Sunday, March 29, 2015

2011 bar questions

(1) Filipino citizenship may be acquired through judicial naturalization only by an alien
(A) born, raised, and educated in the Philippines who has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to become a Filipino citizen.
(B) who has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to become a Filipino citizen.
(C) born and raised in the Philippines who has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to become a Filipino citizen.
(D) whose mother or father is a naturalized Filipino and who himself is qualified to be naturalized.
(2) Jax Liner applied for a public utility bus service from Bacolod to Dumaguete from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). BB Express opposed. LTFRB ruled in favor of Jax. BB appealed to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), who reversed the LTFRB decision. Jax appealed to the Office of the President which reinstated the LTFRB’s ruling. BB Express went to the Court of Appeals on certiorari questioning the decision of the Office of the President on the ground that Office of the President has no jurisdiction over the case in the absence of any law providing an appeal from DOTC to the Office of the President. Will the petition prosper?
(A) No, exhaustion of administrative remedies up to the level of the President is a pre-requisite to judicial recourse.
(B) No, the action of the DOTC Secretary bears only the implied approval of the President who is not precluded from reviewing the decision of the former.
(C) Yes, when there is no law providing an appeal to the Office of the President, no such appeal may be pursued.
(D) Yes, the doctrine of qualified political agency renders unnecessary a further appeal to the Office of the President.
(3) Where A is set for promotion to Administrative Assistant III and B to the post of Administrative Assistant II vacated by A, the appointing authority must
(A) submit to the CSC the two promotional appointments together for approval.
(B) not appoint B until the CSC has approved A’s appointment.
(C) submit to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) the second appointment after its approval of the first.
(D) simultaneously issue the appointments of A and B.
(4) When a witness is granted transactional immunity in exchange for his testimony on how his immediate superior induced him to destroy public records to cover up the latter's act of malversation of public funds, the witness may NOT be prosecuted for
(A) direct contempt.
(B) infidelity in the custody of public records.
(C) falsification of public documents.
(D) false testimony.
(5) Mario, a Bureau of Customs’ examiner, was administratively charged with grave misconduct and preventively suspended pending investigation. The head of office found him guilty as charged and ordered his dismissal. The decision against him was executed pending appeal. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) subsequently found him guilty and after considering a number of mitigating circumstances, reduced his penalty to only one month suspension. Is Mario entitled to back salaries?
(A) Yes, the reduction of the penalty means restoration of his right to back salaries.
(B) No, the penalty of one month suspension carries with it the forfeiture of back salaries.
(C) No, he is still guilty of grave misconduct, only the penalty was reduced.
(D) Yes, corresponding to the period of his suspension pending appeal less one month.
(6) Althea, a Filipino citizen, bought a lot in the Philippines in 1975. Her predecessors-in-interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession of the lot since 1940, in the concept of owner. In 1988, Althea became a naturalized Australian citizen. Is she qualified to apply for registration of the lot in her name?
(A) Yes, provided she acquires back her Filipino citizenship.
(B) No, except when it can be proved that Australia has a counterpart domestic law that also favors former Filipino citizens residing there.
(C) Yes, the lot is already private in character and as a former natural-born Filipino, she can buy the lot and apply for its registration in her name.
(D) No, foreigners are not allowed to own lands in the Philippines.
(7) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court or when
(A) public safety or public health requires otherwise as prescribed by law.
(B) dictated by the need to maintain public peace and order.
(C) public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law.
(D) public safety or order requires otherwise as determined by the President.
(8) One advantage of a written Constitution is its
(A) reliability.
(B) permanence.
(C) flexibility.
(D) expediency.
(9) An appointment held at the pleasure of the appointing power
(A) essentially temporary in nature.
(B) requires special qualifications of the appointee.
(C) requires justifiable reason for its termination.
(D) is co-extensive with the term of the public officer who appointed him.
(10) The city government filed a complaint for expropriation of 10 lots to build a recreational complex for the members of the homeowners' association of Sitio Sto. Tomas, the most populated residential compound in the city. The lot owners challenged the purpose of the expropriation. Does the expropriation have a valid purpose?
(A) No, because not everybody uses a recreational complex.
(B) No, because it intends to benefit a private organization.
(C) Yes, it is in accord with the general welfare clause.
(D) Yes, it serves the well-being of the local residents.
(11) An example of a content based restraint on free speech is a regulation prescribing
(A) maximum tolerance of pro-government demonstrations.
(B) a no rally-no permit policy.
(C) when, where, and how lawful assemblies are to be conducted.
(D) calibrated response to rallies that have become violent.
(12) The President forged an executive agreement with Vietnam for a year supply of animal feeds to the Philippines not to exceed 40,000 tons. The Association of Animal Feed Sellers of the Philippines questioned the executive agreement for being contrary to R.A. 462 which prohibits the importation of animal feeds from Asian countries. Is the challenge correct?
(A) Yes, the executive agreement is contrary to our existing domestic law.
(B) No, the President is the sole organ of the government in external relations and all his actions as such form part of the law of the land.
(C) No, international agreements are sui generis which must stand independently of our domestic laws.
(D) Yes, the executive agreement is actually a treaty which does not take effect without ratification by the Senate.
(13) Jose Cruz and 20 others filed a petition with the COMELEC to hold a plebiscite on their petition for initiative to amend the Constitution by shifting to a unicameral parliamentary form of government. Assuming that the petition has been signed by the required number of registered voters, will it prosper?
(A) No, only Congress can exercise the power to amend the Constitution.
(B) Yes, the people can substantially amend the Constitution by direct action.
(C) Yes, provided Congress concurs in the amendment.
(D) No, since they seek, not an amendment, but a revision.
(14) The Comelec en banc cannot hear and decide a case at first instance EXCEPT when
(A) a Division refers the case to it for direct action.
(B) the case involves a purely administrative matter.
(C) the inhibition of all the members of a Division is sought.
(D) a related case is pending before the Supreme Court en banc.
(15) Each of the Constitutional Commissions is expressly described as "independent," exemplified by its
(A) immunity from suit.
(B) fiscal autonomy.
(C) finality of action.
(D) collegiality.
(16) There is double jeopardy when the dismissal of the first case is
(A) made at the instance of the accused invoking his right to fair trial.
(B) made upon motion of the accused without objection from the prosecution.
(C) made provisionally without objection from the accused.
(D) based on the objection of the accused to the prosecution's motion to postpone trial.
(17) The new Commissioner of Immigration, Mr. Suarez, issued an Office Order directing the top immigration officials to tender courtesy resignation to give him a free hand in reorganizing the agency. In compliance, Director Sison of the Administrative Department tendered his resignation in writing which Mr. Suarez immediately accepted. Director Sison went to court, assailing the validity of his courtesy resignation and Mr. Suarez’s acceptance of the same. Will the action prosper?
(A) No, Director Sison tendered his resignation and it was accepted.
(B) No, estoppel precludes Director Sison from disclaiming the resignation he freely tendered.
(C) Yes,for so long as no one has yet been appointed to replace him, Director Sison may still withdraw his resignation.
(D) Yes, Director Sison merely complied with the order of the head of office; the element of clear intention to relinguish office is lacking.
(18) An administrative rule that fixes rates is valid only when the proposed rates are
(A) published and filed with the UP Law Center.
(B) published and hearings are conducted.
(C) published and posted in three public places.
(D) published and all stakeholders are personally notified.
(19) The government sought to expropriate a parcel of land belonging to Y. The law provides that, to get immediate possession of the land, the government must deposit the equivalent of the land's zonal value. The government insisted, however, that what apply are the rules of court which require an initial deposit only of the assessed value of the property. Which should prevail on this matter, the law or the rules of court?
(A) Both law and rules apply because just compensation should be fixed based on its zonal or assessed value, whichever is higher.
(B) Both law and rules apply because just compensation should be fixed based on its zonal or assessed value, whichever is lower.
(C) The law should prevail since the right to just compensation is a substantive right that Congress has the power to define.
(D) The rules of court should prevail since just compensation is a procedural matter subject to the rule making power of the Supreme Court.
(20) After X, a rape suspect, was apprised of his right to silence and to counsel, he told the investigators that he was waiving his right to have his own counsel or to be provided one. He made his waiver in the presence of a retired Judge who was assigned to assist and explain to him the consequences of such waiver. Is the waiver valid?
(A) No, the waiver was not reduced in writing.
(B) Yes, the mere fact that the lawyer was a retired judge does not cast doubt on his competence and independence.
(C) Yes, the waiver was made voluntarily, expressly, and with assistance of counsel.
(D) No, a retired Judge is not a competent and independent counsel.
(21) Governor Paloma was administratively charged with abuse of authority before the Office of the President. Pending hearing, he ran for reelection and won a second term. He then moved to dismiss the charge against him based on this supervening event. Should the motion be granted?
(A) Yes, Governor Paloma's reelection is an expression of the electorate's obedience to his will.
(B) No, Governor Paloma's reelection cannot extinguish his liability for malfeasance in office.
(C) No, Governor Paloma's reelection does not render moot the administrative case already pending when he filed his certificate of candidacy for his reelection bid.
(D) Yes, Governor Paloma's reelection is an expression of the electorate's restored trust.
(22) The decision of the Regional Trial Court on appeals pertaining to inclusions or exclusions from the list of voters
(A) is inappealable.
(B) is subject to an action for annulment.
(C) may be brought straight to the Supreme Court.
(D) is appealable to the Commission on Elections.
(23) The equal protection clause allows valid classification of subjects that applies
(A) only to present conditions.
(B) so long as it remains relevant to the government.
(C) for a limited period only.
(D) for as long as the problem to be corrected exists.
(24) The President wants to appoint A to the vacant post of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court because of his qualifications, competence, honesty, and efficiency. But A’s name is not on the list of nominees that the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted to the President. What should the President do?
(A) Request the JBC to consider adding A to the list.
(B) Decline to appoint from the list.
(C) Appoint from the list.
(D) Return the list to JBC.
(25) Courts may still decide cases that have otherwise become academic when they involve
(A) the basic interest of people.
(B) petitions for habeas corpus.
(C) acts of the Chief Executive.
(D) Presidential election protests.
(26) The right of the State to prosecute crimes by available evidence must yield to the right of
(A) the accused against self-incrimination.
(B) another State to extradite a fugitive from justice.
(C) the State to deport undesirable aliens.
(D) the complainant to drop the case against the accused.
(27) A temporary appointee to a public office who becomes a civil service eligible during his tenure
(A) loses his temporary appointment without prejudice to his re-appointment as permanent.
(B) has the right to demand conversion of his appointment to permanent.
(C) automatically becomes a permanent appointee.
(D) retains his temporary appointment.
(28) Upon endorsement from the Senate where it was first mistakenly filed, the House of Representatives Committee on Justice found the verified complaint for impeachment against the President sufficient in form but insufficient in substance. Within the same year, another impeachment suit was filed against the President who questioned the same for being violative of the Constitution. Is the President correct?
(A) No, "initiated" means the Articles of Impeachment have been actually filed with the Senate for trial; this did not yet happen.
(B) No, the first complaint was not deemed initiated because it was originally filed with the Senate.
(C) Yes, the dismissal of the first impeachment proceeding bars the initiation of another during the same term of the President.
(D) Yes, no impeachment proceeding can be filed against the President more than once within a year.
(29) The Solicitor General declines to institute a civil action on behalf of a government agency due to his strained relation with its head, insisting that the agency’s lawyers can file the action. Is the Solicitor General correct?
(A) Yes, when he deems he cannot harmoniously and effectively work with the requesting agency.
(B) No, he must, in choosing whether to prosecute an action, exercise his discretion according to law and the best interest of the State.
(C) Yes, as in any lawyer-client relationship, he has the right to choose whom to serve and represent.
(D) No, the Solicitor General's duty to represent the government, its offices and officers is mandatory and absolute.
(30) A department secretary may, with the President's consent, initiate his appearance before the Senate or the House of Representatives which
(A) must seek the concurrence of the other House before acting.
(B) must hold an executive session to hear the department secretary.
(C) may altogether reject the initiative.
(D) must accept such initiated appearance.
(31) The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) passed a rule authorizing traffic enforcers to impound illegally parked vehicles, for the first offense, and confiscate their registration plates for the second. The MMDA issued this rule to implement a law that authorized it to suspend the licenses of drivers who violate traffic rules. Is the MMDA rule valid?
(A) No, since the MMDA does not have rule-making power.
(B) Yes, it is a valid exercise of the power of subordinate legislation.
(C) Yes, it is an implicit consequence of the law upon which it acted.
(D) No, the rule goes beyond the sphere of the law.
(32) Senator Bondoc was charged with murder and detained at the Quezon City Jail. He invoked, in seeking leave from the court to attend the session of the Senate, his immunity from arrest as a Senator. How should the court rule on his motion?
(A) Deny the motion unless the Senate issues a resolution certifying to the urgency of his attendance at its sessions.
(B) Grant the motion provided he posts bail since he is not a flight risk.
(C) Grant the motion so as not to deprive the people who elected him their right to be represented in the Senate.
(D) Deny the motion since immunity from arrest does not apply to a charge of murder.
(33) X, an administrative officer in the Department of Justice, was charged with grave misconduct and preventively suspended for 90 days pending investigation. Based on the evidence, the Secretary of Justice found X guilty as charged and dismissed him from the service. Pending appeal, X's dismissal was executed. Subsequently, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reversed the Secretary’s decision and the reversal became final and executory. What is the effect of X's exoneration?
(A) X is entitled to reinstatement and back salaries both during his 90 day preventive suspension and his suspension pending appeal.
(B) X is entitled to reinstatement and back salaries corresponding only to the period of delay caused by those prosecuting the case against him.
(C) X is entitled to reinstatement but not to back salaries on ground of "damnum absque injuria."
(D) X is entitled to reinstatement and back salaries during his suspension pending appeal.
(34) Courts may dismiss a case on ground of mootness when
(A) the case is premature.
(B) petitioner lacks legal standing.
(C) the questioned law has been repealed.
(D) the issue of validity of law was not timely raised.
(35) Alfredo was elected municipal mayor for 3 consecutive terms. During his third term, the municipality became a city. Alfredo ran for city mayor during the next immediately succeeding election. Voltaire sought his disqualification citing the 3 term limit for elective officials. Will Voltaire's action prosper?
(A) No, the 3 term limit should not apply to a person who is running for a new position title.
(B) Yes, the 3 term limit applies regardless of any voluntary or involuntary interruption in the service of the local elective official.
(C) Yes, the 3 term limit uniformly applies to the office of mayor, whether for city or municipality.
(D) No, the 3 term limit should not apply to a local government unit that has assumed a different corporate existence.
(36) In what scenario is an extensive search of moving vehicles without warrant valid?
(A) The police became suspicious on seeing something on the car’s back seat covered with blanket.
(B) The police suspected an unfenced lot covered by rocks and bushes was planted to marijuana.
(C) The police became suspicious when they saw a car believed to be of the same model used by the killers of a city mayor.
(D) The driver sped away in his car when the police flagged him down at a checkpoint.
(37) Pre-proclamation controversies shall be heard
(A) summarily without need of trial.
(B) through trial by commissioner.
(C) ex parte.
(D) through speedy arbitration.
(38) When the President orders the Chief of the Philippine National Police to suspend the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside the residence, the President exercises
(A) the power of control.
(B) the Commander-in-Chief power.
(C) the power of supervision.
(D) the calling out power.
(39) Carlos, a foreign national was charged with and convicted of a serious crime in State X and sentenced to life imprisonment. His country applied for relief with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that State X did not inform Carlos of his right under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention to be accorded legal assistance by his government. State X, as signatory to the Vienna Convention, agreed to ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction over all disputes regarding the interpretation or application of the Vienna Convention. ICJ ruled that State X violated its obligation to provide consular notification to the foreign national's country. ICJ also required State X to review and reconsider the life sentence imposed on the foreign national. State X then wrote the United Nations informing that it was withdrawing from the Optional Protocol on Vienna Convention and was not bound by the ICJ decision. What principle of international law did State X violate?
(A) Pacta Sunt Servanda
(B) Act of State Doctrine
(C) Protective Principle
(D) Jus Cogens
(40) An informer told the police that a Toyota Car with plate ABC 134 would deliver an unspecified quantity of ecstacy in Forbes Park, Makati City. The officers whom the police sent to watch the Forbes Park gates saw the described car and flagged it down. When the driver stopped and lowered his window, an officer saw a gun tucked on the driver's waist. The officer asked the driver to step out and he did. When an officer looked inside the car, he saw many tablets strewn on the driver's seat. The driver admitted they were ecstacy. Is the search valid?
(A) No, the rule on warrantless search of moving vehicle does not allow arbitrariness on the part of the police.
(B) Yes, the police officers had the duty to verify the truth of the information they got and pursue it to the end.
(C) Yes, the police acted based on reliable information and the fact that an officer saw the driver carrying a gun.
(D) No, police officers do not have unbridled discretion to conduct a warrantless search of moving vehicles.
(41) The Commission on Elections is an independent body tasked to enforce all laws relative to the conduct of elections. Hence, it may
(A) conduct two kinds of electoral count: a slow but official count; and a quick but unofficial count.
(B) make an advance and unofficial canvass of election returns through electronic transmission.
(C) undertake a separate and unofficial tabulation of the results of the election manually.
(D) authorize the citizens arm to use election returns for unofficial count.
(42)The President may proclaim martial law over a particular province subject to revocation or extension
(A) by Congress,subject to ratification by the Supreme Court.
(B) by the Supreme Court.
(C) by Congress alone
(D) by Congress, upon recommendation of the respective Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
(43) During his incumbency, President Carlos shot to death one of his advisers during a heated argument over a game of golf that they were playing. The deceased adviser’s family filed a case of homicide against President Carlos before the city prosecutor’s office. He moved to dismiss the case, invoking presidential immunity from suit. Should the case be dismissed?
(A) Yes, his immunity covers his interactions with his official family, including the deceased adviser.
(B) No, his immunity covers only work-related crimes.
(C) Yes, his immunity holds for the whole duration of his tenure.
(D) No, his immunity does not cover crimes involving moral turpitude.
(44) The School Principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School designated Maria, her daughter, as public school teacher in her school. The designation was assailed on ground of nepotism. Is such designation valid?
(A) No, because the law prohibits relatives from working within the same government unit.
(B) Yes, because Maria’s position does not fall within the prohibition.
(C) No, because her mother is not the designating authority.
(D) No, because Maria is related to the supervising authority within the prohibited degree of consanguinity.
(45) The President's appointment of an acting secretary although Congress is in session is
(A) voidable.
(B) valid.
(C) invalid.
(D) unenforceable.
(46) Congress passed a bill appropriating P50 million in assistance to locally based television stations subject to the condition that the amount would be available only in places where commercial national television stations do not operate. The President approved the appropriation but vetoed the condition. Was the veto valid?
(A) Yes, since the vetoed condition may be separated from the item.
(B) Yes, the President's veto power is absolute.
(C) No, since the veto amounted to a suppression of the freedom to communicate through television.
(D) No, since the approval of the item carried with it the approval of the condition attached to it.
(47) In the exercise of its power of legislative inquiries and oversight functions, the House of Representatives or the Senate may only ask questions
(A) that the official called is willing to answer.
(B) that are relevant to the proposed legislation.
(C) to which the witness gave his prior consent.
(D) material to the subject of inquiry.
(48) An ordinance prohibits "notorious street gang members" from loitering in public places. The police are to disperse them or, if they refuse, place them under arrest. The ordinance enumerates which police officers can make arrest and defines street gangs, membership in them, and public areas. The ordinance was challenged for being vague regarding the meaning of "notorious street gang members." Is the ordinance valid?
(A) No, it leaves the public uncertain as to what conduct it prohibits.
(B) No, since it discriminates between loitering in public places and loitering in private places.
(C) Yes, it provides fair warning to gang members prior to arrest regarding their unlawful conduct.
(D) Yes, it is sufficiently clear for the public to know what acts it prohibits.
(49) The people may approve or reject a proposal to allow foreign investors to own lands in the Philippines through an electoral process called
(A) referendum.
(B) plebiscite.
(C) initiative.
(D) certification.
(50) Where a candidate for the Senate stated in his certificate of candidacy that he is single, when he is very much married, though separated, his certificate of candidacy
(A) may be canceled.
(B) will subject him to a quo warranto action.
(C) remains valid.
(D) may be denied due course.
(51) A candidate who commits vote buying on Election Day itself shall be prosecuted by the
(A) COMELEC.
(B) Secretary of Justice.
(C) police and other law enforcement agencies.
(D) City or Provincial Prosecutor.
(52) A law authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to require the quarantine of animals that suffer from dangerous communicable diseases at such place and for such time he deems necessary to prevent their spread. The Secretary of Agriculture issued a regulation, imposing a penalty of imprisonment for 10 days on persons transporting quarantined animals without his permission. The regulation is
(A) a valid exercise of the power of subordinate legislation.
(B) invalid for being ultra vires.
(C) a valid exercise of police power.
(D) invalid for being discriminatory.
(53) Small-scale utilization of natural resources by Filipino citizens may be allowed by
(A) Congress.
(B) either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
(C) the President.
(D) the President with the consent of Congress.
(54) When the Civil Service Commission (CSC) approves the appointment of the Executive Director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board who possesses all the prescribed qualifications, the CSC performs
(A) a discretionary duty.
(B) a mix discretionary and ministerial duty.
(C) a ministerial duty.
(D) a rule-making duty.
(55) Xian and Yani ran for Congressman in the same district. During the canvassing, Yani objected to several returns which he said were tampered with. The board of canvassers did not entertain Yani's objections for lack of authority to do so. Yani questions the law prohibiting the filing of pre-proclamation cases involving the election of Congressmen since the Constitution grants COMELEC jurisdiction over all pre-proclamation cases, without distinction. Is Yani correct?
(A) Yes, the Constitution grants jurisdiction to COMELEC on all pre-proclamation cases, without exception.
(B) No, COMELEC’s jurisdiction over pre-proclamation cases pertains only to elections for regional, provincial, and city officials.
(C) No, COMELEC’s jurisdiction over pre-proclamation cases does not include those that must be brought directly to the courts.
(D) Yes, any conflict between the law and the Constitution relative to COMELEC's jurisdiction must be resolved in favor of the Constitution.
(56) When the Supreme Court nullified the decisions of the military tribunal for lack of jurisdiction, it excluded from their coverage decisions of acquittal where the defendants were deemed to have acquired a vested right. In so doing, the Supreme Court applied
(A) the operative fact doctrine.
(B) the rule against double jeopardy.
(C) the doctrine of supervening event.
(D) the orthodox doctrine.
(57) Accused X pleaded not guilty to the charge of homicide against him. Since he was admitted to bail, they sent him notices to attend the hearings of his case. But he did not show up, despite notice, in four successive hearings without offering any justification. The prosecution moved to present evidence in absentia but the court denied the motion on the ground that the accused has a right to be present at his trial. Is the court correct?
(A) No, the court is mandated to hold trial in absentia when the accused had been arraigned, had notice, and his absence was unjustified.
(B) Yes, it remains discretionary on the court whether to conduct trial in absentia even if the accused had been arraigned and had notice and did not justify his absence.
(C) Yes, it is within the court's discretion to determine how many postponements it will grant the accused before trying him in absentia.
(D) No, the court may reject trial in absentia only on grounds of fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence.
(58) Following COMELEC Chairman Bocay's conviction for acts of corruption in the impeachment proceedings, he was indicted for plunder before the Sandiganbayan and found guilty, as charged. Can he get Presidential pardon on the plunder case?
(A) No, plunder is not a pardonable offense.
(B) No, conviction in a criminal case for the same acts charged in the impeachment proceedings is not pardonable.
(C) Yes, convictions in two different fora for the same acts, are too harsh that they are not beyond the reach of the President’s pardoning power.
(D) Yes, conviction in court in a criminal action is subject to the President's pardoning power.
(59) A private person constituted by the court as custodian of property attached to secure a debt sought to be recovered in a civil proceeding is
(A) a private sheriff.
(B) a public officer.
(C) a private warehouseman.
(D) an agent of the party to whom the property will ultimately be awarded.
(60) The COMELEC en banc shall decide a motion for reconsideration of
(A) the House or Representatives and the Senate electoral tribunals.
(B) the decision of the election registrar.
(C) the decision of the COMELEC division involving an election protest.
(D) its own decision involving an election protest.
(61) Adela served as Mayor of Kasim for 2 consecutive terms. On her third term, COMELEC ousted her in an election protest that Gudi, her opponent, filed against her. Two years later, Gudi faced recall proceedings and Adela ran in the recall election against him. Adela won and served as Mayor for Gudi's remaining term. Can Adela run again for Mayor in the next succeeding election without violating the 3 term limit?
(A) No, she won the regular mayoralty election for two consecutive terms and the recall election constitutes her third term.
(B) A. No, she already won the mayoralty election for 3 consecutive terms.
(C) Yes, her ouster from office in her third term interrupted the continuity of her service as mayor.
(D) Yes, the fresh mandate given her during the recall election erased her disqualification for a third term.
(62) A child born in the United States to a Filipino mother and an American father is
(A) a Filipino citizen by election.
(B) a repatriated Filipino citizen.
(C) a dual citizen.
(D) a natural born Filipino citizen.
(63) Involuntary servitude may be required as
(A) part of rehabilitation of one duly charged with a crime.
(B) substitute penalty for one who has been duly tried for a crime.
(C) punishment for a crime where one has been duly convicted.
(D) condition precedent to one's valid arraignment.
(64) Van sought to disqualify Manresa as congresswoman of the third district of Manila on the ground that the latter is a greencard holder. By the time the case was decided against Manresa, she had already served her full term as congresswoman. What was Manresa's status during her incumbency as congresswoman?
(A) She was a de jure officer, having been duly elected.
(B) She was not a public officer because she had no valid existing public office.
(C) She was a de jure officer since she completed her term before she was disqualified.
(D) She was a de facto officer since she was elected, served, and her disqualification only came later.
(65) Whose appointment is NOT subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments?
(A) Chairman of the Civil Service Commission
(B) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
(C) Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(D) Executive Secretary
(66) The system of checks and balances operates when
(A) the President nullifies a conviction in a criminal case by pardoning the offender.
(B) Congress increases the budget proposal of the President.
(C) the President does not release the countryside development funds to members of Congress.
(D) Congress expands the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, as defined by the Constitution.
(67) The price of staple goods like rice may be regulated for the protection of the consuming public through the exercise of
(A) power of subordinate legislation.
(B) emergency power.
(C) police power.
(D) residual power.
(68) Associate Justice A retires from the Supreme Court 90 days before the forthcoming Presidential election. May the incumbent President still appoint Justice A's successor?
(A) No, it will violate the Constitutional prohibition against midnight appointments.
(B) Yes, vacancies in the Supreme Court should be filled within 90 days from occurrence of the vacancy.
(C) Yes, vacancies in the Supreme Court should be filled within 90 days from submission of JBC nominees to the President.
(D) No, the incumbent President must yield to the choice of the next President
(69) The President may set a limit on the country's import quota in the exercise of his
(A) delegated power.
(B) concurring power.
(C) residual power.
(D) inherent power.
(70) Amor sued for annulment of a deed of sale of Lot 1. While the case was ongoing, Baltazar, an interested buyer, got a Certification from Atty. Crispin, the Clerk of Court, that Lot 1 was not involved in any pending case before the court. Acting on the certification, the Register of Deeds canceled the notice of lis pendens annotated on Lot 1’s title. Amor filed a damage suit against Atty. Crispin but the latter invoked good faith and immunity from suit for acts relating to his official duty, claiming he was not yet the Clerk of Court when Amor filed his action. Decide.
(A) Atty. Crispin is immune from suit since he enjoys the presumption of regularity of performance of public duty.
(B) Atty. Crispin's defense is invalid since he issued his certification recklessly without checking the facts.
(C) Atty. Crispin's defense is valid since he was unaware of the pendency of the case.
(D) As Clerk of Court, Atty. Crispin enjoys absolute immunity from suit for acts relating to his work.
(71) The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) found Atlantic Homes, Inc. liable in damages arising from its delayed release of the title to the house and lot that it sold to Josephine. Atlantic appealed to the Office of the President which rendered a one page decision, affirming the attached HLURB judgment. Atlantic challenges the validity of the decision of the Office of the President for not stating the facts and the law on which it is based. Is the challenge correct?
(A) No, the Office of the President is governed by its own rules respecting review of cases appealed to it.
(B) Yes, the decision of the Office of the President must contain its own crafted factual findings and legal conclusions.
(C) Yes, administrative due process demands that the Office of the President make findings and conclusions independent of its subordinate.
(D) No, the Office of the President is not precluded from adopting the factual findings and legal conclusions contained in the HLURB decision.
(72) A collision occurred involving a passenger jeepney driven by Leonardo, a cargo truck driven by Joseph, and a dump truck driven by Lauro but owned by the City of Cebu. Lauro was on his way to get a load of sand for the repair of the road along Fuente Street, Cebu City. As a result of the collision, 3 passengers of the jeepney died. Their families filed a complaint for damages against Joseph who in turn filed a third party complaint against the City of Cebu and Lauro. Is the City of Cebu liable for the tort committed by its employee?
(A) The City of Cebu is not liable because its employee was engaged in the discharge of a governmental function.
(B) The City of Cebu is liable for the tort committed by its employee while in the discharge of a non-governmental function.
(C) The City of Cebu is liable in accord with the precept of respondeat superior.
(D) The City of Cebu is not liable as a consequence of its non-suitability.
(73) During promulgation of sentence, the presence of the accused is mandatory but he may appear by counsel or representative when
(A) he is charged with a light offense.
(B) he was able to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.
(C) he waives his right to be present.
(D) he is convicted of a bailable offense.
(74) An information for murder was filed against X. After examining the case records forwarded to him by the prosecution, the trial judge granted bail to X based on the prosecution's manifestation that it was not objecting to the grant of bail. Is the trial judge correct?
(A) Yes, the trial judge may evaluate the strength or weakness of the evidence based on the case records forwarded to him.
(B) No, the trial judge should have held a hearing to ascertain the quality of the evidence of guilt that the prosecution had against X.
(C) No, the trial judge should have conducted a hearing to ascertain first whether or not X was validly arrested.
(D) Yes, the trial judge may reasonably rely on the prosecution's manifestation that he had no objection to the grant of bail.
(75) The President CANNOT call out the military
(A) to enforce customs laws.
(B) to secure shopping malls against terrorists.
(C) to arrest persons committing rebellion.
(D) to raid a suspected haven of lawless elements.
(76) Mass media in the Philippines may be owned and managed by
(A) corporations wholly owned and managed by Filipinos.
(B) corporations 60% owned by Filipinos.
(C) corporations wholly owned by Filipinos.
(D) corporations 60% owned and managed by Filipinos.
(77) Procedural due process in administrative proceedings
(A) requires the tribunal to consider the evidence presented.
(B) allows the losing party to file a motion for reconsideration.
(C) requires hearing the parties on oral argument.
(D) permits the parties to file memoranda.
(78) The Constitution prohibits cruel and inhuman punishments which involve
(A) torture or lingering suffering.
(B) primitive and gross penalties.
(C) unusual penal methods.
(D) degrading and queer penalties.
(79) Judge Lloyd was charged with serious misconduct before the Supreme Court. The Court found him guilty and ordered him dismissed. Believing that the decision was not immediately executory, he decided a case that had been submitted for resolution. The decision became final and executory. But the losing party filed a certiorari action with the Court of Appeals seeking to annul the writ of execution issued in the case and bar Judge Lloyd from further acting as judge. Can the relief against Judge Lloyd be granted?
(A) No, Judge Lloyd's right to stay as judge may be challenged only by direct proceeding, not collaterally.
(B) Yes, the action against Judge Lloyd may be consolidated with the case before the Court of Appeals and decided by it.
(C) Yes, Judge Lloyd 's right to stay as judge may be challenged as a necessary incident of the certiorari action.
(D) No, the losing party has no standing to challenge Judge Lloyd's right to stay as judge.
(80) Executive Secretary Chua issued an order prohibiting the holding of rallies along Mendiola because it hampers the traffic flow to Malacanang. A group of militants questioned the order for being unconstitutional and filed a case against Secretary Chua to restrain him from enforcing the order. Secretary Chua raised state immunity from suit claiming that the state cannot be sued without its consent. Is the claim correct?
(A) No, public officers may be sued to restrain him from enforcing an act claimed to be unconstitutional.
(B) Yes, the order was not a proprietary act of the government.
(C) No, only the president may raise the defense of immunity from suit.
(D) Yes, Secretary Chua cannot be sued for acts done in pursuance to his public office.
(81) Anton was the duly elected Mayor of Tunawi in the local elections of 2004. He got 51% of all the votes cast. Fourteen months later, Victoria, who also ran for mayor, filed with the Local Election Registrar, a petition for recall against Anton. The COMELEC approved the petition and set a date for its signing by other qualified voters in order to garner at least 25% of the total number of Bar Examination Questionnaire for Political Law Set A registered voters or total number of those who actually voted during the local election in 2005, whichever is lower. Anton attacked the COMELEC resolution for being invalid. Do you agree with Anton?
(A) No, the petition, though initiated by just one person, may be ratified by at least 25% of the total number of registered voters.
(B) No, the petition, though initiated by just one person may be ratified by at least 25% of those who actually voted during the 2004 local elections.
(C) Yes, the petition should be initiated by at least 25% of the total number of registered voters who actually voted during the 2004 local elections.
(D) Yes,the petition should be initiated by at least 25% of the total number of registered voters of Tunawi.
(82) Using the description of the supplier of shabu given by persons who had been arrested earlier for selling it, the police conducted a surveillance of the area indicated. When they saw a man who fitted the description walking from the apartment to his car, they approached and frisked him and he did not object. The search yielded an unlicensed gun tucked on his waist and shabu in his car. Is the search valid?
(A) No, the man did not manifest any suspicious behavior that would give the police sufficient reason to search him.
(B) Yes, the police acted on reliable information which proved correct when they searched the man and his car.
(C) Yes, the man should be deemed to have waived his right to challenge the search when he failed to object to the frisking.
(D) No, reliable information alone, absent any proof beyond reasonable doubt that the man was actually committing an offense, will not validate the search.
(83) A law interfering with the rights of the person meets the requirements of substantive due process when
(A) the means employed is not against public policy.
(B) it is in accord with the prescribed manner of enforcement as to time, place, and person.
(C) all affected parties are given the chance to be heard.
(D) the interest of the general public, as distinguished from those of a particular case, requires such interference.
(84) A judge of the Regional Trial Court derives his powers and duties from
(A) statute.
(B) the President, the appointing power.
(C) Supreme Court issuances.
(D) the rules of court.
(85) When an elective official's preventive suspension will result in depriving his constituents of his services or representation, the court may
(A) require the investigating body to expedite the investigation.
(B) hold in abeyance the period of such suspension.
(C) direct the holding of an election to fill up the temporary vacancy.
(D) shorten the period of such suspension.
(86) When the State requires private cemeteries to reserve 10% of their lots for burial of the poor, it exercises its
(A) eminent domain power.
(B) zoning power.
(C) police power.
(D) taxing power.
(87) In the valid exercise of management prerogative consistent with the company's right to protect its economic interest, it may prohibit its employees from
(A) joining rallies during their work shift.
(B) marrying employees of competitor companies.
(C) publicly converging with patrons of competitor companies.
(D) patronizing the product of competitor companies.
(88) The President issued an executive order directing all department heads to secure his consent before agreeing to appear during question hour before Congress on matters pertaining to their departments. Is the executive order unconstitutional for suppressing information of public concern?
(A) No, because those department heads are his alter egos and he is but exercising his right against self-incrimination.
(B) Yes, the President cannot control the initiative of the department heads to conform with the oversight function of Congress.
(C) Yes, the President cannot withhold consent to the initiative of his department heads as it will violate the principle of check and balance.
(D) No, the President has the power to withhold consent to appearance by his department heads during question hour.
(89) When the President contracted a personal loan during his incumbency, he may be sued for sum of money
(A) during his term of office.
(B) during his tenure of office.
(C) after his term of office.
(D) after his tenure of office.
(90) The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee summoned X, a former department secretary, to shed light on his alleged illicit acquisition of properties claimed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government. X sought to restrain the Committee from proceeding with its investigation because of a pending criminal case against him before the Sandiganbayan for ill-gotten wealth involving the same properties. Decide. The investigation may
(A) not be restrained on ground of separation of powers.
(B) be restrained on ground of prejudicial question.
(C) not be restrained on ground of presumed validity of legislative action.
(D) be restrained for being sub judice.
(91) A government that actually exercises power and control as opposed to the true and lawful government is in terms of legitimacy
(A) a government of force.
(B) an interim government.
(C) a de facto government.
(D) an illegitimate government.
(92) The Special Committee on Naturalization is headed by
(A) the Secretary of Justice.
(B) the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
(C) the National Security Adviser.
(D) the Solicitor General.
(93) The President issued Proclamation 9517 declaring a state of emergency and calling the armed forces to immediately carry out necessary measures to suppress terrorism and lawless violence. In the same proclamation, he directed the government's temporary takeover of the operations of all privately owned communication utilities, prescribing reasonable terms for the takeover. Is the takeover valid?
(A) Yes, it is an implied power flowing from the President's exercise of emergency power.
(B) No, it is a power reserved for Congress alone.
(C) Yes, subject to ratification by Congress.
(D) No, it is a power exclusively reserved for the People's direct action.
(94) A candidate for Senator must be at least 35 years old on
(A) the day he is duly proclaimed.
(B) the day the election is held.
(C) the day he files his certificate of candidacy.
(D) the day he takes his oath of office.
(95) The Office of the Special Prosecutor may file an information against a public officer for graft
(A) on its own initiative subject to withdrawal of the information by the Ombudsman.
(B) independently of the Ombudsman, except in plunder cases.
(C) only when authorized by the Ombudsman.
(D) independently of the Ombudsman.
(96) Since the Constitution is silent as to who can appoint the Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, the President appointed W to that position without submitting his appointment to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation. Is W’s appointment by the President valid?
(A) No, since the position of Chairman of the Commission was created by statute, the appointment of its holder requires the consent of Congress.
(B) Yes, since the power to appoint in the government, if not lodged elsewhere, belongs to the President as Chief Executive.
(C) Yes, since the power to fill up all government positions mentioned in the Constitution has been lodged in the President.
(D) No, because absent any express authority under the Constitution, the power to appoint does not exist.
(97) The Chief Justice appointed X, the President’s sister, as Assistant Court Administrator in the Supreme Court during the President's tenure. Claiming that the Constitution prohibits the appointment in government of a President’s relative, a taxpayer asks for its nullification. Will the challenge prosper?
(A) Yes, since the appointment essentially violates the law against nepotism.
(B) Yes, because relatives of the President within the fourth civil degree cannot be appointed as heads of offices in any department of government.
(C) No, X's appointment, although in the government, is not in the Executive Department that the President heads.
(D) No, the position to which X was appointed is not among those prohibited under the Constitution.
(98)May an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court be disbarred as a lawyer?
(A) No, it will amount to removal.
(B) No, his membership in the bar is secure.
(C) Yes, by the Supreme Court itself.
(D) Yes, by Congress in joint session.
(99) Mayor Lucia of Casidsid filed her certificate of candidacy for congresswoman of the district covering Casidsid. Still, she continued to act as mayor of Casidsid without collecting her salaries as such. When she lost the election and a new mayor assumed office, she filed an action to collect the salaries she did not get while serving as mayor even when she ran for congresswoman. Is her action correct?
(A) No, salaries can be waived and she waived them.
(B) No, because her acts as de facto officer are void insofar as she is concerned.
(C) Yes, public policy demands that a de facto officer enjoy the same rights of a de jure officer.
(D) A. Yes, it is but just that she be paid for the service she rendered.
(100) X, a Filipino and Y, an American, both teach at the International Institute in Manila. The institute gave X a salary rate of P1,000 per hour and Y, P1,250 per hour plus housing, transportation, shipping costs, and leave travel allowance. The school cited the dislocation factor and limited tenure of Y to justify his high salary rate and additional benefits. The same package was given to the other foreign teachers. The Filipino teachers assailed such differential treatment, claiming it is discriminatory and violates the equal protection clause. Decide.
(A) The classification is based on superficial differences.
(B) The classification undermines the "Filipino First" policy.
(C) The distinction is fair considering the burden of teaching abroad.
(D) The distinction is substantial and uniformly applied to each class.

2012 bar questions

  1. Constitution is defined by Cooley as:
    1. a body of statutory, administrative and political provisions by which the three branches of government are defined;
    2. a body of rules and maxims in accordance with which the powers of sovereignty are habitually exercised;
    3. a body of rules and edicts emanating from the rulings of courts and written guidelines of the executive and the legislature by which government is governed;
    4. a body of interpretations and rules by which the three branches of government are judged for purposes of sovereign compliance with good corporate governance.
  2. The three essential parts of a Constitution are:
    1. the bill of rights, governmental organization and functions, and method of amendment;
    2. the preamble, the bill of rights, and provisions on checks and balances;
    3. the national territory, the declaration of principles and state policies, and the transitory provisions;
    4. the executive department, the legislative department and the judiciary.
  3. The constitutional provision on initiative and referendum is not self-executory. This is so because it requires:
    1. an implementing resolution from the COMELEC;
    2. an implementing resolution from the Supreme Court;
    3. an implementing legislation;
    4. an implementing resolution from the party-list representative of the House of Representatives.
  4. In an amendment to the constitution by "initiative and referendum", the "initiative" phase is meant that the people propose the amendments. There is a valid proposal when a proposition has received the approval of:
    1. at least 3% of the persons of majority age of each district, and 12% of the registered voters of the region from proposal emanates;
    2. at least 3% of the registered voters of each province and 12% of the total number of registered voters nationwide;
    3. at least 3% of the registered voters of each district and 12% of the total number of registered voters nationwide;
    4. more than 3% of the 3% of the registered voters of each district but less than 12% of the total number of registered voters nationwide.
  5. The Constitution declares that the Philippines is a republican state. Republicanism means:
    1. the form of government must be presidential;
    2. the representatives of the government are elected by the people;
    3. sovereignty resides in the elected representatives of the government;
    4. the form of government cannot be changed by the people.
  6. A chief characteristic of the presidential form of government is:
    1. concentration of power in the judiciary thru the power of expanded judicial review;
    2. supremacy of the presidency compared to the totality of powers of the legislative;
    3. regular periodic election of the President for a fixed term;
    4. unlimited term for the President for as long as elected by the people in free and honest elections.
  7. Which of the following best exemplifies how the system of checks and balances is carried out:
    1. the legislature passes a law that prohibits the president from commuting a judiciary imposed sentence, as a check of the president;
    2. the President pardons a convict as a way to set aside or modify a judgment of the judiciary;
    3. the judiciary overturns a pardon granted by the President as a check on executions;
    4. the President pardons an accused after arraignment in the interest of justice.
  8. Which phrase best completes the statement – The starting point of the principle of separation of powers is the assumption of the division of the functions of government into three distinct classes:
    1. the bill of rights, state policies, and social justice and human rights;
    2. the accountability of public officers, the constitutional commissions, and the national economy and patrimony;
    3. the self-executing provisions, the non-self-executing provisions, and the self-evident social justice provisions;
    4. the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.
  9. The Constitution provides that the "separation of church and state shall be inviolable." This is implemented most by the constitutional principles embodied in:
    1. the free exercise clause;
    2. the non-establishment clause;
    3. the freedom of religious belief clause;
    4. the freedom of religion clause.
  10. Which one of the following is a non-self-executing provision of the Constitution:
    1. no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech;
    2. no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion;
    3. no person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law;
    4. the state shall encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and culture.
  11. Basic Philippine law, in respect of the modes of acquiring citizenship, follows the rule(s) of:
    1. jus soli and jus sanguinis;
    2. naturalization and provides for jus soli;
    3. jus sanguinis and provides for naturalization;
    4. none of the above.
  12. Dual allegiance by citizen is:
    1. inimical to the national interest and is therefore proscribed by law;
    2. inimical to the national interest and is therefore prescribed by law;
    3. inimical to the national interest and therefore shall be dealt with by law;
    4. inimical to the national interest and is therefore outside of coverage of law.
  13. Margarita was born in 1986 to a Filipino mother and Swedish father. She has been living and continues to live in the US for the last 20 years and has also been naturalized as a US citizen. She recently reacquired Philippine citizenship under RA 9225, the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003. Can Margarita vote in the next national elections?
    1. Yes. Dual citizens who are not residents may register under the Overseas Absentee Voting Law.
    2. Yes. Margarita is a Filipino citizen and thus may enjoy the right to suffrage like everyone else without registering as an overseas absentee voter.
    3. No. Margarita fails the residency requirement under Section 1, Article V of the Constitution for Filipinos.
    4. No. Dual citizens upon renunciation of their Filipino citizenship and acquisition of foreign citizenship, have practically and legally abandoned their domicile and severed their legal ties to their homeland as a consequence.
  14. Identify which one is an invalid exercise of the legislative power:
    1. legislation by local government on purely local matters;
    2. law granting an administrative agency the power to define policy and fix standards on price control;
    3. law authorizing the President, in times of war or other national emergency, for a limited period, subject to prescribed restrictions, to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy;
    4. law authorizing the President to fix, within specific limits, tariff rates, import and export quotas, and other duties, within the framework of the national development program of the government.
  15. Which one of the following theories does not support the valid delegation of authority by the Congress to an administrative agency:
    1. an administrative agency may "fill up the details" of a statute;
    2. the legislature may leave to another body the ascertainment of facts necessary to bring the law into actual operation;
    3. an administrative agency has equal expertise with the legislature in crafting and implementing laws;
    4. contingent legislation.
  16. The rule in Article V1, Section 5 (3) of the Constitution that "Each legislative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact and adjacent territory" is a prohibition against:
    1. re-apportionment;
    2. commandeering of votes;
    3. gerrymandering;
    4. re-districting.
  17. Article V1, Section 5(3) of the Constitution requires that for a city to be entitled to have at least one representative, its population shall be at least:
    1. 250,000;
    2. 150,000;
    3. 100,000;
    4. 175,000.
  18. A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall be privileged from arrest while Congress is in session for all offenses punishable by imprisonment of not more than:
    1. life imprisonment;
    2. reclusion perpetua;
    3. six years imprisonment;
    4. four years imprisonment.
  19. No Senator or member of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before:
    1. any regional court;
    2. any court of justice;
    3. any inferior court;
    4. any appellate court.
  20. Which of the following can be changed by an ordinary law enacted by Congress?
    1. Commencement of the term of office of Senators;
    2. Date of regular election for President and Vice Presidential;
    3. Authority to transfer appropriation;
    4. Regular election of the members of Congress.
  21. Congress shall have the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war by vote of:
    1. three-fourths of both Houses in joint session assembled, voting jointly;
    2. two-thirds of both Houses in joint session assembled, voting jointly;
    3. two-thirds of both Houses in separate session assembled, voting jointly;
    4. two-thirds of both Houses in joint session, voting separately.
  22. If by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuring fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed:
    1. referred;
    2. unacted;
    3. refilled;
    4. re-enacted.
  23. Provisions unrelated to an appropriation bill are considered prohibited. These are called:
    1. interlopers;
    2. riders;
    3. outriggers;
    4. add-ons.
  24. The requirement that "Every bill shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof" prevents:
    1. rollercoaster legislation;
    2. log-rolling legislation;
    3. rolling fields legislation;
    4. loggerhead legislation.
  25. The power of the President to veto any particular part in an appropriation revenue, or tariff bill, is called the:
    1. specific veto;
    2. revenue veto;
    3. item veto;
    4. monetary veto.
  26. A tax is progressive when:
    1. the rate fluctuates as the tax base decreases;
    2. the rate increases as the tax base remains the same;
    3. the rate increases as the tax base increases;
    4. the rate decreases as the tax base increases.
  27. When the Supreme Court sits en banc, cases are decided by the concurrence of a majority of the members who:
    1. actually sent in memos on matters for deliberation and called in their votes thereon;
    2. actually participated in the oral arguments and voted thereon;
    3. actually took part in the deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon;
    4. actually took part in the voting thereon and took notes on the actual deliberations.
  28. When the Supreme Court sits in division, cases can be decided by as few as a minimum of:
    1. three votes;
    2. four votes;
    3. five votes;
    4. six votes.
  29. A person who has a personal and substantial interest in the case, such that he has sustained, or will sustain, direct injury as a result of its enforcement is considered to have:
    1. understanding to challenge the governmental act;
    2. standing to challenge the governmental act;
    3. opportunity to challenge the governmental act;
    4. familiarity to challenge the governmental act.
  30. Congressman Sugar Oll authored a bill called House Bill No, 0056 which legalizes jueteng. When the Bill became law (RA 10156), Fr. Nosu Gal, a priest, filed a petition seeking for the nullification of RA 10156 on the ground that it is unconstitutional as it violates Section 13, Article II, of the 1987 Constitution which states that "The state recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being". Fr. Gal filed the petition as a concerned citizen and as taxpayer. Does Fr. Gal have locus standi?
    1. No, because Fr. Gal has no personal and substantial interest that will be prejudiced by the implementation of the law;
    2. No, the law concerns neither citizens nor expenditure of public funds;
    3. Yes, because the issue is of transcendental importance;
    4. Yes, because as priest, Fr. Gal has special interest in the well-being of the youth.
  31. Where there is "the impossibility of a court’s undertaking independent resolution without expressing lack of the respect due coordinate branches of government; or an unusual need for unquestioning adherence to a political decision already made; or the potentially of embarrassment from multifarious pronouncement by various departments on a question," describes what kind of political question:
    1. adherence kind;
    2. prudential kind;
    3. respectful kind;
    4. deference kind.
  32. The "operative fact" doctrine of constitutional law is applied when a law is declared:
    1. operative;
    2. factual;
    3. constitutional;
    4. unconstitutional.
  33. The totality of governmental power is contained in three great powers:
    1. police power, power of sequestration, power of foreign policy;
    2. power of immigration, municipal power, legislative power;
    3. executive power, legislative power, judicial power;
    4. police power, power of eminent domain, power of taxation.
  34. The most essential, insistent and the least limitable of (government) powers, extending as it does to all the great public needs, is:
    1. emergency power;
    2. police power;
    3. legislative power;
    4. power to declare martial law.
  35. 35. In the hierarchy of civil liberties, which right occupies the highest preferred position:
    1. right to academic freedom;
    2. right to a balanced and healthful ecology;
    3. right to freedom of expression and of assembly;
    4. right to equal health.
  36. In which of the following would there be no double jeopardy even if a subsequent case is filed?
    1. Pot is accused before the RTC of qualified theft. After innumerable postponements against Pot’s wishes, he moves for dismissal for denial of the right to a speedy trial. Prosecutor objected. Dismissal granted;
    2. Pot is accused before the RTC of qualified theft. After innumerable postponements against Pot’s wishes, the prosecutor moves for dismissal with the consent of Pot. Granted;
    3. Pot is accused before the RTC of qualified theft. After innumerable postponements against Pot’s wishes, he moves for dismissal for denial of the right to a speedy trial. Prosecutor posts no objections. Dismissal granted;
    4. Pot is accused before the RTC of qualified theft. After innumerable postponements against Pot’s wishes, the prosecutor moves for dismissal over the objections of Pot. Granted.
  37. Under Article III, Section 2 of the Bill of Rights, which provides for the exclusion of evidence that violate the right to privacy of communication and correspondence, to come under the exclusionary rule, the evidence must be obtained by:
    1. private individuals acting on their own;
    2. government agents;
    3. private individuals acting on orders of superiors;
    4. former high government officials.
  38. The complementing regime that best characterizes the guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press are:
    1. prior punishment and moderate punishment;
    2. prior censorship and subsequent remedies;
    3. no prior restraint and subsequent punishment;
    4. no prior restraint and no subsequent punishment.
  39. The free exercise and non-establishment clauses pertain to which right under the Bill of Rights:
    1. liberty of movement;
    2. liberty of abode;
    3. religion;
    4. life and liberty.
  40. The Gangnam Style’s Witnesses (whose tenets are derogatory to the Catholic Church), applied for a permit to use the public plaza and kiosk to hold their religious meeting on the occasion of their founding anniversary. Mayor Lebron allowed them to use the northwestern part of the plaza but not the kiosk (which is a few meters away from the Catholic church). Members of the Gangnam Style Witnesses claim that the act of Mayor Lebron is a violation of their freedom of assembly and religion. Is this correct?
    1. No, because this is valid exercise of police power;
    2. Yes, because the plaza being of public use can be used by anybody regardless of religious belief;
    3. No, because historical experience shows that peace and order may be disturbed whenever two opposing religious groups or beliefs expound their dogmas;
    4. Yes, because there is no clear and present danger in holding a religious meeting by another religious group near a catholic church.
  41. Which one is NOT a recognized limitation to the right to information on matters of public concern:
    1. national security matters;
    2. trade secrets and banking transactions;
    3. criminal matters or classified law enforcement matters;
    4. government research data used as a basis for policy development.
  42. Which one of the following circumstances is NOT an element of taking under eminent domain:
    1. entering upon public property for a momentary period;
    2. under color of legal authority;
    3. devoting it to public use;
    4. as substantially to cust the owner of all beneficial ownership.
  43. Market value for purposes of determining just compensation in eminent domain has been described as the fair value of property:
    1. between one who desires to purchase and one does not desire to sell;
    2. between one who desires to purchase and one who wants to delay selling;
    3. between one who desires to purchase and one who desires to sell;
    4. between one who desires to purchase on terms and one who desires to sell after a period of time.
  44. Under Article III, Section 12 of the Constitution, any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent, etc. The investigation referred to is called:
    1. preliminary investigation;
    2. summary investigation;
    3. criminal investigation;
    4. custodial investigation.
  45. All persons charged shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except those charged with:
    1. offenses punishable by death when evidence of guilt is strong;
    2. offenses punishable by life imprisonment when evidence of guilt is strong;
    3. offenses punishable by death when evidence of guilt is weak;
    4. offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong.
  46. Criminal trial may proceed, notwithstanding the absence of the accused provided that he has been duly notified, and his failure to appear is unjustifiable, after:
    1. preliminary investigation;
    2. arraignment;
    3. sentencing;
    4. prosecution has rested its case.
  47. The requisites of a valid trial in absentia exclude:
    1. Wherein his/her failure to appear is unjustifiable;
    2. Wherein he/she allows himself/herself to be identified by the witness in his/her absence, without further unqualified admitting that every time a witness mentions a name by which he/she is known, it shall be understood to refer to him/her;
    3. Wherein he/she has been duly notified of the trial;
    4. Wherein the accused has already been arraigned.
  48. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of:
    1. imminent danger of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it;
    2. grave danger of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it;
    3. clear and present danger of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it;
    4. invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.
  49. The right of the accused against self-incrimination will be violated if:
    1. he is charged with violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act and he was required to produce his bank passbook;
    2. he is a public officer charged with amassing ill-gotten wealth and his statement of assets and liabilities will be presented as evidence;
    3. his gun was subjected to a ballistics test;
    4. a sample of his blood was taken if his blood type matches the blood type found at the scene of the crime.
  50. The death penalty shall not be imposed:
    1. unless for compelling reasons involving death penalty crimes and the executive hereafter provides for it;
    2. unless for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes and a constitutional amendment provides for it;
    3. unless for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes and Congress hereafter provides for it;
    4. unless for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes and the Supreme Court hereafter upholds it.
  51. An ex post facto law has been defined as one:
    1. which aggravates a crime or makes it lesser than when it was committed;
    2. which mitigates a crime or makes it lesser than when it was committed;
    3. which aggravates a crime or makes it greater than when it was committed;
    4. which aggravates a crime or makes it non-criminal after it was committed.
  52. A bill of attainder is:
    1. an executive act which inflicts punishment without tender;
    2. a judicial act which inflicts punishment without tender;
    3. a legislative act which inflicts punishment without trial;
    4. a legislative act which pardons punishment after tender.
  53. Which one of the following is NOT an independent Constitutional Commission under Article IX, Section 1 of the Constitution:
    1. Commission on Elections;
    2. Commission on Human Rights;
    3. Civil Service Commission;
    4. Commission on Audit.
  54. The independent Constitutional Commissions enjoy:
    1. decisional autonomy;
    2. organizational autonomy;
    3. fiscal autonomy;
    4. quasi-judicial autonomy.
  55. The Civil Service shall be administered by the Civil Service Commission composed of a:
    1. Chairman and a Commissioner;
    2. Chairman and two (2) Commissioners;
    3. Chairman and three (3) Commissioners;
    4. Chairman and four (4) Commissioners.
  56. In Oposa vs. Factoran, Jr., G.R. No. 101083, July 30, 1993, the Supreme Court held that the personality of the petitioners to sue is based on the concept of:
    1. ecological responsibility;
    2. environmental accountability;
    3. intergenerational responsibility;
    4. interdisciplinary responsibility.
  57. In a unitary system of government, such as the government under the Philippine Constitutor, local government can only be:
    1. an imperuim in imperio;
    2. an infa-sovereign subdivision;
    3. a sovereign nation;
    4. a sovereign entity.
  58. Which one is NOT among the Constitutionally mandated grounds for impeachment of impeachable officials:
    1. culpable violation of the Constitution;
    2. treason, bribery, graft and corruption and other high crimes;
    3. betrayal of public trust;
    4. culpable violation of the duty to be at all times accountable to the people.
  59. Which is NOT an impeachable public officer:
    1. a justice of the Supreme Court;
    2. a commissioner of the Comelec;
    3. the administrator of the Supreme Court;
    4. the Ombudsman.
  60. Which has the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment:
    1. the Senate;
    2. the House of Representatives;
    3. the Senate President;
    4. the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  61. At least one-third of all the members of the House of Representatives may file articles of impeachment by:
    1. verified bill and resolution;
    2. verified complaint and resolution;
    3. verified notice and resolution;
    4. verified complaint and notice.
  62. The President cannot grant pardon in cases of impeachment. He may however exercise such power when:
    1. A person convicted in an impeachment proceeding is subject to prosecution, trial and punishment in an ordinary criminal action;
    2. A person convicted in an impeachment proceeding is granted an absolute pardon;
    3. A person convicted in an impeachment proceeding files his appeal before the Supreme Court;
    4. None of the above.
  63. A public officer impeached and removed from office shall:
    1. nevertheless be immure from prosecution, trial and punishment according to law;
    2. nevertheless be liable and subject to prosecution, trial and punishment under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act;
    3. nevertheless be liable and subject to prosecution, trial and punishment according to law;
    4. nevertheless be liable and subject to prosecution, trial and punishment only for criminal acts under the law.
  64. The Ombudsman and his deputies are appointed by the President from a list prepared by:
    1. the Integrated Bar of the Philippines;
    2. the Commission on Appointments;
    3. the Judicial and Bar Council;
    4. the Supreme Court.
  65. SALN means:
    1. Summary of assets, liabilities and net worth;
    2. Statement of assets in banks, liabilities and net worth;
    3. Statement of assets, liabilities and net worth;
    4. Statement of personal assets, liabilities and net worth.
  66. The independent economic planning agency of the Government as provided for by the Constitution is the:
    1. National Privatization Office;
    2. National Productivity Commission;
    3. National Economic Development Authority;
    4. National Economic Council.
  67. The Independent Central Monetary Authority of the Government is the:
    1. Bankers Association of the Philippines;
    2. Philippine Mission of the International Monetary Fund;
    3. Central Bank of the Philippines;
    4. World Bank, Philippine Affiliate.
  68. The President may contract or guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic of the Philippines only upon prior concurrence of the:
    1. House of Representatives;
    2. Senate;
    3. Central Bank;
    4. Monetary Board.
  69. Bona fide associations of citizens which demonstrate capacity of promote the public interest and with identifiable leadership, membership, and structure are:
    1. independent party-list organizations;
    2. independent sectoral organizations;
    3. independent indigenous organizations;
    4. independent people’s organizations.
  70. The principal function of the Commission on Human Rights is:
    1. issue writs of injunction/ restraining orders;
    2. investigatory;
    3. quasi-judicial;
    4. rule-making.
  71. Optional religious instruction in public elementary and high schools is allowed provided it be:
    1. without additional overtime cost to Government;
    2. without additional cost to Government;
    3. without additional cost for religious books to Government;
    4. without additional power consumption costs to Government.
  72. Academic freedom shall be enjoyed:
    1. in all public institutions;
    2. in all elementary and high schools;
    3. in all schools;
    4. in all institutions of higher learning.
  73. Under Article 38(1) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, which one of the following is NOT considered a source of international law:
    1. international conventions;
    2. international custom;
    3. international humanitarian law;
    4. general principles of law.
  74. In international law, it is a norm which States cannot derogate or deviate from their agreements:
    1. terra nullius;
    2. opinio juris;
    3. jus cogens;
    4. jus cogentus.
  75. In international law, the status of an entity as a State is accepted by other States through this act. It is the "act by which another State acknowledges that the political entity recognized possesses the attributes of statehood."
    1. accession;
    2. recognition;
    3. acknowledgment;
    4. attribution.
  76. An act or process by which a State, in compliance with a formal demand or request, surrenders to another State an alleged offender or fugitive criminal who has sought refuge in the territory of the first State, in order to stand trial or complete his prison term:
    1. extramediation;
    2. exterrertioriality;
    3. extradition;
    4. extraterritoriality.
  77. This doctrine considers the general or customary norms of international law as a part of municipal law and are to be enforced as such, without regard as to whether they are enacted as statutory or legislative rules or not:
    1. accession;
    2. incorporation;
    3. accretion;
    4. adoption.
  78. Under the United Nations Conference of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the extent of the contiguous zone is:
    1. 3 nautical miles from the lowest water mark;
    2. 12 miles from the outer limits;
    3. 12 miles from the lowest water mark;
    4. 200 miles from the outer limits.
  79. It is a line from which the breadth of the territorial sea and other maritime zones is measured:
    1. contiguous line;
    2. economic line;
    3. baseline;
    4. archipelagic line.
  80. It is a maritime zone adjacent to the territorial seas where the coastal state may exercise certain protective jurisdiction:
    1. baseline zone;
    2. contiguous zone;
    3. transit zone;
    4. appurtenant zone.
  81. Butchoy installed a jumper cable. He was prosecuted under a Makati ordinance penalizing such act. He moved for its dismissal on the ground that the jumper cable was within the territorial jurisdiction of Mandaluyong and not Makati. The case was dismissed. The City of Mandaluyong thereafter filed a case against him for theft under the Revised Penal Code (RCP). Is there double jeopardy?
    1. No. The first jeopardy was terminated with his express consent;
    2. Yes. This is double jeopardy of the second kind – prosecution for the same act under an ordinance and a law;
    3. Yes. He is prosecuted for the same offense which has already been dismissed by the City of Makati;
    4. No. The second kind of double jeopardy under Section 21, Article III only contemplates conviction or acquittal which could terminate a first jeopardy.
  82. One of the cardinal primary due process rights in administrative proceedings is that evidence must be "substantial." "Substantial evidence" is:
    1. less than a mere scintilla;
    2. less than preponderant scintilla;
    3. more than a glint of scintilla;
    4. more than a mere scintilla.
  83. A statutory provision requiring the President or an administrative agency to present the proposed implementing rules and regulations of a law to Congress which by itself or through a committee formed by it, retains a "right" or "power" to approve or disapprove such regulations before they may take effect, is a:
    1. legislative encroachment;
    2. legislative veto;
    3. legislative oversight;
    4. legislative scrutiny.
  84. Which one of the enumeration below does not come under the Administrative Code definition of a "rule":
    1. agency statement of general applicability that implements or interprets a law;
    2. fixes and describes the procedures in or practice requirements of, an agency;
    3. includes memoranda and statements concerning internal administration;
    4. an agency process for the formulation of a final order.
  85. Under the Administrative Code, "adjudication" means:
    1. whole or any part of any agency permit, certificate, or other form of permission, or regulation of the exercise of a right or privilege;
    2. an agency process for the formulation of a final order;
    3. agency process for the formulation, amendment, or repeal of a rule;
    4. agency process involving the grant, renewal, denial, revocation or conditioning of a license.
  86. The requirement of the Administrative Code on "public participation" is that, if not otherwise required by law, an agency shall:
    1. in all cases, publish or circulate notices of proposed rules and afford interested parties the opportunity to submit their views prior to the adoption of any rule;
    2. in all clear and proper cases, publish or circulate notices of proposed rules and afford interested parties the opportunity to submit their views prior to the adoption of any rule;
    3. as far as practicable, publish or circulate notices of proposed rules and afford the party-list parties the opportunity to submit their views prior to the adoption of any rule;
    4. as far as practicable, publish or circulate notices of proposed rules and afford interested parties the opportunity to submit their views prior to the adoption of any rule.
  87. Under the Administrative Code, in the fixing of rates, no rules or final order shall be valid unless:
    1. the proposed rates shall have been submitted to the U.P. Law Center for publication at least two weeks before the first hearing thereon;
    2. the proposed rates shall have been published in the Official Gazette at least two weeks before the final hearing thereon;
    3. the proposed rates shall have been published in a newspaper of general circulation at least two weeks before the first hearing thereon;
    4. the proposed rates shall have been published in a newspaper of general circulation at least two weeks before the final hearing thereon.
  88. In the judicial review of decisions of administrative agencies, the Administrative Code requires that the review shall be made:
    1. on the basis of the pleadings taken as a whole;
    2. on the basis of the record taken as a whole;
    3. on the basis of the evidence taken as a whole;
    4. on the basis of the memoranda taken as a whole.
  89. In the judicial review of decisions of administrative agencies, the Administrative Code requires that, except when specifically provided otherwise by law:
    1. the findings of law of agency when supported by substantial evidence, shall be final;
    2. the findings of fact of the agency when supported by preponderant evidence, shall be final;
    3. the findings of fact of the agency when supported by substantial evidence, shall be final;
    4. the findings of law of the agency when supported by credible evidence, shall be final.
  90. The right of the accused to be informed is violated if:
    1. he was accused of killing his wife by strangulation but it was proven that his wife died of poisoning;
    2. it was proven that he killed somebody on a date different from the one alleged in the information;
    3. he was charged with parricide but was convicted of murder, because it turned out that he and the victim were not married;
    4. the accused was charged with commission of acts of lasciviousness and was convicted of unjust vexation.
  91. A criminal statute that "fails to give a person of ordinary intelligence fair notice that his contemplated conduct is forbidden by statute" is:
    1. void for fair notice;
    2. void for arbitrariness;
    3. void for vagueness;
    4. void conclusively.
  92. "Chilling effect" is a concept used in the area of constitutional litigation affecting:
    1. protected speech;
    2. protected executive privilege;
    3. protected legislative discretion;
    4. protected judicial discretion.
  93. In the law of libel and protected speech, a person who, by his accomplishments, fame, or mode of living, or by adopting a profession or calling which gives the public a legitimate interest in his doings, his affairs, and his character, has become a:
    1. public figure;
    2. celebrity;
    3. public official;
    4. de facto public officer.
  94. Which one of the following is not a proper test in cases of challenges to governmental acts that may violate protected speech:
    1. clear and present danger;
    2. balancing of interests;
    3. reasonable relation;
    4. dangerous tendency.
  95. Commercial speech is entitled to:
    1. more protection compared to other constitutionally guaranteed expression;
    2. equal protection compared to other constitutionally guaranteed expression;
    3. lesser protection compared to other constitutionally guaranteed expression;
    4. none of the above.
  96. No liability can attach to a false, defamatory statement if it relates to official conduct, unless the public official concerned proves that the statement was with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. This is known as what rule?
    1. libel malice rule;
    2. actual malice rule;
    3. malice in fact rule;
    4. legal malice rule.
  97. It is form of entrapment. The method is for an officer to pose as a buyer. He, however, neither instigates nor induces the accused to commit a crime because in these cases, the "seller" has already decided to commit a crime. The offense happens right before the eyes of the officer. Under these circumstances:
    1. there is a need for an administrative but not a judicial warrant for seizure of goods and arrest of the offender;
    2. there is need for a warrant for the seizure of the goods and for the arrest of the offender;
    3. there is no need for a warrant either for the seizure of the goods or for the arrest of the offender;
    4. the offender can be arrested but there is a need for a separate warrant for the seizure of the goods.
  98. Where a police officer observes unusual conduct which leads him reasonably to conclude in light of his experience that criminal activity may be afoot and that the persons with whom he is dealing may be armed and dangerous and he identifies himself and makes reasonable inquiries, but nothing serves to dispel his reasonable fear for his own or other’s safety, he is entitled to conduct a carefully limited search of the outer clothing of such persons for weapons. Such search is constitutionally permissible and is known as a:
    1. stop and search;
    2. stop and frisk;
    3. stop and interrogate;
    4. stop and detain.
  99. Accused was charged with slight illegal detention. On the day set for the trial, the trial court proceeded as follows:
  100. "Court: to the accused: Q: "Do you have an attorney or are you going to plead guilty?"
      A: "I have no lawyer and i will plead guilty."
    Accused was then arraigned, pleaded guilty, was found guilty and sentenced. On appeal, the Supreme Court reversed. The accused was deprived of his:
    1. right to cross-examination;
    2. right to be presumed innocent;
    3. right to counsel;
    4. right to production of evidence.
  101. The constitutional right of an accused "to meet the witnesses face to face" is primarily for the purpose of affording the accused an opportunity to:
    1. identify the witness;
    2. cross-examine the witness;
    3. be informed of the witness;
    4. be heard.
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2012 BAR EXAMINATIONS
POLITICAL AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
7 October 2012 10 A.M.-12 NN.
Set B
ESSAY – TYPE QUESTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
The following questionnaire consists of ten (10) questions (numbered I to X) contained in FIVE (5) pages.
Begin your answer to each numbered question on a separate page; an answer to a sub-question/s under the same number may be written continuously on the same page and succeeding pages until completed.
Answer the question directly and concisely. Do Not repeat the question. Write legibly.
HAND IN YOUR NOTEBOOK. THERE IS NO NEED TO RETURN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE HEAD WATCHER.
GOOD LUCK!!!
_____________________________________
MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR.
Chairperson
2012 Bar Examinations Committee
PLEASE CHECK THAT THIS SET CONTAINS SIX (6) PAGES (INCLUDING THIS PAGE).
WARNING: NOT FOR SALE OR UNAUTHORIZED USE
POLITICAL AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
I.
Mr. Violet was convicted by the RTC of Estafa. On appeal, he filed with the Court of Appeals a Motion to Fix Bail for Provisional Liberty Pending Appeal. The Court of Appeals granted the motion and set a bail amount in the sum of Five (5) Million Pesos, subject to the conditions that he secure "a certification/guaranty from the Mayor of the place of his residence that he is a resident of the area and that he will remain to be a resident therein until final judgment is rendered or in case he transfers residence, it must be with prior notice to the court". Further, he was ordered to surrender his passport to the Division Clerk of Court for safekeeping until the court orders its return.
  1. Mr. Violet challenges the conditions imposed by the Court of Appeals as violative of his liberty of abode and right to travel. Decide with reasons. (5%)
  2. Are "liberty of abode" and "the right to travel" absolute rights?
    Explain. What are the respective exception/s to each right if any? (5%)
II.
A verified impeachment complaint was filed by two hundred (200) Members of the House of Representatives against Madam Chief Justice Blue. The complaint was immediately transmitted to the Senate for trial.
  1. Madam Chief Justice Blue challenges such immediate transmittal to the Senate because the verified complaint 1) not included in the order of business of the House, 2) was not referred to the House Committee on Justice for hearing and consideration for sufficiency in form and substance, and 3) was not submitted to the House Plenary for consideration as enumerated in Paragraph (2), Section 3, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution. Decide with reasons. (5%)
  2. What is the purpose of Impeachment? Does conviction prevent further prosecution and punishment? Explain. (3%)
  3. Enumerate the grounds for impeachment. Is graft and corruption a ground for impeachment? (2%)
III.
Mr. Brown, a cigarette vendor, was invited by PO1 White to a nearby police station. Upon arriving at the police station, Brown was asked to stand side-by-side with five (5) other cigarette vendors in a police line-up. PO1 White informed them that they were looking for a certain cigarette vendor who snatched the purse of a passer-by and the line-up was to allow the victim to point at the vendor who snatched her purse. No questions were to be asked from the vendors.
  1. Brown, afraid of a "set up" against him, demanded that he be allowed to secure his lawyer and for him to be present during the police line-up. Is Brown entitled to counsel? Explain (5%)
  2. Would the answer in (a.) be the same if Brown was specifically invited by White because an eyewitness to the crime identified him as the perpetrator? Explain. (3%)
  3. Briefly enumerate the so-called "Miranda Rights". (2%)
IV.
Mr. Yellow and Mr. Orange were the leading candidates in the vice-presidential elections. After elections, Yellow emerged as the winner by a slim margin of 100,000 votes. Undaunted, Orange filed a protest with the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). After due consideration of the facts and the issues, the PET ruled that Orange was the real winner of the elections and ordered his immediate proclamation.
  1. Aggrieved, Yellow filed with the Supreme Court a Petition for Certiorari challenging the decision of the PET alleging grave abuse of discretion. Does the Supreme Court have jurisdiction? Explain. (3%)
  2. Would the answer in (a.) be the same if Yellow and Orange were contending for a senatorial slot and it was the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) who issued the challenged ruling? (3%)
  3. What is the composition of the PET? (2%)
  4. What is judicial power? Explain Briefly. (2%)
V.
Judge Red is the Executive Judge of Green City. Red is known to have corrupt tendencies and has a reputation widely known among practicing lawyers for accepting bribes. Ombudsman Grey, wishing to "clean up" the government from errant public officials, initiated an investigation on the alleged irregularities in the performance of duties of Judge Red.
  1. Judge Red refused to recognize the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman over him because according to him, any administrative action against him or any court official or employee falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Decide with reasons. (5%)
  2. Does the Ombudsman have authority to conduct investigation over crimes or offenses committed by public officials that are NOT in connection or related at all to the official’s discharge of his duties and functions? Explain. (3%)
  3. Who are required by the Constitution to submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities, and net worth? (2%)
VI.
President Black of the Republic of Pasensya (RP) had a telephone conversation with President Blue of the People’s Republic of Conquerors (PRC). In that conversation, both leaders agreed that they will both pull-out all their vessels, civilian or otherwise, sea crafts and other ships from the hotly disputed Kalmado Shoal area within eight (8) days in order to de-escalate the situation. After eight days, all RP ships and vessels have left the area. However, several military and civilian ships carrying the PRC flag remained in the area and began construction of a dock that could provide fuel and other supplies to vessels passing by.
  1. Assuming that President Black and President Blue both had full capacity to represent their states and negotiate with each other under their respective systems of government, and further assuming that both leaders acknowledge the existence of the conversation, is the verbal agreement via telephone binding under international law? Explain. (5%)
  2. Assuming the answer to (a.) is in affirmative, does that agreement constitute a Treaty under the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law on Treaties? (2%)
  3. What are the sources of International Law? (2%)
  4. What is opinio juris in International Law? (1%)
VII.
Mayor Pink is eyeing re-election in the next mayoralty race. It was common knowledge in the town that Mayor Pink will run for re-election in the coming elections. The deadline for filing of Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) is on March 23 and the campaign period commences the following day. One month before the deadline, Pink has yet to file her CoC, but she has been going around town giving away sacks of rice with the words "Mahal Tayo ni Mayor Pink" printed on them, holding public gatherings and speaking about how good the town is doing, giving away pink t-shirts with "Kay Mayor Pink Ako" printed on them.
  1. Mr. Green is the political opponent of Mayor Pink. In April, noticing that Mayor Pink had gained advantage over him because of her activities before the campaign period, he filed a petition to disqualify Mayor Pink for engaging in an election campaign outside the designated period.
  2. a.1. Which is the correct body to rule on the matter? Comelec en banc, or Comelec division? Answer with reasons. (2%)
    a.2. Rule on the petition. (5%)
  3. Distinguish briefly between Quo Warranto in elective office and Quo Warranto in appointive office. (3%)
VIII.
  1. What is the doctrine of "overbreath"? In what context can it be correctly applied? Not correctly applied? Explain (5%)
  2. What is the doctrine of "void for vagueness"? In what context can it be correctly applied? Not correctly applied? Explain (5%)
IX.
In a protest rally' along Padre Faura Street, Manila, Pedrong Pula took up the stage and began shouting "kayong mga kurakot kayo! Magsi-resign na kayo! Kung hindi, manggugulo kami dito!" ("you corrupt officials, you better resign now, or else we will cause trouble here!") simultaneously, he brought out a rock the size of a· fist and pretended to hurl it at the flagpole area of a government building. He did not actually throw the rock.
  1. Police officers who were monitoring the situation immediately approached Pedrong Pula and arrested him. He was prosecuted for seditious speech and was convicted. On appeal, Pedrong Pula argued he was merely exercising his freedom of speech and freedom of expression guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Decide with reasons. (5%)
  2. What is "commercial speech"? Is it entitled to constitutional protection? What must be shown in order for government to curtail "commercial speech"? Explain. (3%)
  3. What are the two (2) basic prohibitions of the freedom of speech and of the press clause? Explain. (2%)
X.
  1. What do you understand by the term "heirarchy of civil liberties"? Explain. (5%)
  2. Distinguish fully between the "free exercise of religion clause" and the "non-establishment of religion clause". (3%)
  3. When can evidence "in plain view" be seized without need of a search warrant? Explain. (2%)
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THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 235658, June 22, 2020 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. RAUL DEL ROSARIO Y NIEBRES, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 235658, June 22,  2020  ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. RAUL DEL ROSARIO Y NIEBRES, ACCUSED...