated to draft a Constitution, After 133, ays, the drafted constitution was submitted to the President sn October 15,1986. Te was raid by the people in a plebiscite held on ebruary 2, 1987. Under the transitory provision of the 1967 Constitution, the President and the Vice President elected in the February 7, 1986 election’ were given a stcyeat term of olfce or ntl June 30, 1952. Congressional elections were held Fon May Ii, 1987. The Republican form of government was officially revived when the 1987 Constitution was ratified and Congress was convened in 1987. Legislative enactments again resid with the Congress. Republic Acts were agin Issued by [Congress the number of which took off fom the last ruber sed before Martial Law was declared (Republic Aet No. 6635 2572) and Republic Act No. 6636[1967). The Republican form of ovement by virtue ofthe 1987 Constitution, was ofthe same {ype ofepublican government by vinse of the 1955 Constitution having three co-equal branches: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary ‘The Philippines once agsin became a Republic by vise ofthe 1987 Constitution. Those holding office in these three (1987), Act.XI, Sec. 1 provides forthe accountability °fpublicofices. provides that, Publicoffice isa public rust, Public officers and employees must, at al mes, be accountable fo the people, serve ther vith utmost responsibil, integrity ovata efter act wth arson a ster at ee w (hesident and , Tee ec ae covert STRUCTURE Vice President), Judiciary (Members or Justices of the Supreme Court), the members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Orbudsman may be removed from office by impeachment, and by conviction of: culpable violation ofthe Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, or other high cximes,. All other public officers and employees may be removed from office as provided by law, suchas the civil service laws, but not by impeachment (Art XI Sec.2) ‘The three co-equal branches of government are i) 27a Bxecutive Branch ‘The President is vested with the executive power (Constitution [1967], Art. VIL Sec. 1). The President is both the CChiet of State (head of governme in of lippines (Art. VIL Sec. 18) ‘Since 1898, when the First Philippine Republic was established; the Philippines has had fifteen (15) Presidents — from Emilio “Aguinaldo to Benigno S. Aquino Il ‘The Bxective Branch also inchdes the Vee President, the Secretaries of Heads of the Executive Departments and other Cabinet ofcials (on gouph) Both the President and the Vice President are elected by direct vote ofthe Filipino people for aterm of sx yeas. The President is not eligible for a reelection, while the Vie-Presi- den cannot eve for more than two successive terms. Congress fs empowered fo promulgate rules inthe caneasing of certif- cates of election The Supreme Court sting x Ban is the sole judge ofall election contests relating to thie election, returns, tnd qualifcitions (Const 1967] Art VI, Sec 4). The Supreme (Court Ex Bae thus acts 25 the Presidential Electoral Tribunal “The Supreme Court promulgated the 2005 Rules on the Prsiden- {a rural (A.M. No. 051-0650) Both may be removed fom. olice by impeachment (Contituton [1987], rt. XI, Sec.2) 0 be inated by the House of Representatives (Ar. Xl, Sc. 3) and tie and decided bv the Senate (Const, 1987, Art. X, Se. 36). Ihe Gabinot members arc nominaed by the Prien subj.t 0TF cba FAN aac nn ON ro i FNS confiemation of the Commission on Appointments (Const Art. VIL, Sec. 16) which consists of the Present of the te as ex-officio Chairman, trelve Senators and twelve mem ofthe House of Representatives (Const (1987), Art. VI, Sec 2) The President exercises contol overall the exective depart Bent, bureaus and offices (Const. [1987], Art. VI, Sec. 17) 272. Legislative Branch Legilative power is vested in the Congress of the Pilip- 31s, consisting ofthe Senate and the House of Representatives Ficonst. (1987), Art. VI, Sec. 1). History has provided thatthe ogisatve steucture has undergone numerous changes. To bet ter appreciate its transition the Philippine Senate has provided a detailed account and is found on the Senate website (nwuz, senate gph Senate ofthe Philippines (voww.senste.cov.oh The Sonate is composed of tiventy-four (24) Senators, who are elected at large by qualified voters, who serve for aterm of not more than six (6) years. No Senator may be elected for ere than tun consecutive ters (Cons. [1987], Art. VI, See.) The Senate‘is led by the Senate President, Pro Tempore, Mascity Leader, and the Minority Leader. The Senate Presidents elected by a majority vote of its members. There are thirty six (36) Permanent committes and five (6) oversight committees ofthe Senate, The sole judge of contests relating to election, retums and qualifications of members ofthe Senate rests with the Senate Blcioral Tribunal (SET). It's composed of nine memibers—thuee of whom are Justices ofthe Supreme Cour. and six members of the Senate. (Const. 1987], Art. VI Sec. 17), The Senate Electoral Trnat Revised Rules was approved on November 12,2008 House of Representatives (ynww.conaress.gov.ph) “The House of Representatives is composed of not move than ove hundred ity (250) members, elected by lesisative csricts foe «term ot thiee years. No representative shall sve foe igre ee ae ee ee eT ‘covenesaan srtucrune than three consecutive terms. The party-list representatives, who ‘come from registefed national, regional and sectional parties and ‘organizations, shall constitute twenty percent (20%) ofthe total ‘umber of representatives. The rationale behind the party-ist system is that they ae supposed to give the marginalized sectors, ‘ voice in he House of Representatives. The election of party-ist representatives wasby virtue of Republic ActNo.7941, approved ‘March 3, 1995. In an April 21, 2009 Supreme Court decision, ‘penned by Justice Antonio T. Carpio, on Barangay Assocation for ‘National Advancement and Trnsparency (BANAT) 2. Commision on Elections (GR. No 17971) and Bayan Muna, Advocacy for Tetcher Enpowerment Through Action, Cooperation and Hlarosony Towards Educational Reforms, Ine. and Abono (GR. No. 179295), Republic ‘Act No. 7941 was declared unconstitutional with regards to the ‘ovo percent threshold in the distribution of additional party-list seats, The Court in this decisien provided a procedure in the Allocation of additional seats urver the Party-List System. Major political partes are disallowed from participating in party-list elections. Republic Act No. 7941 does not provide s definition as to swhat comprises the marginalized group. With this, the party- list system is perceived to be abused by powerful interest group and the traditional politicians as a way to be a member of Congress, The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been serutnizing the 172 groups applying for partyist for the May 2013 elections. The COMELEC has disqualified some of these ‘groups, some of which have present representation in Congress raze “incumbents.” Anumber ofthese disqualified groupshave brought ther cases before the Supreme Court. a ‘The officals of ie of Representalyas fat the Spe e Ho on, Deputy Saker lo-teaeg Daou Speer fr Tedbe meine lier he Speake ofthe Hoses cece by a majority vote of ils members. There are fity seven (57) standing committees and sixteen (16) special committees of the Hlase of Representatives, Th sole jvdge of contests relating to lection, returns sind quatinatns of rqcmbers of the House ofetn tesehincs aN ved cas Ns * Fone PAPAS Ersentatives rests with the House of Representatives Electoral nal (HRET) which is composed of nine members, three PPivhorn ace Justices of the Supreme Court and six members Bete Senate. (Const, [1987], Art. VI, Sec. 37) The House of sentatives Electoral Tribunal adopted its 1998 Internal Rules — tc cane ih jasive power to initiate all cases of impeachment though a Bisied complaint or resolution of impeachment fied by at least Fo third ofall the Members ofthe House of Representatives, and. EF tiles of Impeachment (Const. (1987), Art. XI ee. 3[1}(5). Ff Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases BFF impeachment. When the President of the Philippines is on ithe Chief Justice ofthe Supreme Court shall preside, but he fall not vote. The public officer (President and Vice-President, bers or Justices of the Suprente Co srt and the Constitutional missions and the Ombudsman) shall be convicted with the currence of two-thirds ofall the Members ofthe Senate. (Ar, Sec 3{6). When the Chief Justice or members ofthe Judiciary the Constitutional Cominissions and Ombudsman are on F's the Senate Present shall preside. Rules of impeachment il be promulgated by the Senate, (wwwgoupin wurwsenate, -wowchanmobles.com) Impeachment (Const. [1987], Art. XI, Secs. 2 and 3) has pen led against a President, two Chief Justices, one Associate ice, and one Ombudsman. In the case of President Joseph Estrada, verified complaint was filed by 115 members of fe House of Representatives led by the then Speaker of the Pouce of Representatives Manuel Vilar on November 13, 2000. Prpeachment tral started December 9, 2000 with Chief Justice fsvio G. Davide Je. and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel he presiding officers. The impeachment trial did nat end * the Prosecutors walked out on January 16, 2001 when the PfPeachoent court did not grant ther tequest to open the second Plone. This lad to what is called “People Pewer 2." I envtet Phen VinwMpnisont Shela Alsen tk boy i few as Presidents: lanwaes 21, 2001 before Chief lustice Mita covenkaer srucrame w G. Davide Jr, in EDSA. The legality of the Arroyo Presidency ‘was brought tothe Supreme Court by President Estrada (Estrada 1 Desierto, GR. No, 146710-15, March 2, 2001) (On October 23,2003, an impeachment case was filed against then Chief Justice Hilario G, Davide Jr. but it did not progper in the House of Representatives. The question onthe impeachment ‘case of Chief Justice Davide was resolved by the Supreme Court in the case of Francis, Jr x. The House of Representtins (GR. No. 4360261, November 10,2008). On May 201, the House Comittee fon Justice declared that the impeachment complaint against incumbent Associate Justice Mariano Del Castillo as sufficient in form and in substance on Decembér 2011. The impeachment complaint is stil pending in the House of Representatives. On December 12, 2011, an impeachment case was filed aginst (Chief Justice Renato C. Corona by 188 members of the House (of Representatives. If is more than the required one-third ‘requirement of Art. X,See.3 of the 1987 Constitution. Til started on January 16, 2012 with Senate President Juan Ponce Enuile as the Presiding Officer. Chief Justice Renato C. Corona was found guilty under Article IT of the Articles of Impeachment last May 25, 2012, or after 43 trial days. The Senators as Impeachment Court Judges voted 20-3 for the removal of Chief Justice Corone, making him the frst high-sanking government official to be convicted by an impeachinent court ‘The Rules of Procedure in Impeachments Proceedings was adopted by the House of Representatives on August 1, 205, The: Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials sdopted by the Senate on March 23,2011 as Resolution No. 39, was used in the limpeachments proceedings of Chef Justice Corona In March 2011,212 members ofthe House of Representatives led by House Speaier Feliciano Belmonte voted to impeach the Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and to tranemit the Articles ‘of Impeachment tothe Senate. The seven-year tem of office of (Ombudaman Gutierez was supposed to end on December 012. (Ombudsman Gutirzez resigned before the impeachment til by the Senate,vac Ftrachonirembs™ 7° 27.3 judiciary (httpuiwwvejudiciany.govph) {E HIERARCHY OF COURTS IN THE PHILIPPINES lonships between and among the court in terms ofursston) ERG eecene Level Coe (SBA Fret Leet courte Lo ne guanees ee conan sracrine z ‘The Organizational Chart ofthe whole judicial System and those ofeach type of Court is available in 2002 Revised Manual of Clerks of Court. Organizational Chart was emended due to the passage of Republic Act No, 9282 (CTA), judiciary's composed of the Supreme Court as the Highest’ late Courts — Court of Appeals, Sandigan- bayan and Court of Tex Appeals; Trial Courts —Firstand Second level courts 23 withthe Supreme Cour and in such lowe court Fray be established by law (Constation (987), Art. VIL, See. 1). The judiciary enjoys fiscal autonomy. Its appropriation may nt be reduced bythe legislature below the ‘ppropriated amount the previous Year afer approval, shall te automatically and regularly reletsed. (Consttution (1987) Art VIM Se. 3). This provision may now face contruction or interpretation inline with what the-Seceary of Budget nd ‘Management cal “Trnsparene and Acuity Prtoscial to Biel Autonomy?" ids3E5). This invelves the relesse of funds of unl postions Inagences enjoying Sal autonomy such as Congress Judiciary, Contttional Commissions and the Ombudsman the Philipines, as amended andthe rales ed by the Supreme Court deine the Tulesand proceduresof the Judiary. These ulesand regulations arvintheform ofAdminirative Mater, Administrative Orders, Girculir, Memorandum Circle, Memorandum Orders and OCA Greular. To inform the members of the Juda, the legal profession and the public of these rales and repulsons, the Supreme Court disseminates this rules and regulations {© all courts publishes important ons in newspapers of general éirculton pinsin bookor pamphlet fn and now downloads them inthe Supreme Court Hand the Supreme Court E-Library websites (hitp/ /elibraryjudiciary, govphl Deparrient of Justice Administrative Onde No. 162 dated ust, TG provided forthe Conon of Ifa Ec. The spre out the Philippines Aie een te Fon rue heures 1 Conduct forthe Philippine Judiciry effective june 2, 2004 No, 0-05-01-SC), which was published in two newepapers ral ciculation on May 3, 2004 (Manila Bulletin and fppie Stat) and available on Supreme Court (sejudiciary. oWY and the Supreme Court E-Library websites (httpll {= The Supreme Court promulgated on June 21, 1988 the Cade Wpojessiona Responsibility forth Legal Profession. The draft was red by the Committee on Responsibility, Discipline and ent of the Integrated Bar ofthe Philippines. "Code of Conduct for Court Personnel (A.MNo.(8-0643-80) asadopted on April 13,2004 etfecive June 2004, published in jo nswspapers of general creation on Apr 26, 2004 (Marila tin and Philippine Sts) and availabe atthe websites. 2173 Supreme Cou (stplsejudisiany.goxph) The barangay chiefs exerted judici:| authority prior to aval of Spaniards in 1821. During tye early yeas ofthe parish period, judicial powers were vested upon Miguel Lopez Legaspi, the frst governorgeneral ofthe Philippines, where administered civil and crvnal justice under the Royel Order August 4, 1568 ‘The Royal Auenca was estebished on May 5, 1583, Ipmposed ofa president, four oidres Gusties) and» fiscal. The tence exerciged both administrative and acl functions. Ts cline and structure were modiied in 1615 when is president as replaced by a chef juste and the numberof justices was mased, I came to be known as the Audenca Tevitorial de ie ith to branches — cil and criminal. Royal Decree ed July 24, 1861 converted it to a purely judicial body rein it decisions were appealible to the Supreme Cour ‘he Philippines to the Court of Spain in Madi. A teritoiah denn in Cebu and Audenci for eeiminal cases in Vigan were nized on February 26 1898, The Andencias were suspended General Wesley Meret when a military government was ablished after Manila fel othe American fores in 1898 tao. Grol Eel 5. eco M ea oe ee re) Covent sthUCTURE 25,1899 by virtue of General Order No, 2, Suid Order provided {or six Flip members ofthe Audencie, Act No. 196 abolished. the Audencia and established the present Supreme Court on June 111901 with Cayetano Artlano a the Est Chel Justice together ‘with associate justices, the majority of whom were American Justices. lipinzaton ofthe Suprems Court stated only during, the Commonoreslth, Administrative Code of 1917 provided for a Supreme Court with a Chie Justie and eight associate Justices ‘With the satcation ofthe 1885 Constitution, the membership was increased to eleven, with two divisions of five members cach, The 1973 Constitution futher ingreased its membership to 15 with two @) divisions. Pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, the Supreme Court is composed of Chief Justice and fourteen ‘Actos as hal serve ul he gs of event OD. ‘TheGouimayekén By ornittiee() Svsncompose of Fre members ead vacancy st be led upby the President ‘within ninety (90) days of occurrence, ‘The Consttuion (1987) Art VIM, Sec. 42) explicitly provider for the cases that must be heard Ex Bane and See. 4(3) for cases that may be heat by divisions. Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 transferred from the Depsitnient of Justice to the Supreme Coutt the administrative supervision ofall courts and their personnel. This was affirmed by the 1987 Constitution, Art. VII Sec. 6 The Office of the Court ‘Administrator (OCA) was created under Presidential Decree No. £828, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 842 to effectively, dlischarge this constitutional mandate. The functions ofthe Oifice {are provided for in the Resolution of the Court En Banc dated February 26, 1991. In a Resolution of the Court En Banc dated Noveriber 19,1996, the Office was reorganized and strengthened. Js principal function i the supervision and administration ofthe lower cours throughout the Philippines and all heir personne! reports and recommends to the Supreme Cour all actions that affect the lower court management. The OCA is headed by the Court Aciministrtor three (3) Deputy Court Administrators and thee 4) Ansstant Court AdministratorsRES pane ue ops FOR THE PHILIPPINES Supreme Court exercises the following powers as ded fr inthe Constitution (1987), At. VI, Sec 5 1) Exercise jurisdiction over cases affecting ambessadors, other public ministers and consuls, and aver petitions {or certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warrint, and habeas corpus. 2) Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari as the aw or the Rules of Court may provide final judgments and orders of lower cours i 4) Allcases in which the constitutionality or validity ofany treaty international orexecutive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction ordinance, oF regulationisin question. 1B) Allcases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or tl, or any penalty imposed in relation thereto ©) All eases in which the jurisdiction of any lower 4) _Allcriminal cases on which the penalty imposed {is reusion perpetua or higher €) _Alleases in which only is involved. oro: question of aw 3) Assign temporarily judges of lower court to other stations as publicinterest may require. Such temparary assignment shall not exceed six months without the consent of the judge concerned. 4) Order a change of venue or place of tial to avoid a miscarriage of justice. 5) Promulgate rules conceming the protection and enforcementof constitutional rights pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice of Inv, the Integrated Bar, and legal sesisiance fe the eindesprivileged. Such rules shall provide. 9 pitied and inexpensive prone ; Poco 7 disposition of cases shall be uniform fr all cout the same grade, and shall not diminish, increase or modify substantive right Rules of procedure of pel courts and quasi judicial bodies shall remain elective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court. 6) Appoi: all officials and employees ofthe Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law (Se. 5, id). Supreme Court has promulgated the Intra Rus of the Stprene Court (Resolution dated July 6, 2010 and amended in August 2, 1010), to gover the intemal operations of the Court and as a guide tothe exercise ofits judicial and administrative functions) ‘The constitionality of two significant laws are still pend ing in the Supreme Cour) Republic Act No. 10175 — “Cer. vine Prevention Act of 2012" passed int law on September 12, 201% and b) Republic Act No. 10354 — “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Heath Act of 012" pased into law on Decerboe 12,2012 Sec. 3ofthe Internal Rule of the Supreme Court provided that cases may be heared on orl arguments upon defined isu “The contttionaliy ofthese two laws are considered by the Si preme Court as defined issues, The procedure defined by ec. 3 ‘were followed — "The pettione shall argue fst, folowed by the respondent and the amicus cura if any. Rebutal of arg ments may beallowed by the ChefJustc or the Chaizperson If any, the Court may invite anus curse” In previously decided casts, oral arguments lasted unl past midnight In a Resolution ofthe Court x Banc (AM. No, 006-1-5C) dated January 31, 2012 the Haman Resouces Manual formerly referred tas Personnel Manual, was approved. ‘The Supreme Courthas adopted and promulgated the Rules ‘of Court for the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleadings and practice and procedure in all courts, and the admission i the practice of aw. In line with this mandate of the Rules of Court and extrajudicial killing and disappearances, the Supreme Court passed two important Resolutions: the ute Bi of Ampans (A.M. No, 0791280), approved onabate Pe onary 2, 2008 and effective February 2, 2008, The "Writ of paris a remedy available to any person whose right to if and security is violated or weatened with violation by an fal actor omis.ion of a public oficial or employee, oF of rive individual or entity. This wait shall cover extrajudicial ling and enforced disappearances or threats. (ec. 1)" The Wit Habeas Dt on the other hand, “is a remedy avaiable to any Jon whoeeightto privacy inf, iberty or security violated threatened by an unlawfil act or omission of a public official employee, of any private individual or entity engaged inthe fathering, collecting or storing of data or information regarding re person family, home andorrespondence ofthe aggrieved party” (Se. Writ of Kalkan, a resolution on Rales.of Proceduce for eavironmental Cases (A.M. No. 09-64-SC), was approved on april 13,2010 and was to take effect on Apri 29, 2010, fifteen (05) days following its publication in a newspaper of general relation This rule covers civil and criminal acons brought sce the Regional Trial Cours, Mesopoliten Trial Court, Municipal Teal Courts, and Municipal Trial Cours involving be enforcement or violations onthe existing environmental and other slated laws and regulations conservation, development, preservation, protection and wtlization of the environment and ratural zesourees, promulgated during the American period Such as Act No. 3872 approved on November 26 1929 unt the present Republic such as Republic Act No. 9637 approved on May 13,2009. The Cousts designated to try these cases ae called ‘Green Courts.” ‘A. Writ of Kaltason with a Temporary Enviconmental [Protection Order (TEPO) was issued by the Supreme Court in the case of “West Tower Condominium Corporation, on Behalf of the Residents off West Tower Condo, and in Representation of Barangay HBongkal, Aud Others, Including Minors and Generations Yet Unborn Firs Philippine industrial Corporation, First Gen Corporati Jana Tir Restecine Bord of Dietors and Ofer, fr Pov nd Bites sk Nt. 4288 May 31,203 ie tg ccoverfadbursitucione! ‘Amendment tothe rules of court are promulgated through the Committees on Revision of Rules the Court. The Supreme Court also issues administrative rules and regulations in the form of: Administrative Cisculars, Administrative Orders, Bar Matters, Circulars, OCA Circulars, et These ae all available ia the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court E-Library websites. ‘The Judicial and Bar Council (http:/jbcjudiciary.gov.ph) ‘was created by virtue of Art. VIL Sec. 8 under the supervision of the Supreme Court: ts principal function i to streen prospective appointees to any judicial post. The Judicial and Bar Council, hhas promulgated on October 31, 200 its Rules (BC-005) in the performance ofits function. tis composed ofthe Chief Justice as ‘coffe Charman, the Secretary of Justice and representatives of Congress.s ex-officio members, a representativeof the Integrated ‘Bae & professor of law, a retired member of the Supreme Court and a representative ofthe private sector as members. “The Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) (htpfphi judiciarygowph) is the “training school for justices, judge, Court personnel, lawyers and aspirants to judidal post.” Tt twas originally crested by the Supreme Court on Mazch 16, 1986 by viriue of Administrative Order No. 2596 and was dnsitutionalized on February 26,1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8557 ti an mportant component of the Supreme ©: fot its important mission on judicial education. No appointee to the Bench may commence the discharge his adjudicative function ‘without completing the prescribed orientation and courtimmersion ofthe Academy. ts organizational structure and administrative retsup are provided for by the Supreme Court in its Ex Banc resolution Revised A.M, No. 01-1-0%-SC-PHILJA). The Philippine Mediation Center (htpspme.goxph) was organized “pursuant o Supreme Cour Ex Bene Resolution A.M. No OLIOSSCPRILJA, dated October 16, 2001, and in line withthe objectives ofthe Action Program for Judicial Reforms TAPIR) to decongest court dockets, among others, the Court presertbed guidelines in intttionalizing and implementing ithe Philippinen The same esoktion he mediation pieoy SEPRLRETS CH An ECA mmoN us tn rn rates ignated the Philippine Judicial Academy asthe component unt ofthe Supreme Court for CourtAnnexed Mediation ed Altemative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms, and established the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC)." Mandatory Continuing, Legal Education Office was ® ganiedtoilementthe rules on andator Continuing Lega | scation for member ofthe lntegrated Ber of he Philp | (BMLNo 85)—"Mandtory Contig ep ctor" MCE, * holds office in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines main office sho s.r Ctr Maney BE 2.732 Court of Appeals (httplesjudiciarygovph) Commonwealth Act No.3 (December 1, 1935, pursuant to the Consittion (1988), (Ar. VI, Sec 1) esabished the Court of Appel Ie was formally organized on February 1, 1936 and vas compose of eleven janice with Justice Pedro Concepcion asthe ist Presiding Justice. ts composition was incesed to 18 1998 and further increased to 17 i 1982 by virtue of Executive Order No.4. The Cour af Appeals was egenalze in the ater pat of 1984 when five Distt Court of Appeais were organized for Northen Central and Southem Luzon, for Marl, snd fo Visayas and Mindanao Iwas abolished by President Osmena in 4 1985, pursuant o Executive Order No. 37 du to the prevalling abornal conditions. However i¢was reestablished on October 41946 by vistue of Republic Act No 52 with a Presiding Justice ane ten (15) Associate Justices. Its composition was creased by the following enactments: Republic Act No. 1605 to eighteen (18); Republic Act No. 5204 to twenty-four (24); Presidential Decree No, 1482 to one (1) Presiding fustice and thirty-four (3 Associate justices Bats Pambansa Big 129 tity (50 Republic ‘ct No, 8245 to saty-nin (8) de f the eeation of st more division, With Repeblie Act No 8246, the Cour of Appeal in Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro were established Batas Pamronse Bg. 129 changed the name of the Court of | Appents to inermediate Appeliate Cour. Later on, Executive i Onter Ne. a2 brnght Bach ds mame to Court of Appeal TS Gatos toca 7 37? Se, 9ofBitas Pambansa ig 129, a: amended by Execative Onder No. 3 and Republic Att No, 702, provides for the jure cton of the Court of Appeals as ollows + Orginal json to tate wit of mana, prohbtion, cera ates rps and gun werent End ane wis ot proces wheter or notin ld ofits apelaturiicion, + Bkclusive original jurisision over sctlons for annul ‘rent ofjugento Reon el Cony and + Beauv appelite jrsiction over al final judg tens, deceions reoltions, orders abacde of eglna ial Courts and quate agencies, ie Scimerialies, boards or commision ncading the Secures tnd Exchange Commision, the Socal Security Conunston, the Eployees Compensation Commision ad the Cv evr Comision except thot fling within the appellate juredledon ofthe Suprome Coat in seconde wi he Contation the Laber Code ofthe Phppines under resident Dear No- fst amended theprovsions of is Ac tnd of subpanerph i) ofthe rd paregreph and Subparagrap ofthe fourth pargrph of Seron 17 thesia Act of 148 (The deco nd esol tions of the Nadonal Labor Relations Commission asc tow viewable by the Court os provided fort the {Soe of 3 Marta Panera Hones 8 NLRC, 285 SCRA aa) The Supreme Cou, acing on te recommendation of the Commits on Revision ofthe Rles of Court resolved to approve he 200 Infsnal Rue of the Court of Appeals (AML No. GBE12CA) and amended by arescution of the Court En Banc [ay 13 204 (AM. No. O354550). Pursuant to Republic Act No, 8372, otherwise known asthe “tom Se Ae of 2007 the Cie Juste iesued fahinistative Order No. 1182007, deigating, the Fist Seo and Third Divison ofthe Cou Appeas to hale cs nvoving the cms of tr SFr comaON tee aioe EE ot gn and all other matters incident to the said crimes ing from the Metropolitan Manila and Luzon, For those Being from Visayas, all divisions of the Court of Appeals Feed in Cebu are designated to handle these cases while the Pi of Appeals stationed in Cagayan De Oro will handle cases findana0. 82733 Sandiganbayan (htpi/fsb judiciary gouph) Prhe Anti-Graft Court, or the Sandiganbayan, was created Besintain integrity, honesty and efficiency in the bureaucracy feed out misfits and undesirables in goverment service Frstution [1973], Art. XI, Sec. 5, and Constitution (1987), Bc, sec. 4). It was restructured by Presidential Decree No fas emended by Republic Acta, 8249. Itis composed of a Eiding justice and fourtoon (14) Associate Justioes stil in five ‘of three (3) Justices each, ‘The Supreme Court, acting on the recommendation ofthe pmitee on Revision of the Rules of Court, resolved with ction the Revised Internal Rules of the Sandiganbayan gust 28, 2002 (A.M. No. 026-07-58), W Created by Republic Act No. 125 on june 16, 1954, it serves appellate court to review tax cases, Under Republic Act 28, ts jurisdiction has been expanded where it now enjoys me level as the Cont of Appeals. This law has doubled its ship, from thre to six justices, The Supreme Court acting on the recommendation of the tee on Revision of the Rules of Court resolved to approve fevisea Rules of the Court of Tax Appeals (A.M. Nov O51. TA) and amended by «resolution ofthe Court En Bane on ber 22, 2005. he Courtof Tex Appealshasexclusveappllatjurisdietion Pew by appeal the following Decisions ofthe Comnisso of Internal Revenue Pa :» ‘coven sauce internal revenue taxes, fes or other charges, penalties {imposed in relation thereto, or other matters arising, under the National Internal Revenue Code or other laws administered by the Bureau of Intermal Revenue; In actions of the Coinmissioner of Internal Revenue in cases involving disputed assessments, refunds of {internal revenue taxes, fees or other charges, penalties, in relation thereto, or other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue Code ot other laws administered by the Bureau of Intemal Revenue, ‘here the National Intemal Revenue Code provides 8 specific period of action, in which case the inaction, shall be deemed a denial; Decisions orirs or resolutions of the Regional Trial Courts in local tax eases originally decided or resolved. by them in the exercise oftheir original or appellate jurisdiction; Decisions of the’ Commissioner of Customs in cases involving liability for customs duties, fes, or other money charges; seizure, detention or release of property affected; fines, forfeitures or other penalties imposed in relation thereto; or other matters arising under the Customs Law or other laws administered by the Bureau of Customs, Decisions ofthe Central Board of Assessment Appeals in the exercise ofits appellate juriadiction over eases involving the assessment and taxation ofreal property originally decided by the provincial or city board of assessment appeals; Decisions of the Secretary of Finance on customs cases elevated to him automatically for review from decisions of the Commissioner of Customs which are adverse o the Government under Section 2315 of the Tariff and Customs Code; Pvisions of the Secretary of Ageicultare in the cese cullaval product, commodity orartiele, and