Evidence - Outline - Francisco
Evidence - Outline - Francisco
Evidence - Outline - Francisco
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
In General
Evidence
- means sanctioned by these rules of ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth
respecting a matter of fact
- provides the methods of enforcing rights or obtaining redress for their invasion,
as distinguished from substantive law that defines and creates certain rights
Proof vs Evidence
- Proof: result or perfection of evidence ; end result
- Evidence: means by which proof is established ; means to the end
Classes of Evidence
1. Relevant: it has a tendency in reason to establish the probability or improbability of a fact
in issue
o Test of Relevancy:
a. Rules of logic
b. Human experience
2. Competent: not excluded by law in a particular case
3. Testimonial: the testimony of a witness, usually on oath or affirmation, given by his word
of mouth in the witness stand. It commands greater weight than sworn statements
because testimonies given during trial are more exact and elaborate
4. Documentary: consists of writings or any material containing letters, words, numbers, or
figures, symbols, or other modes of written expressions offered as proof of their contents
5. Object: which proves the fact in dispute without the aid of any inference or presumption.
It is not limited to that which may be known by the senses, but it extends to that which is
perceived by the senses of hearing, taste, smell or touch
6. Direct: proves that fact in dispute without the aid of any inference or presumption
7. Circumstantial: proof of facts from which, taken collectively, the existence of the
particular fact in dispute may be inferred as a necessary or probable consequence
- Consists of collateral facts and circumstances from which the existence of the
main fact may be inferred according to reason and common experience
- Requisites:
a. There is more than one circumstance
b. The facts from which the inferences are derived have been established
c. The combination of the circumstances is such as to warrant a finding of
guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- For the circumstantial evidence to be sufficient to support a conviction:
a. All the circumstances must be consistent with each other, and consistent
with the hypothesis that accused is guilty
b. Inconsistent with the hypothesis that the accused is innocent, and with
every other rational hypothesis except of guilt
c. Thus, a judgment or conviction based on circumstantial evidence can be
sustained only when the circumstances proved form an unbroken chain
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Scope
General Rule: The rules of evidence shall be the same in all courts and in all trials and hearings
Exception: as otherwise provided by law or these rules
Civil Criminal
The party attends by accord The accused attends by compulsion
No presumption as to either party The presumption of innocence attends the
accused throughout the trial until the
same has been overcome by prima facie
evidence of his guilt
An offer of compromise does not, as a An offer of compromise is an implied
general rule, amount to admission of admission of guilt
liability
The plaintiff must prove his claim by The government must establish the guilt
preponderance of evidence of the Accused beyond reasonable doubt
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Sources of Evidence
a. 1987 Constitution
b. Rules 128-134 of the Rules of Court
c. Bar Matter No. 411
d. Rules 115, Sec. 1 of the RoC
e. Substantive and remedial statutes
f. Judicial decisions
g. Rules on DNA Evidence
It must be stressed that the rules governing the admissibility of evidence are not concerned
with the weight to be accorded the testimony or pertinent materials introduced
- The weight has to do with the effect of the evidence admitted, its tendency to
convince and persuade
- The weight of evidence is not determined mathematically by the numerical
superiority of the witnesses testifying to a given fact, but depends upon its
practical effect in inducing belief on the part of the judge trying the case
Relevancy of evidence
It does not depend upon its effect or conclusiveness but upon its tendency to establish a
controverted fact. Its essential quality is persuasiveness as to the existence or non-
existence of the fact
Materiality of evidence
Means its quality of substantial importance to the particular issue, apart from its relevancy.
Relevancy or materiality of evidence is a matter of logic, since it is determined simply by
ascertaining its logical connection to a fact in issue in the case
Degree of relevancy
Competency of evidence
Take note the rules on
a. Best Evidence Rule
b. Parole Evidence Rules
c. Hearsay Evidence Rule
d. Offer of Compromise
e. Disqualification of Witness by reason of mental incapacity’
f. Disqualification by reason of marriage
g. Disqualification by reason of death or insanity of adverse party
h. Disqualification by reason of privileged communication
i. Exclusionary provisions in the constitution
Collateral matters
Definition: those that are outside the controversy, or are not directly connected with the
principal matter or issue in dispute, as indicated in the pleadings of the parties
General Rule: These are not allowed
- Rationale: They draw away the mind of the court from the point at issue, and
excite prejudice and mislead it.
- They are, however, admissible when they tend in any reasonable degree to
establish the probability or improbability of the fact in issue
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Judicial Notice
a. Definition: cognizance of certain facts which judges may property take and act on without
proof because they already know them
o Latin Maxim: What is known need not be proved
o When this rule is invoked, the court may dispense with the presentation of
evidence on judicially cognizable facts.
c. Requisites
1. The matter must be of common and general knowledge
2. It must be well and authoritatively settled and not doubtful or uncertain
3. It must be known to be within the limits of the jurisdiction of the court
d. Kinds
1. Mandatory
2. Discretionary
e. Mandatory
1. Territorial Extent
2. General history
3. Forms of Government of States
4. Symbols of Nationality
5. Law of the Nations
6. Admiralty Courts and their Seals
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f. Discretionary
o A court may take judicial notice of matters which are of public knowledge, or are
capable of unquestionable demonstration, or ought to be known to judges
because of their judicial functions
Presumptions
a. Definition: defined as a rule of law that attaches probative value to specific facts, or
directs that an inference be drawn as to the existence of a fact, not actually known, arising
from its usual connection with other particular facts which are known or established.
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b. Presumptions vs Inferences
INFERENCES PRESUMPTIONS
It is one which the fact finder may or may It is a deduction which the law requires
not draw according to his own conclusions
Presumption of inference is discretionary Presumption of law is mandatory
In defining inference, the emphasis seems
to be laid upon it as a process of reasoning,
a permissible deduction, judgment, or
conclusion drawn as a logical consequence
from other facts proved or admitted
Strictly, any real distinction in terms would lie only as to:
1. Positive rule of law (i.e: conclusive presumption)
2. Rebuttable presumption – a permissible inference of fact,
which yields to evidence bearing on the point involved
c. Kinds
1. Presumption Hominis, or of a fact
o Those which the experience of mankind has shown to be valid, founded on
general knowledge and information
o Inferences which naturally arise in common experience from particular
circumstances or known fact
o An inference as to the existence of one fact not certainly known from the known
or prove existence of some other fact, founded on previous experience or
general knowledge of their connection
e. Conclusive Presumptions
1. Estoppel in Pais: Whenever a party has, by his own declaration, act, or omission,
intentionally and deliberately led another to belive a particular thing true, and to act
upon such belief, he cannot, in any litigation arising out of such declaration, act or
omission, be permitted to falsify it.
o It is based upon the grounds of public policy, fair dealing, good faith and
justice, and its purpose is to forbid one to speak against his own act,
representations, or commitment to an injury of one to whom they were
directed and who reasonably relied thereon
o Elements as to the party estopped:
a. Conduct which amounts to a false representation or concealment of
material facts, or at least, which is calculated to convey the impression
that the facts are otherwise than, and inconsistent with, those which
the party subsequently attempts to assert
b. Intention, or at least expectation that such conduct shall be acted
upon by the other
c. Knowledge, actual or constructive, of the real facts
o Elements as to the party claiming estoppel:
a. Lack of knowledge and of the means of knowledge of the truth as to
the facts in question
b. Reliance upon the conduct of the party estopped
c. Action based hereon of such a character as to change his position
prejudicially
o Equitable Estoppel can be invoked by one who is in a position to be misled
by the misrepresentation with respect to which the estoppel is invoked; and
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under circumstances where damage would result to him from the adoption by
the person estopped of a position different from that which has been held out
to be true
o Akin to estoppel in pais are:
i. Estoppel by Silence
ii. Estoppel by Laches
iii. Promissory Estoppel
iv. Estoppel on the question of jurisdiction
2. Estoppel against Tenant: The tenant is not permitted to deny the title of his
landlord at the time of the commencement of the relation of landlord and tenant
between them
o To give rise to the estoppel of a tenant to deny his landlord’s title:
i. It must first be shown that the relation of landlord and tenant in fact
existed between the parties as regards the land in question
ii. Possession under the lease is also essential to give rise to an estoppel
of the lessee to deny the lessor’s title, in an action involving title or
possession
f. Disputable Presumptions
i. A person is innocent of a crime or wrong
ii. An unlawful act was done with an unlawful intent
iii. A person intends the ordinary consequences of his voluntary act
iv. A person takes ordinary care of his concerns
v. The evidence wilfully suppresses would be adverse, if produced
vi. The money paid by one to another was due to the latter
vii. The thing delivered by one to another belonged to the latter
viii. The obligation delivered up to the debtor has been paid
ix. Prior rents or installments had been paid when a receipt for the later ones is
produced
x. A person found in possession of a thing taken in the doing a recent wrongful ac
is the taker and doer of the whole act; otherwise, that things which a person
possess, or exercises acts of ownership are owned by hum
Facts to be Proven:
a. The crime was committed
b. It was committed recently
c. The stolen property was found in the possession of the defendant
d. The defendant is unable to explain his possession satisfactorily
xi. A person in possession of an order on himself for the payment of money, or the
delivery of anything, has paid the money or delivered the thing accordingly
xii. A person acting in a public office was regularly appointed or elected to it
xiii. Official duty has been regularly performed
xiv. A court, or judge acting as such, whether in the Philippines or elsewhere, was
acting in the lawful exercise of his jurisdiction
xv. All the matters within an issue in a case were laid before the court and passed
upon by it; and in like manner that all matters within an issue raised in dispute
submitted for arbitration were laid before the arbitrators and passed upon by
them
xvi. Private transactions have been fair and regular
xvii. Ordinary course of business have been followed
xviii. There was a sufficient consideration for a written contract
xix. A negotiable instrument was given or indorsed for a sufficient consideration
xx. An endorsement of a negotiable instrument was made before the instrument was
overdue and at the place where the instrument is dated
xxi. The writing is duly dated
xxii. A letter duly directed and mailed was received in the regular course of the mail
xxiii. Presumptive Death
xxiv. Things have happened according to the ordinary course of nature and the ordinary
habits of life
xxv. Persons acting as co-partners have entered into a contract of partnership
xxvi. A man and a woman deporting themselves as husband and wife have entered
into a lawful contract of marriage
xxvii. Property acquired by a man and a woman who are capacitated to marry each
other and who live exclusively with each other as husband and wife without the
benefit of marriage or under a void marriage, has been attained by their joint
efforts, work or industry
xxviii. In cases of cohabitation by a man and woman who are not capacitated to marry
each other and who have acquired property though their actual joint contribution
of money, property, or industry, such contributions and their corresponding
shares including joint deposits of money and evidences of credit are equal
xxix. If the marriage is terminated and the mother contracted another marriage within
300 days after such termination of the former marriage, these rules shall govern
in the absence of the proof to the contrary
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a. Before 180 days after marriage: conceived during the former marriage,
provided it be born within 300 days after the termination of the former
marriage
b. After 180 days following the celebration of the subsequent marriage:
conceived during such marriage, even though it will be born within the 300
days after the termination of the former marriage
xxx. The thing once proved to exist continues as long as is usual with things of that
nature
xxxi. The law has been obeyed
xxxii. The printed or published book, purporting to be printed or published by public
authority, was so printed or published
xxxiii. The printed or published book, purporting to contain report cases adjudged in
tribunals of the country where the book is published, contains correct reports of
such cases
xxxiv. The trustee or other person whose duty it was to convey real property to a
particular person has actually conveyed it to him when such presumption is
necessary to perfect title of such person or his successor interest
xxxv. Except for purposes of succession, when 2 persons perish in the same calamity,
such as a wreck, battle or conflagration, and it is not shown who died first, and
there are no particular circumstances from which it can be inferred the
survivorship is presumed from the probabilities resulting from the strength and
age of the sexes, according to the ff rules:
a. Under are 15 = older is presumed to have survived
b. Above 60 = younger
c. 1 is under 15, and 1 is above 60 = former
d. Both are over 15 and under 60, and the sexes be different =
male
e. If one be under 15 or over 60 and the other between those age
= latter
xxxvi. If there is a doubt, as between 2 or more persons who are called to succeed each
other, as to which of them died first, whoever alleges the death of one prior to
the other, shall prove the same, in the absence of proof, and it is presumed that
they died at the same time
h. Conflicting presumptions
- The weaker presumption should be deemed to be overcome by the stronger
- In case of equal presumptions, one in favor of innocence, and one in favor of
guilt, the one in favor of evidence is to be applied
Judicial Admissions
a. Definition, and as explained
- is one so made in pleadings filed or in the progress if a trial as to dispense with
the introduction of evidence otherwise necessary to dispense with some rules of
practice necessary to be observed and complied with
Extrajudicial Confession
- One made out of court
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Definition
Real Evidence is that which is addressed to the senses of the tribunal, as where objects
are presented for the inspection of the courts
- Is not limited to that which may be known by the senses of vision; it extends to
what is perceived by the senses of hearing, taste, smell, or touch
- Examples:
1. Singing of songs, when material to the case
2. When it is necessary to ascertain w/n the liquid is a fermented cider, the
judge may taste it
3. Exhibition of rupture as a defense in the prosecution of rape
4. Viewing of an allegedly lewd show by the court
5. Exhibition to show age, race, physical proportions or resemblance
6. Production of whiskey bottles and their contents to be looked at, smelled
and taste in court
7. Playing of detectographs and records
8. Weapons and bloody garments of participants in a felony
9. Ill-fitting clothes worn by purchaser in court to show their inept
manufacture
10. Use of courtroom furniture to reconstruct a scene
11. Use by a witness of his body to illustrate his testimony
12. whole area of accessorial real evidence in the form of photographs,
motion pictures and x-rays
When an object is relevant to the fact in issue, it may be exhibited to, examined or
viewed by the court. The application for the production of real evidence is in the
first instance addressed to the discretion of the trial judge, who must first decide whether
or not there is a specific reason of policy or principle which urges against admitting the
exhibit
Before an object may be exhibited or viewed by the court, it must be shown
that:
1. It is relevant to the fact in issue
2. The present condition of the object be the same as at the time in issue or so nearly
the same as to be proper evidence of its former condition
Rules on Indecent or Improper Evidence
General Rule: It should be excluded
Exception: the same is necessary for ascertaining the truth
Two Limitations that are appropriate in determining the question of indecency:
1. There should be fair necessity for inspection, the trial court to determine
2. The inspection should take place apart from the public courtroom, in the sole presence
of the tribunal and the parties
Rules on Repulsive Object, Offensive to Sensibilities
General Rule: excluded
Exception: they are absolutely necessary for the administration of justice
Jurisprudence: Physical evidence is evidence of the highest order. It speaks more
eloquently than a hundred witnesses. And the physical evidence in this case strongly
corroborates the testimony of the offended party that she was raped.
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assailant or the distance between them, or to throw light on any material issue;
also the clothing of the victim’s companion
e) Homicide: bones or flesh of a victim to show the character and location of
wounds, it is the within the court’s discretion to order the victim’s skull exhumed,
so it may be offered as evidence; objects used to hide the body
f) Theft: stolen goods, burglar tools
g) Hit and Run: headlights recovered
h) Drunken Driving Case: Liquor, car
i) ETC. SEE OTHER EXAMPLES SA BOOK
Photograph
To be admissible as evidence, it must first be accepted by the judge as material and
relevant to the issues being tried.
- That is, the contents of the photographs must not only relate to the issues, but
the probative value of the photographic evidence must outweigh the policy
considerations against its admission
Photographs are relevant if they assist witnesses in presenting and explaining their
testimony or aid the court in understanding the issues in the suit, but the trial judge must
determine whether the assistance and enlightenment offered by the a given photograph
outweigh the confusion and undue prejudice that might result from its admission
Photographs are received in evidence for the following purposes:
a) To show the scene of the crime
b) To show the victim of an assault or homicide
c) To show the identity of persons alive or dead, including the defendant, the victim
of his remains, even when decomposed
d) To show wound or other physical injuries, or that a child or animal has been ill-
treated or not properly fed
e) To show the fruits of the crime
f) To supply facsimiles of public records
g) To illustrate handwriting testimony and fingerprint testimony
h) To rebut testimony of the other side
Where relative sizes, distances of objects invisible to the naked eye are
intended to be proved by means of photographs, a layman is not competent to
testify as to them:
a) Use of devices to accentuate photographic evidence
b) Enlargments
c) Color Pictures
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d) Aerial Photographs
X-ray
Modality of medical treatment or diagnosis most commonly appearing in litigation
Diagnostic X-Ray Films often provide counsel with his best source of objective proof of his
client’s injuries, establishing in a manner that all can see that plaintiff’s leg bones indeed
were fractured a year before trial, and the like.
The same rules and principles which apply to ordinary pictures are applicable to an X-Ray
photograph, although subject to explanation or interpretation by experts in order to make
them intelligible to courts.
General Rule: It is authenticated by showing that it was taken properly by a qualified
expert (a person familiar and experienced with X-ray filming techniques, and that the
person in question was the subject of the film)
- A witness authenticating the film, usually a technician, should describe the
time, place and other relevant circumstances surrounding the exposure and
processing of the film, as well as the part of the body the film represents.
Motion pictures
It is admissible upon the same principle and subject to the same limitations as still pictures,
of which motion pictures are merely a series, the only substantial difference being in the
manner of their presentation
Authentication of motion pictures ordinarily includes:
1. Evidence as to the circumstances surrounding the taking of the film
2. The manner and circumstances surrounding the development of the film
3. Evidence in regard to the projection of the film
4. Testimony by a person present at the time the motion pictures were taken that the
pictures accurately depict the events as he saw them when that occured
Video tape
It may be received into evidence if the offering party lays the foundation necessary to
admit a sound recording. Thus, where it is testified that the video tape is a true and
accurate representation of what it is purported to represent, it is sufficient authentication.
It has been admitted for:
- Confessions
- Admissions
- Lineups
- Crime scenes
- Witness’ testimony
- Drinking deliver’s condition
- Actual commission of a crime
Voiceprints (Spectograms)
It is an established law that an accused person in lawful custody maybe required to
demonstrate his voice for identification purposes on the same grounds that he may be
subjected to fingerprinting, photographing, measurements and the like. This can be done
through:
- Lineups
- Tape recordings
- Video tape
- Other similar methods in addition to speaking in court
Definition: it is consists of a magnetic recording device, a variable electronic filter, a paper
carrying drum which is coupled to the recording device, and an electronic stylus that marks
the paper as the drum rotates
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- it is based on the theory that no 2 persons have exactly the same physical voice
properties
Experiments
Experiments often furnish the court with such knowledge, indispensable to the
determination of issue under inquiry, which they could not so readily or accurately obtain
from oral testimony alone
The courts permit experiments to be performed in court or out of it, when said experiments
are made under similar conditions and like circumstances to those existing in the case
under inquiry, for the purpose of proving facts in issue
As a general rule, the measure of permissible variation of the conditions of the experiment
from those of the occurrence is measured by whether such variation is liable to confuse or
mislead the court
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DNA Evidence
DNA: basic building block of life
- Information encoded in an organism’s DNA acts as a blueprint for the organism’s
biological development and functioning
DNA Profiling/DNA Fingerprinting/DNA Testing/DNA Typing: forensic technique
used to identify individuals by characteristics of their DNA
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- Small set of DNA variations that is very likely to be different in all unrelated
individuals, thereby being as unique to individuals as are fingerprints
- Used in parentage testing and criminal investigation, to identify a person or to
place a person at a crime scene to facilitate police detective work and help clarify
paternity and immigration disputes.
CHAPTER V: ADMISSIONS
Definition: mere acknowledgment of a fact or of circumstances from which guilt may be inferred,
tending to incriminate the speaker but not sufficient to establish his guilt
Confession vs Admission
CONFESSION ADMISSION
It is the admission of guilt by the Merely admits some fact which connects
defendant of all the necessary elements or tends to connect the defendant with
of the crime of which he is charged, the offense but not with all the elements
including the necessary acts and intents of the crime
Direct acknowledgment of guilt on the Statement of the accused, director
part of the accused, and by the very implied, of acts pertinent to the issue, and
force of definition, excludes an admission tending, in connection with proof of other
facts, to prove his guilt, but of itself is
insufficient to authorize a conviction
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- If made orally, it may be proved by any competent witness who heard them
or by the declarant himself
- Admission is in private writing: there must be some proof of authenticity or
identity of the writing in accordance with Sec. 20, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court,
that is, the party offering it must prove its due execution and authenticity
- Admission is in public document: the same does not need any
authentication since Sec. 20, Rule 132, provides that public documents are
evidence, even against a third person, of the fact that gave rise to their execution
and of the date of the latter
2. Impeaching Evidence: If proof of the admission is sought for impeachment
purposes, a proper foundation must be laid for impeaching questions, by calling the
attention of such parties to his former statement so as to give him an opportunity to
explain before such admission are offered in evidence
- Rule 13, Sec. 132
Before a witness can be impeached by evidence that he has made at
other times statements inconsistent with his present testimony, the
statements must be related to hi, with the circumstances of the times
and places and the persons present, and he must be asked whether
he made such statements, and if so, allowed to explain them. If the
statements be in writing, they must be shown to the witness before
any question is put to him concerning him
Admission by silence
Any act or declaration made in the presence and within the hearing or observation of a
party who does or says nothing when the act or declaration is such as naturally to call for
action or comment if not true, and when proper and possible for him to do so, may be
given in evidence against him (Rule 131, Sec. 32)
This rule is founded on the maxim qui tacet consentire videtur (silence means consent)
Requisites:
1. He heard and understood the statement
2. He was at liberty to interpose a denial
3. Statement was in respect to some matter affecting his rights or in which he was then
interested, and calling, naturally, for an answer
4. The facts were within his knowledge, and
5. The fact admitted or the inference to be drawn from his silence would be material to
the issue
No admission by silence can be implied from silence where the failure to answer was
caused by constraint, or the party was not aware at the time that he had an interest, or
believed that he had no interest, or was only indirectly affected, or where, as the matter
was presented, he had no interest to object, as for example, where the statement was not
addressed to him or was in his favor
- The same absence of relevancy occurs where an answer would be an
unseemly interruption for orderly proceedings then in progress, such as the
delivery of a sermon, the taking of a deposition or of a testimony in open court,
or the discharge by a judge, magistrate, counsel or other person, of his proper
functions in court proceedings
In criminal cases, the doctrine of acquiescence by silence or conduct, is subject
to the ff limitations:
1. Such accusations or statements, in the presence of the accused, are competent only
when the accused hears them and fully comprehends their effect, and this means not
only in his, bodily presence, but in his hearing and understanding
2. Such accusation and statements are not evidence against the accused, where he
remains silent when they are uttered in the course of judicial proceedings, where he
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is not a liberty to interpose and contradict them, and his silence cannot be considered
as an admission of their truth, even though he is not a party to an action
3. Such accusations and statements are not evidence against the accused where he
remains silent when they are uttered, at a time when he is in custody or under arrest
on a criminal charge, as he has the right to keep silent as to the charge
4. Such accusations and statements cannot be used as evidence against him where he
was silent through fear, or believed that his security was best promoted by silence,
or where he was silent under threats, or in the presence of an angry crowd, or had
promised to keep silent, or was under advise of his counsel
5. The statement or accusation must be direct, and of a character that would naturally
call for action and reply, and must relate to the offense charged, and must be
addressed to, and intended to affect, the accused and not arise in conversation or
discussion between third parties; and nor, generally, is such silence deemed to be an
assent when it is explicable on other grounds than those of consciousness of guilt.
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Exceptions:
1. Admission by partner
- Requisites:
a. the partnership be previously proven by evidence other than the admission
itself
b. admission refers to a matter within the scope of the partnership
c. admission was made while the party making it was still a partner
- Entries made in the partnership books by one of the partners during
the continuance of partnership: admissible against both or all members of
the firm
- Declarations made after the dissolution of the partnership: not
competent against the other partners in the absence of prior authority or
subsequent ratification even though such admissions or declarations relate to
matters pending at the time of the dissolution
2. Admission by agent
- The act or declaration of an agent of the party within the scope of his authority
and during the existence of the agency is binding upon the principal if it can be
shown by evidence other than such act or declaration
3. Admission by joint owner, joint debtor, or other person jointly interested
with a party
- Requisites:
a. There exists a joint interest between the joint owner, joint debtor, other
persons jointly interested with the party and such party, which joint interest
must first be made to appear by evidence other than the act or declaration
itself
b. The act or declaration was made while the interest was subsisting
c. The act relates to the subject matter of the joint interest, for otherwise it
would be immaterial and irrelevant
4. Admission by co-conspirator
- Conspiracy exists when two or more persons come to an agreement concerning
the commission of a felony and decide to commit it
Requisites of Conspiracy:
1. Determination or decision to act, that is, a definite purpose to
commit a crime
2. An agreement or meeting of the minds of 2 or more persons
- A conspiracy having been established, the act or declaration of a
conspirator relating to the conspiracy and during its existence is admissible
against the co-conspirator after conspiracy is shown by evidence other than such
act or declaration
- Requisites of an Admission by co-conspirator
1. Conspiracy must first be proved by evidence other than the admission itself
2. The admission relates to the common object in carrying out the conspiracy
3. It has been made while the declarant was engaged in carrying out the
conspiracy, or that it constitutes a part of res gestae
- A declaration made by conspirator before there was any conspiracy or
after the conspiracy has come to an end, it admissible against his co-
conspirators
5. Admission by privies
Privity of Interests: mutual or successive relationship which permits one
person’s rights, obligations or remedies to be affected by the statements or acts
of such another person
In order that it may be received in evidence as admissions, it must be
shown that the interest of the party making them is identified with the interest
of the party against whom they are sought to be introduced.
o The privity of interest may either be:
a. Privity of obligation
b. Privity of title
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Definition
Confession is an acknowledgment in express words, by the accused in a criminal case,
of the truth of the offense charged, or of some essential part thereof.
It is the declaration of an accused acknowledging his guilt of the offense charged or any
offense necessarily included therein
Classifications:
1. Judicial
- Plea of guilty made by an accused in a fit state of mind to plead before a
competent court to try the pending charge in which the proceedings have been
regularly instituted, and which upon entry of that plea is competent to enter
judgment and affix the penalty.
- Conclusive as to guilt in fact of the offense charged
2. Extrajudicial
- Those made, by any person, outside of the sitting of the court
- It is universally recognized as admissible evidence against the accused, and
this rule is based on the presumption that no one would declare anything against
himself unless such declarations were true
Presumption of Law: in favor of the spontaneity and voluntariness
of the statement given by the accused, and it is incumbent upon him
to destroy that presumption
Reversed by MIRANDA VS ARIZONA
o The prosecution must now prove that the extrajudicial
confession was voluntarily given, instead of relying on
the presumption and requiring the Accused to offset it
- To be admissible, the basic test of confession is
a. It was voluntarily and freely made
Voluntary: means that the accused speaks of his free will and accord,
without inducement of any kind, and with a full and complete
knowledge of the nature and consequences of the confession, and
when the speaking is so free from influences affecting the will of the
accused, at the time the confession was made, that it renders it
admissible in evidence against him
The general rule that the confession of the accused may be given in evidence
against him, but that it is not competent evidence against his co-accused
recognizes various EXCEPTIONS:
1. When several of the accused are tried together, the confession made by one of them
during trial implicating the others is evidence against the latter
2. When one of the defendants is discharged from the information and testifies as
witness for the prosecution, the confession made in the course of his testimony is
admissible against his co-defendants, if corroborated by indisputable proof
3. If the defendant after having been apprised of the confession of his co-defendant,
ratifies or confirms said confession, the same is admissible against him
4. Where several extrajudicial confessions had been made by several persons charged
with an offense and there could have been no collusion with reference to said several
confession, the fact that the statements therein are in all material respects, identical,
is confirmatory of the confession of the co-defendant and is admissible against his
other co-defendants. This is commonly known as interlocking confession
5. A statement made by one defendant after his arrest, in the presence of his co-
defendant, confessing his guilt and implicating his co-defendant who failed to
contradict or deny it, is admissible against his co-defendant
6. When the confession is of a conspirator and made after conspiracy and in furtherance
of its object, the same is admissible against his co-conspirator
7. The confession of one conspirator made made after the termination of a conspiracy,
is admissible against his co-conspirator if made in his presence and assented to by
him, or admitted its truth or failed to contradict or deny it
8. A confession is admissible as circumstantial evidence to show the probability of the
co-conspirator having actually participated in the commission of the crime
9. A confession made by a defendant is admissible as corroborative evidence of other
facts that tend to establish the guilt of his co-defendant
10. A confession of defendant is admissible against the other defendant if the latter did
not protest or object thereto
11. Where the recitals in the extrajudicial confession of one of the conspirators are
corroborated in its important details by other proofs in the record, it may be
considered as part of the evidence against the parties concerned
Oral confessions
- May be proved by anyone by whom they were heard, the same as any other fact
Written Confessions
- It must be proved by the production of writing, with proof of its execution
Confessions NOT made in the language known to the accused
- Allowed, provided that:
a. it has been translated to him, and
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Custodial interrogation
Questioning interrogated by law enforcement officers after a person has been taken into
custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in any significant way
Definition: possession by a person of certain qualities of mind and morals, distinguishing him from
others. It is the opinion generally entertained of a person derived from the common report of the
people who are acquainted with him, his reputation
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Character of witness
Evidence of good character of a witness may not be given in evidence until such character
has been impeached
The character of the witness must be attacked or impeached before the testimony
sustaining his character may properly be admitted
- it is not necessary that there shall be a successful impeachment of witnesses
- a mere attempt to impeach his character, even though unsuccessful,
warrants the introduction of testimony as to his good character
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
As explained
General Rule: The law will not consider evidence that a person has done a certain act at
a particular time as probative of a contention that he has done a similar act at another
time. This is the rule of res inter alios acta.
Rule 130, Sec. 34
- “Evidence that one did or did not do a certain thing at one time is not admissible
to prove that he did or did not do the same or similar thing at another time; but
it may be receive to prove a specific intent or knowledge, identity, plan, system,
scheme, habit, custom, or usage and the like
Unaccepted offer
An offer in writing to pay a particular sum of money or to deliver a written
instrument or specific personal property is, if rejected without valid cause, equivalent
to the actual production and tender of the money, instrument or property
Disadvantage: Disadvantage:
1. The court has not only to weigh the 1. The witness may be corrupt or false,
evidence of facts, but to draw just and that the case may not afford the
conclusions from them, in doing means of detecting his falsehood
which, they may led by prejudice or
partiality, or by want of due
deliberation and sobriety of
judgment, to make hasty and false
deductions, a source of error not
existing in direct evidence
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
As explained
Hearsay:
- signifies all evidence which is not founded upon the personal knowledge of the
witness from whom it is elicited and which consequently does not depend for its
credibility and weigh upon the confidence which the court may have in him
- information relayed from another person to the witness before it reaches the
ears of the court
- may also consist of written statements, letters, or document
- General Rule on Hearsay Evidence: inadmissible
- Rule 130, Sec. 36:
“A witness can testify only to those facts which he knows of his
personal knowledge; that is, which are derived from his own
perception
Double Hearsay or Multiple Hearsay
- Testimony based upon third-hand information, related to the witness by
someone who heard it from others
Chief Reasons against the admissibility of hearsay evidence:
1. In its nature, hearsay supposes that better evidence exists
2. It is given without the sanction of an oath and without the opportunity of cross-
examination
3. It is intrinsically weak and incompetent to satisfy the human mind
4. The fact that fraud would be encouraged and supported by its admission
5. It would be a violation of the constitutional provision that the accused shall enjoy the
right of being confronted with the witness testifying against him;
It is important to note that the hearsay rules bar information relayed from one
person to another when offered to prove the truth of the matter presented
therein. Consequently, the hearsay rules does not apply independently relevant
statements, or those statements which are relevant independently of whether they are
true or not. They may be roughly grouped in two classes:
1. Those statements which are the very facts in issue
Where the statements or utterances of specific words, are the
facts in issue, the testimony of the witness thereto is not hearsay
2. Those statements which are circumstantial evidence of the facts
in issue
The statements from which the facts in issue may be inferred,
may be testified to by witnesses without violating the hearsay
rule
Examples:
a. Statements of person showing his state of mind, that is, his
mental condition, knowledge, belief, intention, ill-will and
other emotions
b. Statements which may identify the date, place and
condition, as illness and the like
c. Statements of a person from which an inference may be
made as to the state of mind of another, that is, knowledge,
belief, motive, good or bad faith, etc., or the latter
d. Statements which may identify the date, place and person
in question
e. Statements showing the lack of credibility of witness
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
b. Age
c. Death
d. Birth
5. Common reputation
- General Rule: It may be received as evidence of matters in which the public
has interest, or which directly concern and affect the mass of the people of a
town or locality
- As used in the rules, it means general or undivided reputation
- Admissible on 2 grounds:
a. Necessity arising from the inherent difficulty of obtaining any other
evidence than that in the nature of common reputation
b. Trustworthiness of the evidence arising from:
I. Supposition that the public is conversant with the subject to be
proved because of their general interest therein
II. The fact that the falsity of error of such evidence could be
exposed or corrected by other testimony since the public are
interested in the same
- Requisites:
a. The facts to which the reputation refers are of public or general interests
b. The reputation must have been ancient, that is 30 years old or one
generation old
c. The reputation must have been one formed among a class of person who
were in a position to have some sources of information and to contribute
intelligently to the formation of the opinion
d. The rereputation must exist ante litem motam and must have been existing
previous to the controversy
6. Res gestae
- Rule 130, Sec. 42
“Statements made by a person while a startling occurrence is taking place or
immediately prior or subsequent thereto with respect to the circumstances
thereof, may be given evidence as part of res gestae”
- Statements accompanying an equivocal act material to the issue, and giving it
legal significance, may be received as part of res gestae
- General Classes of Declarations to which the term “res gestae” is
applied:
a. Spontaneous Statements
Reasons for its Admissibility:
1. Trustworthiness
2. Necessity
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
- General Rule: enterer must have had personal knowledge of the facts entered
- It may be proved by:
The production of the books or records themselves or by a copy
certified by the legal keeper
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
6. Consular Agent, or
7. Any officer in the foreign service of the Philippines
stationed in the foreign country in which the record is
kept, and authenticated by the seal of this office
b. Unwritten Law –
o Oral testimony of expert witnesses is admissible
- Examples:
1. Printed and published books of report of
decisions of the courts of the country
concerned if proved to be commonly
admitted in such courts
11. Testimony at a former proceeding
- General Rule: Testimony of a witness at a former case or proceeding may
always be presented in a subsequent case or proceeding for the purpose of
impeaching his credibility
- Rules provide that:
“The testimony or deposition of a witness deceased or unable to testify, given
in a former case or proceeding, judicial or administrative, involving the same
parties and subject matter, may be given in evidence against the adverse party
who had the opportunity to cross-examine him.”
- Requisites:
1. The witness whose testimony is offered in evidence is dead or unable to testify
2. The party against whom the evidence is offered, or his privy, was a party in the
former case or proceeding, judicial or administrative
3. The testimony or deposition relates to the same subject matter
4. The adverse party had an opportunity of cross-examination
- In order to establish a right to introduce a testimony of a witness given at
a former trial, it is incumbent upon the proponent of such evidence to lay on proper
predicate for its introduction by showing the unavailability of the witness sought to
produce. It must be shown that the witness is dead or unable to testify. In the
absence of proof of such circumstance, testimony of his character will be rejected.
- Grounds which made a witness unable to testify in a subsequent case that
warrant the admission of his testimony in a former trial:
1. Insanity or mental incapacity, or the former witness’ loss memory through old
age or disease
2. Physical disability by reason of sickness or advanced age
3. The fact that the witness has been kept away by contrivance of the opposite
party
4. The fact that after diligent search the former witness cannot be found
- Privity, as applied to admissibility of evidence:
Denotes mutual or successive relationship to the right of property or
subject matter or partakes in an interest in any action or thing
- It is a rule that no assertion offered as testimony can be received unless it has been
open to test by cross-examination
In general
Documentary Evidence
- Consists of writing or any material containing letters, words, numbers, figures,
symbols or other modes of written expressions offered as proof of their contents.
- Kinds: public or private
Public documents
a. Written acts or records of the sovereign authority, of official bodies and tribunals, and
public officers, whether of the Philippines, or of a foreign country
b. Documents acknowledged before a notary public except last wills and testaments
c. Public records, kept in the Philippines, of private documents required by law to be entered
therein
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
1. Official publication or by a copy attested by the officer having legal custody of the
record or by his deputy, and accompanied, if the record is not kept in the Philippines,
with a certificate that such officer has the custody
2. If the record is kept in a foreign country, the certificated may be made by a secretary
of the embassy, or legation, consul general, consul, vice-consul, or consular agent or
by any officer in the foreign service of the Philippines stationed in the foreign country
in which the record is kept, and authenticated by the seal of his office
3. Whenever a copy of writing is attested for the purpose of evidence, the attestation
must state in substance, that the copy is a correct copy of the original, or a specific
part thereof, as the case may be. The attestation must be under the official seal of
the attesting officer, if there by any, or if he be the clerk of court having a seal, under
the seal of such court.
Notarial Documents
- General Rule: public documents, as long as it is acknowledged
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Private documents
- Are all other documents which are not embraced in the definition of public writings
just given
- Every deed or instrument executed by a private person, without the intervention of a
public notary or other person legally authorized, by which document some disposition
or agreement is proved, evidence or set forth
- Examples:
1. Theatre ticket
2. Time record, time sheet or time report
3. Document executed in a certain municipality outside the territorial limits of the
officer’s jurisdiction
4. Entry in the register of marriages kept by the Catholic church
5. Public documents which have been defectively executed
6. Church registries of births, marriages, and deaths
Alteration in document
Rule 132, Sec. 31
“The party producing the document as genuine which has been altered and appears to
have been altered after its execution, in a part material to the question in dispute, must
account for the alteration. He may show that the alteration was made by another, without
his concurrence, or was made with the consent of the parties affected by it, or was
otherwise properly or innocently made, or that the alteration did not change the meaning
or language of the instrument. If he fails to do that, the document shall not be admissible
in evidence”
Rule 132, Sec. 32
“There shall be no difference between sealed and unsealed private documents insofar as
their admissibility as evidence is concerned.
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Intrinsic Ambiguity
o Uncertainty which does not appear on the face of the instrument, but which
is shown to exist for the first time by matter outside the writing – may be
explained or clarified by parole evidence
Extrinsic or Patent Ambiguity
o An uncertainty that arises at one on the reading of the contract
Mistake
o To justify the reformation of a written instrument upon the ground of
mistake, the concurrence of these 3 things are necessary:
1. Mistake should be of facts
2. Mistake should be mutual or common to both parties to the instrument
3. Mistake should be alleged and proved by clear and convincing
evidence
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Imperfection
o General Rule: When the contract between the parties is reduced to
writing, the trial court should not admit oral evidence over the objection of
the defendant (Sec. 9, Rule 130)
Exceptions:
Writing is erroneous, imperfect or fails to express the true intent
and agreement of the parties
Validity of Written Agreements
o The rule that evidence of a parole cannot be shown for the purpose of
enlarging or changing the written contract, where the action is one to
enforce the contract is however, not applicable where the action is in fraud
to rescind the contract and to prove oral promise as the fraudulent
representation which acted as the inducement of the sale
o The prohibition does not apply when the purpose of the parole evidence is
to show that no written of the parole contract ever existed, that the minds
of the parties never met on the terms of such contract and that there
existed any consideration upon which such an agreement could be founded
Subsequent Agreement
o
Interpretation of Documents
Article 1370. If the terms of a contract are clear and leave no doubt upon the intention of the
contracting parties, the literal meaning of its stipulations shall control.
If the words appear to be contrary to the evident intention of the parties, the latter shall prevail
over the former. (1281)
Article 1371. In order to judge the intention of the contracting parties, their contemporaneous
and subsequent acts shall be principally considered. (1282)
Article 1372. However general the terms of a contract may be, they shall not be understood
to comprehend things that are distinct and cases that are different from those upon which the
parties intended to agree. (1283)
Article 1373. If some stipulation of any contract should admit of several meanings, it shall be
understood as bearing that import which is most adequate to render it effectual. (1284)
Article 1374. The various stipulations of a contract shall be interpreted together, attributing
to the doubtful ones that sense which may result from all of them taken jointly. (1285)
Article 1375. Words which may have different significations shall be understood in that which
is most in keeping with the nature and object of the contract. (1286)
Article 1376. The usage or custom of the place shall be borne in mind in the interpretation of
the ambiguities of a contract, and shall fill the omission of stipulations which are ordinarily
established. (1287)
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Article 1377. The interpretation of obscure words or stipulations in a contract shall not favor
the party who caused the obscurity. (1288)
Article 1378. When it is absolutely impossible to settle doubts by the rules established in the
preceding articles, and the doubts refer to incidental circumstances of a gratuitous contract, the
least transmission of rights and interests shall prevail. If the contract is onerous, the doubt shall
be settled in favor of the greatest reciprocity of interests.
If the doubts are cast upon the principal object of the contract in such a way that it cannot be
known what may have been the intention or will of the parties, the contract shall be null and
void. (1289)
Article 1379. The principles of interpretation stated in Rule 123 of the Rules of Court shall
likewise be observed in the construction of contracts. (n)
Section 10. Interpretation of a writing according to its legal meaning. — The language of a
writing is to be interpreted according to the legal meaning it bears in the place of its execution,
unless the parties intended otherwise. (8)
Section 11. Instrument construed so as to give effect to all provisions. — In the construction
of an instrument, where there are several provisions or particulars, such a construction is, if
possible, to be adopted as will give effect to all. (9)
Section 12. Interpretation according to intention; general and particular provisions. — In the
construction of an instrument, the intention of the parties is to be pursued; and when a general
and a particular provision are inconsistent, the latter is paramount to the former. So a particular
intent will control a general one that is inconsistent with it. (10)
Section 14. Peculiar signification of terms. — The terms of a writing are presumed to have
been used in their primary and general acceptation, but evidence is admissible to show that
they have a local, technical, or otherwise peculiar signification, and were so used and
understood in the particular instance, in which case the agreement must be construed
accordingly. (12)
Section 15. Written words control printed. — When an instrument consists partly of written
words and partly of a printed form, and the two are inconsistent, the former controls the latter.
(13)
Section 16. Experts and interpreters to be used in explaining certain writings. — When the
characters in which an instrument is written are difficult to be deciphered, or the language is
not understood by the court, the evidence of persons skilled in deciphering the characters, or
who understand the language, is admissible to declare the characters or the meaning of the
language. (14)
Section 17. Of Two constructions, which preferred. — When the terms of an agreement have
been intended in a different sense by the different parties to it, that sense is to prevail against
either party in which he supposed the other understood it, and when different constructions of
a provision are otherwise equally proper, that is to be taken which is the most favorable to the
party in whose favor the provision was made. (15)
Section 18. Construction in favor of natural right. — When an instrument is equally susceptible
of two interpretations, one in favor of natural right and the other against it, the former is to be
adopted. (16)
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
Witness defined
Person who testifies in a cause or gives evidence before a judicial tribunal
Competency of witness
Legal fitness or ability of a witness to be heard on the trial of a cause
Waiver of objection
Disinterested person
General grounds for the disqualification of a person from being a witness
a. Mental Incapacity
Rules disqualifying persons of unsound mind from becoming witness
Test of Competency
b. Mental Immaturity
Rules disqualifying a witness by reason of infancy
Rules on examination of a child witness
c. Marital privilege
Rules regarding marital privilege, as explained
d. Death or insanity
Rules rendering surviving parties incompetent
e. Privileged communication
In general
Privilege communication between husband and wife
Privilege communication between attorney and client
Privilege communication between physician and patient
Privilege communication between minister or priest and penitent
Privilege communication made to public officer
f. Parental and filial privilege
Rules regarding filial privilege
g. Other Privileged Matters
Souces of News Report
Trade Secrets
Bank Deposits
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Rules on Evidence -- (Summarized - Francisco
A. Offer of Evidence
Offer of Evidence Explained
Offer of Testimonial Evidence
Offer of Documentary and Object Evidence
Reason for Requiring that evidence be formally offered
Reason for requiring that the purpose for which the evidence is presented must
be specified
Imperfect offer of evidence
Formal offer of rejected exhibits
Renewal of offer
Failure to renew offer is waiver
Withdrawal of evidence
Tender of excluded evidence (offer of proof)
Offer of proof of documentary or object evidence
Offer of proof of oral evidence
Presence of witness necessary
When statement of what counsel expects to prove unnecessary
Exceptions: Evidence formally offered before the trial court can be considered
is relaxed where 2 requisites concur
B. Objection to Evidence
Rule on Objection
Time for Interposing Objection
Right of a party’s counsel to object
Objection by trial judge not commendable
Mode of making objections
Waiver of objection
Striking out answer
When motion to strike out improper
Time for motion to strike out
Form of motion to strike out
When repetition of objection is unnecessary
Where subsequent evidence is not of the same kind
Where evidence admitted on condition
Where the same evidence re-offered
Ruling of the court
New trial not generally allowed on improper admission or rejection of evidence
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