My Nota Bene | Law School Philippines

Top Tips for First-Year Law Students in the Philippines Get to know your professors: Developing a good relationship with your professors can be beneficial for you as they can provide guidance and support throughout your law school journey. Stay organized: Law school can be overwhelming, and staying organized will help you stay on top of your assignments and deadlines. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and to-do lists. Be prepared for class: Review the materials and cases assigned before class, and come prepared with any questions you may have. This will help you stay engaged and get the most out of your classes. Develop a study group: Forming a study group with your classmates can be helpful for staying motivated and sharing knowledge. Practice legal writing: Legal writing is an important skill for law students to develop. Practice writing legal briefs and memorandums, and seek feedback from your professors. Learn the basics of legal research: Legal research is...

Top Korean Dramas to Fuel Your Law School Passion Law School (2021) - This drama follows a group of law students as they navigate the challenges of law school and their eventual careers as lawyers. Lawyer (2019) - This drama focuses on a group of lawyers and their struggles in the cutthroat world of law, as they take on high-profile cases and fight to uphold justice. The Good Lawyer (2017) - This drama follows a lawyer who is passionate about protecting the rights of the underprivileged, as he takes on cases that challenge the status quo. Defendant (2017) - A prosecutor finds himself falsely accused of murder and must prove his innocence while also navigating the corrupt legal system. The Fiery Priest (2019) - A Catholic priest teams up with a prosecutor and a detective to solve a murder case. The show also highlights the corruption in the legal system and the fight for justice. The Legal Wife (2014) - This drama centers around the theme of infidelity, and the legal battle that ensues ...

5 tips for Regaining your Law School Motivation Set clear and specific goals for yourself: Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve in law school can help you stay motivated and focused. Set both short-term and long-term goals for yourself, and make sure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Create a study schedule: Having a consistent study schedule can help you stay on track and make the most of your time. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks of time, and make sure to schedule in regular breaks to prevent burnout. Find a study group or accountability partner: Studying with others can help keep you motivated and accountable. Joining a study group or finding an accountability partner can help you stay on track and keep you motivated. Reward yourself: Reward yourself for your hard work and achievements. Whether it's something small like a treat or something bigger like a vacation, rewarding yourself for your hard work ca...

For my Constitutional Law 1 and 2 class, I used "Constitutional Law and Political law" by Isagani Cruz. I highly recommend them as they provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand approach to the said subjects. However, it's always best to check with your professor for their recommended reading material. Another great option is "The Philippine Constitution" by Hector de Leon. For my Criminal Law 1 and 2 class, I used "Criminal Law Book 1 and 2" by Reyes. They offer a thorough and detailed examination of criminal law, and I found them to be a valuable resource. Again, it's always best to consult with your professor for the required reading material. My Criminal Procedure 1 class was a second-year subject, nevertheless I would recommend "Criminal Procedure" by Attorney Riano and "Criminal Procedure" by Attorney Gubat. I found "Criminal Procedure" by Attorney Riano to be particularly helpful as it presents the materia...

Case Title:  Macalintal v. Commission on Elections Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines Facts of the case: • Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal (petitioner) filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition against the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Hon. Alberto Romulo (Executive Secretary), and Hon. Emilia T. Boncodin (Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management) (respondents). • The petitioner challenged the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 9189, also known as the "Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003," which provided for the implementation of absentee voting for qualified Filipinos abroad. • The petitioner argued that the Act violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution and sought to have it declared null and void. Legal Issue:          W hether Republic Act No. 9189 was constitutional. Held: The court upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 9189. The court found that the Act did not violate the equal protection cl...

Case Title: Council of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines v. Secretary of Education, Secretary of Labor and Employment, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, Secretary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Secretary General of the House of Representatives, and Miriam College Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines Facts of the Case: • The Council of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (plaintiffs) filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition against the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, the Secretary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Secretary General of the House of Representatives, and Miriam College (defendants). • The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants had violated the rights of non-tenured teaching staff to security of tenure by implementing the Republic Act ...

5 Tips To Help You Study Longer Whether you're a student or just someone who wants to improve their focus and productivity, these tips will help you make the most of your study sessions. Tip 1: Use an ergonomic table and chair The first tip is to invest in an ergonomic table and chair. Sitting for long periods of time can be hard on your body, and an ergonomic setup can help to reduce the risk of injury and discomfort. Look for a chair that supports your back and has adjustable armrests, and a table that is the right height for your chair and has a slanted surface to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. Tip 2: Take regular breaks The second tip is to take regular breaks. Sitting for long periods of time can be mentally and physically exhausting, so it's important to give your brain and body a break every hour or so. Take a short walk, stretch, or do a quick workout to refresh your mind and body. Tip 3: Use a timer The third tip is to use a timer. Setting a timer for 25 min...

Case Title:  Resident Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tañon Strait v. Secretary Angelo Reyes Court Case Citation: G.R. No. 180771  Facts of the case:           The Resident Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tañon Strait (plaintiffs) filed a petition for the issuance of a writ of kalikasan against Secretary Angelo Reyes, in his capacity as Secretary of the Department of Energy (defendant). The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant had issued a service contract for the exploration, development, and utilization of oil, gas, and other mineral resources within the Tañon Strait, which is a protected seascape. The plaintiffs argued that the service contract would have a detrimental impact on the marine life and ecosystems within the Tañon Strait, and sought to have the contract declared null and void. Legal issue:           W hether the service contract for the exploration and development of resource...

Case Title:  Wilfredo Mosqueda, Marcelo Villaganes, Julieta Lawagon, Crispin Alcomendas, Corazon Sabinada, Virginia Cata-ag, Florencia Sabandon, and Ledevina Adlawan, petitioners, vs. Pilipino Banana Growers & Exporters Association, Inc., Davao Fruits Corporation, and Lapanday Agricultural and Development Corporation, respondents Case Citation:  G.R. No. 189185, August 16, 2016 Facts of the case:           The petitioners, who are members of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Diversion Road (NAMADR) farmers' organization, filed a petition for mandamus with the Supreme Court, seeking to compel the respondents, Pilipino Banana Growers & Exporters Association, Inc., Davao Fruits Corporation, and Lapanday Agricultural and Development Corporation, to pay them just compensation for the expropriation of their lands. The respondents argued that the petitioners were not entitled to just compensation, as the lands were not expropriated but were acquired...

Case Title:  James M. Imbong and Lovely-Ann C. Imbong, for themselves and on behalf of their minor children, Lucia Carlos Imbong and Bernadette Carlos Imbong and Magnificat Child Development Center, Inc., petitioners, vs. Hon. Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary, Hon. Florencio B. Abad, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management, Hon. Enrique T. Ona, Secretary, Department of Health, Hon. Armin A. Luistro, Secretary, Department of Education, Culture and Sports and Hon. Manuel A. Roxas II, Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government, respondents. Case Citation:  G.R. No. 204819, April 8, 2014 Facts of the case: The petitioners, James M. Imbong, Lovely-Ann C. Imbong, and Magnificat Child Development Center, Inc., filed a petition for prohibition and mandamus with the Supreme Court, seeking to declare Republic Act No. 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, as unconstitutional. The petitioners argued that the l...

Case Title:  Government of the United States of America, represented by the Philippines Department of Justice, petitioners, vs. Hon. Guillermo G. Purganan, Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 42, and Mark Jimenez a.k.a. Mario Batacan Crespo, respondents,  Case Citation: G.R. No. 148571, December 17, 2002 Facts of the case: • The respondent, Mark Jimenez, also known as Mario Batacan Crespo, was charged with multiple offenses in the United States. • The Government of the United States, through the Philippines Department of Justice, sought to have Jimenez extradited to the United States to stand trial for the charges. • The respondent Jimenez filed a petition for bail with the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 42, which was granted by the Presiding Judge, Hon. Guillermo G. Purganan. Legal issues:  Whether the granting of bail to Jimenez by the Regional Trial Court of Manila was proper. Court's holding:  No. The granting of bail to Ji...

Case Title: Ang Ladlad LGBT Party Represented Herein by Its Chair, Danton Remoto, Petitioner, vs. Commission on Elections, Respondent,  Citation: G.R. No. 190582, April 8, 2010 Facts of the case: • The petitioner, Ang Ladlad LGBT Party, is a political party in the Philippines that represents the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. • The party applied for registration with the respondent, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in order to participate in the 2010 elections. • The COMELEC denied the party's registration, citing the party's alleged "immorality" and "contrary to law." Legal issues:  Whether the COMELEC's denial of registration to the Ang Ladlad LGBT Party was constitutional. Court's holding:  No. The COMELEC's denial of registration to the Ang Ladlad LGBT Party is unconstitutional. Court's reasoning: The Court held that the COMELEC's decision was based on "prejudice and intolera...

Case Name : Wigberto E. Tañada vs. Edgardo Angara,  Citation: G.R. No. 118295, May 2, 1997 Parties:        • Wigberto E. Tañada, petitioner      • Edgardo Angara, respondent Facts of the case: • Senator Wigberto E. Tañada filed a petition for prohibition and mandamus with the Supreme Court, seeking to prohibit the implementation of Republic Act No. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. • Tañada argued that the IPRA violated the Philippine Constitution and other laws. • Respondent Edgardo Angara argued that the IPRA was a valid law that recognized and protected the rights of indigenous cultural communities in the Philippines. Legal issues:  Whether the IPRA is a valid and constitutional law. Court's holding: Yes. The IPRA is a valid and constitutional law. Court's reasoning: The Court stated that the IPRA is in line with the constitutional provisions on the promotion of social justice, the protec...

Nota bene:           The Lambino Group failed to meet the requirements for a valid people's initiative to amend the Constitution set forth in the Constitution and the Initiative and Referendum Act. The Initiative Petition did not comply with the requirement that the people must author and sign the entire proposal, and the proposed amendments were not embodied in a petition. Additionally, the proposed amendments constituted a revision of the Constitution, which cannot be amended through a people's initiative. Only Congress or a constitutional convention can propose revisions to the Constitution. Amendments, on the other hand, refer to changes that add, reduce, or delete specific provisions without altering the basic principles of the Constitution. Case Name:  Raul L. Lambino and Erico B. Aumentado v. Commission on Elections Citation : G.R. NO. 174153, October 25, 2006 Parties : Raul L. Lambino and Erico B. Aumentado (petitioners) vs. Commission on Elect...

Nota Bene:            Under the doctrine of constitutional supremacy, any law or contract that violates the norms of the constitution is null and void and has no legal force or effect. This is because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and takes precedence over all other laws and contracts, whether they are promulgated by the legislative or executive branch or entered into by private individuals for private purposes. Therefore, the provisions of the Constitution are deemed to be included in every statute and contract. Case name :  Manila Prince Hotel v. Government Service Insurance System Citation : G.R. No. 122156, February 03, 1997 Parties : Manila Prince Hotel (petitioner) vs. Government Service Insurance System, Manila Hotel Corporation, Committee on Privatization, and Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (respondents) Facts of the case: • MPH, a hotel owned by the MHC (a government-owned and controlled corporation), ran i...