Legal Answers

Brief Answers to Specific Questions about Philippine Law

Which cases are constitutionally required to be heard by the Supreme Court en banc?

Which cases are constitutionally required to be heard by the Supreme Court en banc? The Supreme Court is required to sit en banc when hearing cases that involve the constitutionality of a treaty, international or executive agreement, or law. Additionally, it must sit en banc for cases involving the constitutionality, application, or operation of presidential […]

Which cases are constitutionally required to be heard by the Supreme Court en banc? Read More »

What are the voting requirements when the Supreme Court hears a case in division?

What are the voting requirements when the Supreme Court hears a case in division? When the Supreme Court sits in a division, it operates with a smaller group of justices to expedite the resolution of cases. Cases or matters heard by a division shall be decided or resolved with the concurrence of a majority of

What are the voting requirements when the Supreme Court hears a case in division? Read More »

What happens if a division of the Supreme Court fails to obtain the required number of votes?

What happens if a division of the Supreme Court fails to obtain the required number of votes? Divisions within the Supreme Court must meet a specific voting threshold to validly decide a case. When the required number of votes is not obtained in a division, the case must be elevated and decided en banc. Furthermore,

What happens if a division of the Supreme Court fails to obtain the required number of votes? Read More »

Over which types of cases does the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction?

Over which types of cases does the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction? The Supreme Court is granted original jurisdiction over certain high-level cases that directly impact international relations and fundamental rights. It exercises original jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls. Furthermore, it has original jurisdiction over petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus,

Over which types of cases does the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction? Read More »

In what specific instances can the Supreme Court exercise its appellate jurisdiction?

In what specific instances can the Supreme Court exercise its appellate jurisdiction? The Supreme Court holds the power to review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari final judgments and orders of lower courts. This appellate power applies to cases involving the constitutionality of any treaty, law, or presidential decree, as well as

In what specific instances can the Supreme Court exercise its appellate jurisdiction? Read More »

What is the rule on the temporary assignment of lower court judges to other stations?

What is the rule on the temporary assignment of lower court judges to other stations? The Supreme Court is entrusted with administrative powers to ensure the efficient delivery of justice across different regions. It can temporarily assign judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest may require. However, such temporary assignment shall not

What is the rule on the temporary assignment of lower court judges to other stations? Read More »

Can the Supreme Court alter the location where a trial is held?

Can the Supreme Court alter the location where a trial is held? The Supreme Court is authorized to manage trial proceedings to guarantee a fair and impartial hearing for all parties involved. Specifically, it has the authority to order a change of venue or place of trial when necessary. This power is primarily exercised to

Can the Supreme Court alter the location where a trial is held? Read More »

What matters are covered by the rule-making power of the Supreme Court?

What matters are covered by the rule-making power of the Supreme Court? The rule-making power of the Supreme Court allows it to govern the procedural aspects of the judicial system. It can promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts. These rules must provide a simplified

What matters are covered by the rule-making power of the Supreme Court? Read More »

Who has the authority to appoint the officials and employees of the Judiciary?

Who has the authority to appoint the officials and employees of the Judiciary? The Supreme Court is empowered to manage its own human resources independent of the executive branch. It possesses the authority to appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary. However, this appointment power must be exercised strictly in accordance with the existing

Who has the authority to appoint the officials and employees of the Judiciary? Read More »

What is judicial power and where is it officially vested?

What is judicial power and where is it officially vested? The judicial power of the government is officially vested in one Supreme Court and in such other lower courts as may be established by law. This means that the authority to interpret laws and administer justice primarily resides in these judicial bodies. Consequently, no other

What is judicial power and where is it officially vested? Read More »