Saturday, January 1, 2011

Sample MCQ Bar Questions

Sample MCQ bar exam questions
Multiple Choice Exam

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

Answers are provided after each bar subject.

POLITICAL LAW -- 15%

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

LABOR LAW -- 10%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.) The Labor Code applies to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9.) Illegal recruitment involving economic sabotage prescribes in:

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

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

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


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

Statement B - Alleging abandonment indicates employer-employee relationship.

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


CIVIL LAW -- 15%

1. The majority age begins at the age of

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

2. Who may solemnize marriage anywhere in the Philippines?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAXATION -- 10%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MERCANTILE LAW (COMMERCIAL LAW) -- 15%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CRIMINAL LAW -- 10%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. The meaning of factum probans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. The Anti-Bouncing Check Law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28. Deliberate planning of act before execution.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

33. An alternative circumstance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

55. The law which reimposed the death penalty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

66. Alevosia means

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

103.) A justifying circumstance is exemplified by

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

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

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

105.) Rape is sexual intercourse with the use of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REMEDIAL LAW -- 20%

1. The jurisdiction of courts are determined by

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

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

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

3.) Real or object evidence is authenticated by showing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11.) Choose which of the following is correct:

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


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

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

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

Tags: philippine MCQ bar exam, multiple choice test, sample mcq bar questions, sample mcq bar exam, mcq questions, multiple choice question, bar exam philippines examination

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Tax informers are entitled to 10 percent or P1 million, whichever is lower

Based on a DOJ opinion, tax informers are entitled to 10 percent or P1 million, whichever is lower.


Tax informer cries plunder, says he is entitled to P1B reward
By Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:46:00 12/17/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Failing to get what he believed was a P1.13 billion reward due him, a tax informer filed plunder charges against Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Bureau of Internal Revenue officials led by Commissioner Kim Henares on Friday.

Danilo Lihaylihay, who earlier also claimed that he was entitled to P11.875 trillion in partial claims for helping the recovery of the Marcoses' ill-gotten wealth, said De Lima and Henares had refused to give him the reward and thus unjustly enriched themselves or the state at his expense.

Lihaylihay said he was entitled to P1.13 billion because the reward was supposed to amount to 25 percent of the amount he had helped recover.

Henares earlier said that informants should get 10 percent or P1 million, whichever is lower.

In the complaint he filed at the Office of the Ombudsman, Lihaylihay said that he had written the BIR earlier this year asking for his reward for acting as informant in tax cases where the government was able to collect the amounts due to it. He said that under the law, he was entitled to 25 percent of the recovered amount.

But he said that despite his letters to the BIR, which passed through several officials and which was backed by a referral from the Office of the President, his demand has not been met.

He said that the BIR officials, instead of giving him his money, “illegally connived” with De Lima and caused the publication of a new DOJ opinion that revoked the ruling of former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez saying that the reward should be 25 percent of the recovered amount.

With this DOJ opinion, the DOJ and the BIR officials misappropriated or malversed his money, Lihaylihay said.

“All public respondents illegally confederated with one another in robbing-off herein complainant's P1.130-B trust/reward monies and/or amassing, accumulating, or acquiring ill-gotten wealth through conversion, misappropriation or malversation of public trust funds (informer's reward monies), by the issuance and/or implementation of DOJ Opinion No. 48,” he said.

He added that the officials had taken advantage of their official positions, authority, connections and influence to unjustly enrich themselves or the state, to his detriment.

Damage suit for wrongful detention

Person wrongfully jailed by police due to mistaken identity may file damage suit against arresting officers

Cops ask court to dismiss P470-M damage suit
By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:04:00 12/14/2010

MANILA, Philippines—A police officer facing a P470-million suit for arresting a man mistaken for a terrorist has asked a Quezon City court to junk the case as the plaintiff was unable to pay the hefty filing fee.

Superintendent Roger James Brillantes sought the dismissal of the case against him and five other members of the Philippine National Police filed by Allan Almoite, a man he arrested in 2006.

The police officer said Almoite, who is seeking the court’s authority for him to litigate as an indigent so that he can be exempted from paying the filing fee, does not fall under the definition of an indigent.

The undocketed civil case was raffled off last week to Regional Trial Court Branch 97 presided over by Judge Bernelito Fernandez.

Brillantes said Almoite has been a physical therapist since 1994 and that since Almoite is gainfully employed, he should be required to pay the filing fee, which could amount to P20 million.

Almoite had lodged the P470-million damage suit against the PNP, Brillantes, Inspector Arnulfo Franco, Inspector Dante Yang, PO2 Reynaldo Yap, PO3 Peter Paul Pablico and PO3 Noel Fabia.

The plaintiff is seeking P500,000 for each of the 940 days that he was wrongfully jailed under Section 50 of the 2007 Human Security Act.

Almoite said he was a victim of mistaken identity as he said he was not the man indicated in the warrant used by Brillantes to arrest him.

Almoite was charged with violating Presidential Decree 1866 or illegal possession of explosives in a Valenzuela City court after his arrest by Brillantes' team in 2006.

In 2008, the Valenzuela court granted his demurrer to evidence and junked the case against him, noting that the arrest warrant specified a certain “Ali” and not Almoite himself.


Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20101214-308921/Cops-ask-court-to-dismiss-P470-M-damage-suit

SC acquits Hubert Webb, 6 others in Vizconde massacre case

Webb, et al ordered released as soon as possible

By Tetch Torres INQUIRER.net First Posted 11:34:00 12/14/2010

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 4) The Supreme Court today acquitted former senator’s son Hubert Webb and six others in connection with the celebrated Vizconde massacre case.

“The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused,” court administrator and spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said.

Marquez said seven justices who voted for the acquittal are questioning the quality of the prosecution’s main witness.

“Jessica Alfaro is an NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) agent, not really an eye witness,” Marquez said.

“There were also suspicious details showing inherent inconsistencies, all corroboration cannot be relied on…In all, there is reasonable and lingering doubt on the guilt of the accused,” Marquez said.

Aside from Webb, the high court also acquitted Antonio Lejano II, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez.

Marquez said Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura who were never arrested and have been at large are not part of the acquittal.

“No proceedings were held against them,” Marquez said.

The high court ordered the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to release all the accused as soon as possible.

He added that Biong, who was convicted as an accessory to the crime, is also acquitted because he was specifically pointed by the government witness as the one who allegedly covered the tracks of Webb’s group.

No motion for reconsideration can be filed.

"No MR can be filed otherwise it is tantamount to double jeopardy."

Webb, who is the son of former senator Freddie Webb, Lejano, Gatchalian, Rodriguez, Estrada, and Fernandez were convicted for the 1991 murders.


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101214-308897/SC-acquits-Hubert-Webb-6-others-in-Vizconde-massacre-case

Case vs Hayden Kho dismissed

Now aiming to get medical license back

By Karen Boncocan INQUIRER.net First Posted 15:53:00 12/14/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Hayden Kho is now a free man.

Kho's criminal case for violation of R.A. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 or "VAWC") was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence Tuesday morning by Hon. Judge Rodolfo Bonifacio of Branch 159 of the Regional Trial Court of Pasig City. The judge granted a Demurrer to Evidence previously filed by Kho.

Kho was accused by actress Katrina Halili of videotaping a sexual encounter without her consent and distributing the video through the internet, accusations Judge Bonifacio deemed lacking in evidence.

Halili's side, according to Kho's lawyer Attorney Lorna Capunan, had no evidence to support their accusation that Kho uploaded the video on the internet. Capunan added that ocular inspection made by the court showed that the video camera was in plain sight, "situated in an open and unconcealed place which cannot escape unnoticed," and that the video camera was "visible to both of them."

The court stated that taking of a sex video without the consent and knowledge of the partner is "not yet a violation of Republic Act 9262," and that it only becomes a crime once it "causes substantial emotional or psychological distress to the woman." Dr. Papa, psychiatrist of the National Bureau of Investigation, testified in court that Halili's distress was the uploading of the video and not the act of taking the sex video.

"I went through hell... it was a very difficult two years," said Kho, adding that he felt "so defeated" after being hounded by insults after videos of his sexual encounters with two actresses were uploaded on the internet.

"I am going to rebuild my life," he stated, saying that he remains hopeful that he can still get his medical license back so he can resume practice.

"I'm sorry this happened," was the message Kho sent out, and said that he would like to personally talk to her after all that has happened.

Irene Kho, Hayden's mother, said the dismissal was an answer to the many prayers of supporters, friends and family.

Capunan stated that since the start of the case it had never been about gender but of respect for privacy. The lawyer added that they were surprised with the decision, having been only ready to request for the postponement of Kho's presentation of evidence.

There is still the issue on who was behind the dissemination of the sex videos, said Capunan. She stated that further investigation by NBI is needed to find the perpetrator.

"I have no energy to go after (the people who distributed the video)... I just want to move on," said Kho, whose focus is now on getting his medical license back.


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101214-308922/Case-vs-Hayden-Kho-dismissed

Reparation bill for ‘wrongly jailed individuals’ filed in Senate

By Maila Ager INQUIRER.net First Posted 14:21:00 12/15/2010

MANILA, Philippines – A bill providing reparation to “wrongly jailed individuals” has been filed at the Senate.

Senate Bill 432 filed by Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada was released to the media on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court acquitted Hubert Webb, who had been jailed for 15 years in connection with the celebrated Vizconde massacre.

The bill stipulates that “any person who may have suffered penalty, criminally through conviction but subsequently judicially declared as erroneous, shall heretofore be compensated and be entitled to reparation as herein provided.”

Monetary compensation for damages for wrong imprisonment suffered, the bill said, should not exceed twice the amount of income in the year prior to his/her arrest.

“An additional amount of equivalent to one-fourth of one percent of the docket fees required for the filing of actions in court, both criminal and civil, shall be paid as contribution to the Assurance Fund,” it added.

Estrada noted that the justice system is depicted by the blindfolded woman holding the scale supposedly symbolizing the impartiality, equality and integrity that should comprise the manner justice system is served.

“But it is, likewise, clear such symbol characterized the approximation that the system, at best, exerts to go nearest to true injustice. Thus, in reality, the justice system is far from perfect,” he said in his explanatory noted of the bill.

“There will always be mistakes in its administration. And therefore, it is incumbent upon the state to make sure that discovery of errors in the justice it stands for be corrected,” Estrada added.


source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101215-309119/Reparation-bill-for-wrongly-jailed-individuals-filed-in-Senate

Columnist Jarius Bondoc named BOD member of sequestered company

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:32:00 12/15/2010

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III has appointed NBN-ZTE scandal witness Jarius Bondoc as a member of the board of directors of a sequestered company.

Bondoc, a columnist for the Philippine Star, was appointed as one of the directors of the Independent Realty Corp., a firm under the control of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte announced in MalacaƱang.

Bondoc's appointment was one of several Valte announced on Wednesday afternoon


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101215-309122/Columnist-named-BOD-member-of-sequestered-company

Administrative complaint readied vs judge in Vizconde massacre

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:53:00 12/15/2010

MANILA, Philippines – An administrative complaint is being readied against the judge that convicted Hubert Webb and 6 others in connection with the Vizconde massacre case, a lawyer said.

Jose Flaminiano, counsel for Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez and recently Gerardo Biong, said Paranaque regional trial court Judge now Court of Appeals Associate Justice Amelita Tolentino should be held administratively liable for plagiarism.

“If you will compare her decision with that of the memorandum submitted by the prosecution, clearly, it was plagiarized. No proper attribution,” Flaminiano said.

He explained that while judges would use as basis the memorandum submitted by the parties in crafting out its decision, the same should be indicated in the decision.

“We have already raised that years ago but no action was taken,” Flaminiano said.

“Did she made her own evaluation of the evidence presented then? There was massive plagiarism committed on her decision. We cannot let this pass. She does not deserve to be a Court of Appeals Justice,” Flaminiano said.

Flaminiano said he and counsels of the others recently acquitted by the high court would meet Saturday to finalize their steps.

They are also considering filing criminal case against star witness Jessica Alfaro as well as the National Bureau of Investigation, private and public prosecutors.

"Our priority is the case against Alfaro and Justice Tolentino," Flaminiano said.

Tolentino is the judge who handed down the verdict against Webb and 6 others

Tolentino is currently on leave.


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101215-309131/Administrative-complaint-readied-vs-judge-in-Vizconde-massacre

CA temporarily stops ABS-CBN’s infringement case vs Revillame

By Nancy C. Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:24:00 12/21/2010

MANILA, Philippines—The Court of Appeals has ordered a Makati Regional Trial Court to stop conducting hearings on the petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) being sought by television network ABS-CBN against former “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame.

According to ABC 5 lawyer Ferdinand Domingo, the appellate court granted the petition for a TRO filed by ABC Development Corp. (TV5) and its president, Ray C. Espinosa, against Judge Joselito C. Villarosa, presiding judge of the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 66.

“The TRO enjoins the Makati Regional Trial Court from conducting further proceedings on the TRO application by ABS-CBN on Civil Case No. 10-1155,” Domingo said.

Revillame moved to TV5 earlier this year after he and ABS-CBN had a falling out. He is the host of the network’s new primetime game show, “Willing Willie.”

Domingo said the decision was contained in the December 17 resolution of the appellate court’s Fourth Division headed by Associate Justice Josefina Guevara-Salonga with Associate Justices Franchito N. Diamante and Mariflor Punzalan Castillo as members.

Earlier, ABS-CBN filed a copyright infringement case against Revillame before the Makati RTC. It accused him of copying the format of “Wowowee” in “Willing Willie.”

In response, TV5 asked the appellate court to issue a TRO to stop the lower court from hearing the case against Revillame.


Domingo, however, said the court required TV5 to post a cash bond worth P102,400,000 “to answer for any and all damages which private respondent (ABS-CBN) may suffer or sustain, by reason of the temporary restraining order, should this court finally decide that the petitioners are not entitled thereto.”

SOURCE: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20101221-310255/CA-temporarily-stops-ABS-CBNs-infringement-case-vs-Revillame

Laslas bag modus operandi

Christmas season triggers a lot of activities in many people. One of which among the evil minded is the laslas bag modus operandi prevalent especially in jeepneys and buses. While gang members do it whole year round, frequency escalates during holiday season both because of financial need of the culprits and the increase of income of the public.

The malefactor
Generally they do it in tandem or trio. One is the executor while the others serve as a distractor, look out or back up just in case the job is foiled by the target or by anybody and attempts to apprehend or confront them. Greedy ones may operate singly though.

The victim
Anybody who carries a bag may be the target. They do not have a specific profile of their prospective victims. I’ve heard stories and seen people who do not look like moneyed people but fell victim nonetheless. For as long as you fall to their set up, you become the prey.

Sometimes, they are pre-positioned inside the jeep according to their set up. Other times they scout passing vehicles from the outside and identify those they can easily set up.

In one of my experiences, the culprits are already inside the jeep and placed themselves in such a way that upon boarding, we will sit between them. They managed to cut my gf’s bag but failed to take the wallet.

The distractor
This guy’s role is to distract the target victim by any means in order get his attention away from his bag while being slashed by the executor. They may talk loudly or annoy the victim by frequent moving of their limbs, or any other means just to make sure you move your attention away from your belongings. In my experience, the person acted like a feeble-minded.

He is either beside the victim or in front of him. If he is beside the victim, he makes sure the victim does not move away from the distractor.

The executor sometimes performs this act. In one instance, the executor had this terrible underarm odor that the victim literally tilted her head away from him, and he himself successfully slashed the bag.

The tools
The bag is cut or slashed by using a small razor sharp blade. The act of cutting the bag is concealed by using a large bag enough to cover the hand of the executor. So be wary when the one sitting beside you has a bag on his lap. I saw one using a travelling bag. But others use smaller bags.

When do they operate?
They do it at any time of the day whether in broad daylight or nighttime.

TIPS to avoid being a victim of laslas gang:
Do not sit in between guys especially those with large bags.
Make sure both hands of your seatmates are visible. If one is not, beware.
Watch out when a person transfers beside you.
Do not place you bag parallel to your body; but rather perpendicularly.
Sit near the driver.

Friday, December 17, 2010

PAO to file motion for reconsideration over Webb et al

DZIQ: PAO to file motion for reconsideration over Webb et al. acquittal

By Don Lejano
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:14:00 12/16/2010

MANILA, Philippines – Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta said Thursday that they would be filing a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court following its decision to acquit Hubert Webb and six others in the killing of three members of Lauro Vizconde’s family.

In a Radyo Inquirer interview, Acosta said that Vizconde, whose wife Estrellita and daughters Carmela and Jennifer were murdered in 1991, sought PAO’s help to study the legal remedies that could convince the high court to reconsider its decision.

“Lauro Vizconde does not have any income anymore… he is not connected to the government or any private entity so I could not say no to him,” Acosta told Willy Matawaran, host of Radyo Inquirer’s “Kumpadres.” She cited Republic Act 9406 as the reason for PAO’s decision to accept Vizconde as a client.

The PAO provides the underprivileged members of the society free access to courts by rendering legal services to ensure the rule of law.

Acosta also clarified the misconception that Vizconde could no longer appeal the high tribunal ruling, saying in Filipino that “this is still possible for as long as the Supreme Court has not ruled against the filing of a motion for reconsideration.”

Acosta said the points that they would want to raise would be the arguments for reconsideration and for the justices to take a second look at the case.


FROM: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101216-309343/DZIQ-PAO-to-file-motion-for-reconsideration-over-Webb-et-al-acquittal

SC remands AGP case to HRET

The Supreme Court remanded to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) the petition for disqualification filed by Akbayan Partylist against Ang Galing Pinoy (AGP) partylist representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo because Arroyo has already been proclaimed and taken his oath of office as a member of the House of Representatives. That being the case, the HRET now has the proper jurisdiction over the case.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hubert Webb case

The SC reversed the ruling of the CA affirming the trial courts decision finding Hubert Webb et al guilty of rape with homicide committed against the wife and children of Lauro Vizconde in 1991. As a result, Webb and company were released from prison (within just 2 hours from the SC announcement). The processing normally takes days or weeks. This what happens when you’re from a well-known family.

Why were they acquitted?

Because of the inconsistencies in the testimony of the Witnesses.

Who then is the culprit?

Acquittal does not mean innocence. The law requires that an accused must be proven to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, while the accused may be guilty, but if the prosecution failed to show through its pieces of evidence that the guilt of the accused is beyond reasonable doubt, then the accused may go scot free.

In this case, there are inconsistencies on the testimonies of the witnesses especially that of primary witness Jessica Alfaro. These all placed a reasonable doubt on the supposed guilt of the accused.

Webb et al may or may not be the perpetrators, or only some of them, or it may be other person/s.

What's next?

The DOJ may reopen the case and conduct new investigation. PAO Chief Acosta plans to file a motion for reconsideration with the SC after Mr. Vizconde sought the Office's help, the latter now being considered underprivileged for having no source of income.

Acosta is of the view that such motion is possible for as long as the the SC has not ruled against the filing thereof.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

How to pay your insurance premium even without billing notice

Great Life Financial allows payment of premiums even without a billing notice although it is not what is stated in their “how to pay your premium” data, provided you make your payment on its RCBC bank branches (not RCBC Savings Banks as the latter does not entertain premium payments). All you need is your policy number and premium due or the amount you wish to pay.

Just fill out a Billing Collection form (this is how they call their Bills Payment slip) and indicate the aforementioned data then proceed to the cashier or teller. You will receive the official receipt from the company in a few weeks.

This is exactly what I was instructed to do upon query when I failed to receive my latest billing notice.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Lotto 6/55

The jackpot for this new PCSO product has reached around P380 million last Wednesday, and for the nth time nobody got the perfect combination to amass the big pot. This phenomenon enticed both the old time bettors and newbies. I for one was encouraged to try my luck, and I participated in around four draws. I did not get even 3 numbers right. And I said, "winning this should be really hard."

But contrary to my experience, my roommate who has no idea about the ballooning prize and I was the one who encouraged him to try his luck at the last minute of the closing time, even got a 3 number combination. He got 150 for it. Luck, as they say, comes when you really are lucky.

But how really hard it is to win in 6/55?
PCSO insiders say a person who bets on a number combination has 1 in 28.9 million chance of winning, and only 25 per cent of these numbers are being bet on. This means 75 per cent of the 28.9 million combinations have no bets placed on them. This explains why after so many draws, the prize is still at stake. On last Wednesday's draw, only 1/4 of the total combinations have bets placed on them.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Lexing TV

Months ago, my friend bought a 17" television for a measly P2,500 pesos somewhere along Avenida street in Manila. The TV was branded as Lexing. I was surprised to learn that Lexing now has a tv product as they are only known for their cheap dvd players which, based on unofficial reviews from online fora, are proven to be durable after some testing. This brand is known to be made from China.

Now that they also ventured into tv products, it is imperative for the sake of curiousity to know whether these products also match its dvd counterparts. To tell you, so far, my friend's tv still works well after almost five months. And from the way it looks, it seems like it will last a long time.

Monday, September 27, 2010

733 prosecutors needed

Today, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima lamented on the non-inclusion of budget for the hiring of the very much needed 733 new prosecutors nationwide in the 2011 proposed outlay for the Department of Justice.

This planned hiring is supposedly in compliance with Republic Act 10071 or the National Prosecution Service Act, which aims among others to achieve the ideal ratio of two prosecutors for every regional trial court judge; one prosecutor for every municipal trial court; and one prosecutor for every two municipal circuit trial court.

If realized this will definitely enhance and facilitate the speedy administration of justice in the country considering the high rate of population increase. However, it will not be the sole solution or the root cause of the country's rotten justice system; but it will be a good start and surely contribute in the much awaited improvement.

This is also a good news for all lawyers who want or aspire to be public prosecutors. It is also a very secured way of becoming a judge. I hope these positions are still up for grabs by the time I graduate from law school.

SC: Retail trade liberalization law constitutional

SC: Retail trade liberalization law constitutional
By Nikko DizonPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 07:52:00 09/28/

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 or Republic Act No. 8762, a decade after it was questioned by lawmakers as supposedly being anti-Filipino.

“(W)hile the Constitution mandates a bias in favor of Filipino goods, services, labor and enterprises, it also recognizes the need for business exchange with the rest of the world on the bases of equality and reciprocity and limits protection of Filipino enterprises only against foreign competition and trade practices that are unfair,” it said.

Associate Justice Roberto Abad penned the 11-page decision.

Ten years ago, then Representatives Gerardo Espina, Orlando Fua Jr., Prospero Amatong, Robert Ace Barbers, Raul Gonzales, Prospero Pichay, Franklin Bautista and Juan Miguel Zubiri haled to court Cabinet officials of the Estrada administration during which the law was signed.
The officials were then Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora Jr., former Trade Secretary Manuel Roxas II, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Felipe Medalla, former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Rafael Buenaventura, and former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Lilia Bautista.

The petitioners argued that RA 8762 violated provisions in the Constitution which places the national economy under the control of Filipinos to achieve equal distribution of opportunities, promote industrialization and full employment, and protect Filipino enterprise against unfair competition and trade policies.

The passage of RA 8762 effectively repealed RA 1180, which absolutely prohibited foreign nationals from engaging in the retail trade business.

RA 8762 allows foreign investors to engage in retail trade under specific categories, depending on the amount of capital invested.

The high court noted that the petitioners were unable to show that the implementation of the law would prejudice them or inflict damage to them as taxpayers or legislators.

“There is no showing that the law has contravened any constitutional mandate,” it said. It pointed out that the Constitution “does not impose a policy of Filipino monopoly.”

“The objective is simply to prohibit foreign powers or interests from maneuvering our economic policies and ensure that Filipinos are given preference in all areas of development,” the high court said.

Moreover, the Constitution gives Congress the “discretion to reserve to Filipinos certain areas of investments upon the recommendation of NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) and when the national interest requires,” it said.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20100928-294726/SC-Retail-trade-liberalization-law-constitutional

Half of 2011 bar exams in multiple choice format—Corona

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Starting next year, part of the bar examinations will be in multiple choice format, but this will not necessarily make the test easier, according to Chief Justice Renato Corona.

"Multiple choice questions could be difficult – more rational, not necessarily easier," Corona told reporters at the launching of the Justice on Wheels Mobile Court program here on Wednesday.
Corona confirmed that the Supreme Court, which administers the annual exam, would adopt the changes in the format to be implemented next year under 2011 Bar Examination Committee chairman Associate Justice Roberto Abad.

"We are changing the format of the bar examinations because the present format we are following has been there for more than 100 years already and we feel it is not responsive to the way law should be taught today," Corona said.

The exam will be divided in two parts with the first part in multiple choice format with examinees choosing the best answer among four to five correct answers while the second part will be essay-type to test reasoning, writing and logic abilities.

Asked if the changes were meant to address the low passing rate in the examinations, Corona said this would not necessarily address the problem.

He said the low passing average in the bar exams could be attributed to many factors, including the preparedness of the examinees, handwriting of the bar-takers, reasoning ability and adeptness in expressing themselves in English.

The bar examinations, first held in the country in 1901 with 13 examinees, is among the most anticipated especially because of its traditionally low passing rate.

The exam top notchers usually land jobs in the top law firms in the country.

However, the continued dismal passing rate in the bar examinations has alarmed the Supreme Court and prompted calls for reforms in the country's law schools.

In 2008, the high court lowered the passing rate to 70 percent from 75 percent and the disqualification rate in three subjects (civil, labor and criminal law from 50 percent to 45 percent. This made it possible for 1,289 of the total 5,626 takers (22.91 percent) to hurdle the examinations.

Corona said the bar examinees could still find next year's examination easier because it would be focused and will have limited coverage.

[Previously], "we didn’t know where the examiners will get the questions but [next year] we will be limiting them to the most important subjects," he said.

FROM: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100805-285071/Half-of-2011-bar-exams-in-multiple-choice-formatCorona

Gin by any other name still ‘ginebra’

MANILA, Philippines—The Court of Appeals (CA) has thrown out the petition of an alcoholic beverage firm asking for the exclusive use of “ginebra” on its gin products.
The court said the word was a generic term for “gin.”

In a ruling released Friday, Associate Justice Estela Bernabe upheld the decision of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) junking the request of La TondeƱa Distillers Inc. (LTDI) to grant it a trademark for “ginebra.”

“Accordingly, the court finds no error on the part of the IPO director general in dismissing petitioner’s appeal from the denial of its application for registration of the mark ‘ginebra,’” Bernabe said in her six-page decision.

LTDI, formerly Ginebra San Miguel Inc., had filed a petition on February 21, 2003, asking the Bureau of Trademarks to grant it exclusive rights to put the word “ginebra” on its products.
According to the appellate court, LTDI itself mentioned in the petition that the term “ginebra” was a Spanish word for the English word “gin,” an intoxicating drink made from the juniper berry.

As such, the court said that using the word “ginebra” was “merely indicative and descriptive of the merchandise or product designated” and that it was a generic term referring to gin products.
It said that allowing LTDI to have intellectual property rights over the word “ginebra” would unfairly deny four other beverage companies use of the term on their products.

“It is, therefore, a generic term which cannot be appropriated for petitioner’s exclusive use because it would unjustly deprive other gin dealers of the right to use the same with reference to their merchandise,” the appeals court ruled. Aside from LTDI, alcoholic beverage companies Tanduay Distillers Inc., Twin Ace Holding Corp., Consolidated Distillers of the Far East Inc., and Webengton Distillery Inc. had also been putting the word “ginebra” on their gin bottles, the court said.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20100823-288377/Gin-by-any-other-name-still-ginebra

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Benefits of Malunggay (Moringa) Soap

I have this some sort of infection in my face. I am not sure whether it is fungal, viral or bacterial but it is something similar with dandruff, and the only difference is it is not on my hair. They are sometimes scaly that I tend to scratch it every time. I tried to treat it with Dr. Wong’s medicated soap, alcohol, shampoo but all proved hopeless.

I did not bother going to a doctor as I want to find the cure myself.

I happened to see a booth selling natural products somewhere in a booth inside COA Compound in Batasan, Quezon City, which mainly sells different products derived from malunggay. I bought one of their malunggay soap because the salesman claimed that it is an anti-bacterial soap.

Upon getting home, I immediately tried it on my face. Amazingly, after just one wash, the scaly infection was gone. But sad to say, their company seems to have ceased operating. The booth closed and their website cannot be accessed. So now, I am looking for other manufacturers.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Succession: Shares of An Illegitimate Child And A Surviving Spouse

Case: The illegitimate son of a deceased man is claiming inheritance from his father’s estate. The decedent left only a surviving spouse and this claimant. How do we divide the estate?

According to Public Attorneys Office Chief Acosta, the estate should be divided like this: Conjugal partnership of gains governs the marriage of the decedent with his surviving spouse since they were married without marriage before the passage of the Family Code. Thus, one-half of the property goes to the spouse representing her share in the conjugal partnership, while the other half becomes the estate which becomes the subject of partition and from it the share of the illegitimate son will be taken. Where the only heirs are the surviving spouse and an illegitimate child, the law gives one-fourth of the entire property or one-half of the estate shall go to the illegitimate son while the remaining goes to the spouse.

Friday, August 13, 2010

How to play lotto

1. Get the card corresponding to the one you want to bet on. Normally, the betting cards are just on the table or somewhere outside the booth. But if you can't find your particular card, or there are no cards at all, ask one from the teller. Sometimes they only provide cards on a "by request" method in order minimize wastage.

2. Mark your preferred numbers according to the instructions at the back of the card, fall in line, and present it to the teller along with your payment, and you will receive a receipt which serves as a proof when claiming prizes.

3. Read the instructions or reminders at the back of the receipt. You wouldn't want yourself leaping for joy when you win but later on your prize is forfeited due to a mutilated receipt.