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Office during their lunch breaks to air their Purpose of the non-establishment clause
grievances about the non-payment of their Collective
Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentives and their 1. Protects voluntarism
opposition to DCWD's privatization. Consequently, 2. Insulation of political process from interfaith
their General Manager sent them a Memo requiring dissension
them to explain the reasons for the attire they wore
during the anniversary celebration/fun run. The NOTE: Voluntarism, as a social value, means that the
employees countered that the inscriptions were but growth of a religious sect as a social force must come
manifestations of their constitutional rights of free from the voluntary support of its members because of
speech and freedom of expression. Are the the belief that both spiritual and secular society will
employees’ contention correct? benefit if religions are allowed to compete on their own
intrinsic merit without benefit of official patronage. Such
A: YES. It is clear that the collective activity of joining the voluntarism cannot be achieved unless the political
fun run in t-shirts with inscriptions on CNA incentives process is insulated from religion and unless religion is
was not to effect work stoppage or disrupt the service. insulated from politics. Non establishment assures such
As pointed out by the respondents, they followed the insulation and thereby prevents interfaith dissention.
advice of GM Gamboa “to be there” at the fun run. (Bernas, S.J., 2011).
Respondents joined, and did not disrupt the fun run.
They were in sports attire that they were allowed, nay Constitutionally created exceptions to the non-
required, to wear. Else, government employees would be establishment clause
deprived of their constitutional right to freedom of
expression. This, then, being the fact, we have to rule 1. Art. 6, Sec.29 (prohibition on appropriation of
against the findings of both the CSC and Court of Appeals public money or property for the use, benefit or
that the wearing of t-shirts with grievance inscriptions support of any religion)
constitutes as a violation of Reasonable Office Rules and 2. Art. 6, Sec. 28 (3) (exemption from taxation of
Regulations. (Davao City Water District v. Aranjuez, G.R. properties actually, directly and exclusively
No. 194192, June 16, 2015) used for religious purposes
--- 3. Art. 14, Sect. 3 (3) (optional religious
instruction in public elementary and high
schools)
FREEDOM OF RELIGION
NOTE: Religious instruction in public schools:
a. At the option of parents/guardians expressed
Religion in writing;
b. Within the regular class hours by instructors
A profession of faith to an active power that binds and designated or approved by religious authorities
elevates man to his creator. (Aglipay v. Ruiz, GR. No. L- of the religion to which the children belong;
45459, Mar. 13, 1937) c. Without additional costs to the government
Guarantees contained in Sec. 5 Art. III of the 1987 4. Art. 14, Sec. 4 (2) (citizenship requirement of
Constitution (1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2009, 2012 ownership of educational institutions, except
Bar) those established by religious groups and
mission boards)
1. Non-establishment clause; 5. Art. 6, Sec. 29 (2) (appropriation allowed where
2. Free exercise clause. ecclesiastic is employed in armed forces, in a
penal institution, or in a government-owned
NON-ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE orphanage or leprosarium)
Art. III, Sec. 5 “No law shall be made respecting an Exceptions to the non-establishment clause as held
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise by jurisprudence
thereof.”
1. Government sponsorship of town fiestas, some
NOTE: The non- establishment clause means that the purely religious traditions have now been
state should adopt a “position of neutrality” when it considered as having acquired secular character
comes to religious matters (Political Law Reviewer, (Garces v. Estenzo, G.R. No. L-53487, May 25, 1981);
Suarez, p. 252 citing CJ Fernando, 2011). The non- and
establishment clause bars the State from establishing, 2. Postage stamps depicting Philippines as the venue
through laws and rules, moral standards according to a of a significant religious event – benefit to the
specific religion. Prohibitions against immorality should religious sect involved was merely incidental as the
be based on a purpose that is independent of religious promotion of Philippines as a tourist destination
beliefs. When it forms part of our laws, rules, and was the primary objective. (Aglipay v. Ruiz, G.R. No.
policies, morality must be secular. Laws and rules of L-45459 March 13, 1937)
conduct must be based on a secular purpose. (Perfecto v.
Judge Esidera, A.M. No. RTJ-15-2417, July 22, 2015) ACTS PERMITTED AND
NOT PERMITTED BY THE CLAUSE
A: NO. The church and the state are separate and distinct
from each other. Said matter involving the LIBERTY OF ABODE AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
expulsion/excommunication of members of the
Philippine Independent Church should be left to the
discretion of the officials of said religious institution in Rights guaranteed under Sec. 6 of the Bill of Rights
line with the doctrine that the court should not interfere (1991, 1996, 1998, 2012 Bar)
on doctrinal and disciplinary differences. (Dominador
Taruc v. Bishop Dela Cruz, GR. No. 044801, Mar. 10, 2005) 1. Freedom to choose and change one’s place of
--- abode; and
--- 2. Freedom to travel within the country and
Q: Shery, Julia, Paula, Joanne, Lisette and Angela outside.
were minor school children and member of the sect,
Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were expelled from their Liberty of abode
classes by various public school authorities for
refusing to salute the flag, sing the national anthem Right of a person to have his home or to maintain or
and recite the “Panatang Makabayan” required by change his home, dwelling, residence or habitation in
RA 1265. According to them, the basic assumption in whatever place he has chosen, within the limits
their universal refusal to salute the flags of the prescribed by law.
countries in which they are found is that such a
salute constitutes an act of religious devotion LIMITATIONS
forbidden by God's law and that their freedom of
religion is grossly violated. On the other hand, the The liberty of abode may be impaired only:
public authorities claimed that the freedom of a. Upon lawful order of the court and;
religious belief guaranteed by the Constitution does b. Within the limits prescribed by law.
not mean exception from non-discriminatory laws
like the saluting of flag and the singing of the Examples:
national anthem. To allow otherwise would 1. Persons in the danger zone areas (e.g. Mt. Pinatubo,
disrupt school discipline and demoralize the Taal Volcano) may be relocated to safer areas and
teachings of civic consciousness and duties of evacuation centers in case of danger and emergency
citizenship. Is the expulsion justified? to save lives and property.
2. Insane persons who roam around in Roxas
A: NO. Religious freedom is a fundamental right of Boulevard may be committed by the government to
highest priority. The two- fold aspect of right to religious the National Mental Hospital for appropriate
worship is: 1.) Freedom to believe which is an absolute treatment and medical attention.
act within the realm of thought. 2.) Freedom to act on
one’s belief regulated and translated to external acts. The NOTE: Under Sec. 6, Art. III of the Constitution, a lawful
only limitation to religious freedom is the existence of order of the court is required before the liberty of abode
grave and present danger to public safety, morals, health and of changing the same can be impaired.
and interests where State has right to prevent. The
expulsion of the petitioners from the school is not RIGHT TO TRAVEL
justified.
Right of a person to go where he pleases without
In the case at bar, the students expelled are only interference from anyone.
standing quietly during ceremonies. By observing the
ceremonies quietly, it doesn’t present any danger so evil The limitations on the right to travel
and imminent to justify their expulsion. The expulsion of
the students by reason of their religious beliefs is also a a. Interest of national security;
violation of a citizen’s right to free education. The non- b. Public safety;
observance of the flag ceremony does not totally c. Public health.
constitute ignorance of patriotism and civic
consciousness. Love for country and admiration for NOTE: With respect to the right to travel, it is settled that
national heroes, civic consciousness and form of only a court may issue a hold departure order against an
government are part of the school curricula. Therefore, individual addressed to the Bureau of Immigration and
expulsion due to religious beliefs is unjustified. Deportation. However, administrative authorities, such
(Ebralinag v. Division Superintedent of Cebu, G.R.No. as passport-officers, may likewise curtail such right in
the interest of national security, public safety, or public
95770, March 1, 1993) health, as may be provided by law.
---
DPWH may validly ban certain vehicles on
expressways in consideration of constitutional
provisions of right to travel
The right to travel does not mean the right to choose any
vehicle in traversing a toll way. The right to travel refers
to the right to move from one place to another. Travelers
Rights during custodial investigation apply only against Requisites for valid waiver
testimonial compulsion and not when the body of the
accused is proposed to be examined (e.g. urine sample; 1. Made voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently
photographs; measurements; garments; shoes) which is 2. In writing
a purely mechanical act. 3. With the presence of counsel. (People v. Galit,
GR. No. L-51770, Mar. 20, 1985)
In the case of Galman v. Pamaran, G.R. Nos. 71208-09,
Aug. 30, 1985, it was held that the constitutional Admissibility as evidence of confessions given to
safeguard is applied notwithstanding that the person is news reporters and/or media and videotaped
not yet arrested or under detention at the time. confessions
However, Fr. Bernas has qualified this statement by
saying that jurisprudence under the 1987 Constitution Confessions given in response to a question by news
has consistently held, following the stricter view, that the reporters, not policemen, are admissible. Where the
rights begin to be available only when the person is suspect gave spontaneous answers to a televised
already in custody (People v. Ting Lan Uy, G.R. No. interview by several press reporters, his answers are
157399, Nov. 17, 2005). deemed to be voluntary and are admissible.
Furthermore, in the case of People v. Reyes, G.R. No. Videotaped confessions are admissible, where it is
178300, Mar. 17, 2009, the court held that: “The mantle of shown that the accused unburdened his guilt willingly,
protection afforded by the above-quoted provision openly and publicly in the presence of the newsmen.
covers the period from the time a person is taken into Such confessions do not form part of confessions in
custody for the investigation of his possible participation custodial investigations as it was not given to policemen
in the commission of a crime from the time he was but to media in attempt to solicit sympathy and
singled out as a suspect in the commission of the offense forgiveness from the public.
although not yet in custody.
However, due to inherent danger of these videotaped
Infraction of the rights of an accused during custodial confessions, they must be accepted with extreme
investigation or the so-called Miranda Rights render caution. They should be presumed involuntary, as there
inadmissible only the extrajudicial confession or may be connivance between the police and media men
admission made during such investigation. "The (People v. Endino, G.R. No. 133026, Feb. 20, 2001).
admissibility of other evidence, provided they are
relevant to the issue and is not otherwise excluded by NOTE: What the Constitution bars is the compulsory
law or rules, is not affected even if obtained or taken in disclosure of the incriminating facts or confessions. The
the course of custodial investigation." (Ho Wai Pang v. rights under Sec. 12 are guarantees to preclude the
People, G.R. No. 176229, Oct. 19, 2011) slightest use of coercion by the State, and not to prevent
the suspect from freely and voluntarily telling the truth.
Unavailability of Miranda Rights (People v. Andan, G.R. No. 116437, Mar. 3, 1997)
1. During a police line-up, unless admissions or Fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine
confessions are being elicited from the suspect
(Gamboa v. Cruz, G.R. No. L-56291, June 27, Once the primary source (the tree) is shown to have
1988). been unlawfully obtained, any secondary or derivative
2. During administrative investigations evidence (the fruit) derived from it is also inadmissible.
(Sebastian, Jr. v Garchitorena, G.R. No 114028).
3. Confessions made by an accused at the time he NOTE: The rule is based on the principle that evidence
voluntarily surrendered to the police or outside illegally obtained by the State should not be used to gain
the context of a formal investigation; (People v other evidence, because the originally illegally obtained
Baloloy, G.R. No 140740, April 12, 2002) and evidence taints all evidence subsequently obtained.
4. Statements made to a private person (People v
Tawat, G.R. No 62871, May 25, 1985). ---
5. Forensic investigation is not tantamount to Q: Ian Loy is in police custody. Bothered and
custodial investigation, therefore Miranda remorseful, he spontaneously admitted guilt and
rights is not applicable. (People v. Tranca, 235 that he is the one who killed Dr. Neil. Is his
SCRA 455, 1994) confession admissible?
WAIVER
The criminal accusation against a person must be Among the fundamental rights of the accused is the right
substantiated by proof beyond reasonable doubt. The to be heard by himself and counsel. Verily, this right is
Court should steadfastly safeguard his right to be even guaranteed by the Constitution itself. This right has
presumed innocent. Although his innocence could be been recognized and established in order to make sure
doubted, for his reputation in his community might not that justice is done to the accused. The rights of an
be lily-white or lustrous, he should not fear a conviction accused during trial are given paramount importance in
for any crime, least of all one as grave as drug pushing, our laws and rules on criminal procedure. (Moslares v.
unless the evidence against him was clear, competent Third division, CA, G.R. No. 129744, June 26, 1998)
and beyond reasonable doubt. Otherwise, the
presumption of innocence in his favor would be ---
rendered empty. (People v. Andaya, G.R. No. 183700, Oct. Q: In a murder case, Christian was convicted in the
13, 2014) trial court but was not given the right to testify and
to present additional evidence on his behalf. Is the
Rules regarding presumption of innocence conviction correct?
1. The prosecution has the burden to prove the A: NO. An accused has the constitutional right “to be
guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. heard by himself and counsel” and the right “to testify as
(People v. Colcol., Jr., 219 SCRA 107, February 19, a witness in his own behalf “. The denial of such rights is
1993) a denial of due process. The constitutional right of the
2. The prosecution must rely on the strength of its accused to be heard in his defense is inviolate. “No court
evidence and not in the weakness of the of justice under our system of government has the power
defense. (People v. Solis, 182 SCRA 182, February to deprive him of that right.”(People v. Lumague, G.R. No.
14, 1990) L-53586)
3. Conviction of an accused must be based on the ---
strength of the prosecution evidence and not on
the weakness or absence of evidence of the ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
defense. (People v. Mirondo, G.R. No. 210841,
Oct. 14, 2015) Right to assistance of counsel
4. The prosecution bears the burden to overcome
such presumption. If the prosecution fails to The right of a person under investigation is to have a
discharge this burden, the accused deserves a “competent and independent counsel preferably of his
judgment of acquittal. (Delariva v. People, G.R. own choice”. The purpose is to preclude the slightest
No. 212940, Sept. 16, 2015) coercion as would lead the accused to admit something
5. Generally, flight, in the absence of a credible else. (People v. Evanoria, 209 SCRA 577, June 8, 1992)
explanation, would be a circumstance from
which an inference of guilt might be The accused must be amply accorded legal assistance
established, for a truly innocent person would extended by a counsel who commits himself to the cause
normally grasp the first available opportunity of the defense and acts accordingly; an efficient and truly
to defend himself and assert his innocence. It decisive legal assistance, and not simply a perfunctory
has been held, however, that non-flight may not representation. (People v. Bermas, G.R. No. 120420, Apr.
be construed as an indication of innocence 21, 1999)
either. There is no law or dictum holding that
staying put is proof of innocence, for the Court NOTE: While investigations conducted by an
is not blind to the cunning ways of a wolf administrative body may at times be akin to a criminal
which, after a kill, may feign innocence and proceeding, the fact remains that, under existing laws, a
choose not to flee. In Cristina's case, she party in an administrative inquiry may or may not be
explained that she took flight for fear of her assisted by counsel, irrespective of the nature of the
safety because of possible retaliation from her charges and of petitioner’s capacity to represent herself,
Requisites for properly informing the accused of the RIGHT TO SPEEDY, IMPARTIAL AND PUBLIC TRIAL
nature and cause of accusation
Right to speedy trial (2000, 2001 Bar)
1. Information must state the name of the accused
2. Designation given to the offense by statute The term “speedy” means free from vexatious, capricious
3. Statement of the acts or omission so and oppressive delays.
complained of as constituting the offense
4. Name of the offended party In determining whether the accused's right to speedy
5. Approximate time and date of commission of trial was violated, the delay should be considered in view
the offense of the entirety of the proceedings. The factors to balance
6. Place where offense was committed are the following:
7. Every element of the offense must be alleged in (a) duration of the delay;
the complaint or information (b) reason therefor;
(c) assertion of the right or failure to assert it; and
NOTE: The purpose of an Information is to afford an (d) prejudice caused by such delay.
accused his right to be informed of the nature and cause Mere mathematical reckoning of the time involved would
of the accusation against him. It is in pursuit of this not suffice as the realities of everyday life must be
purpose that the Rules of Court require that the regarded in judicial proceedings. (Saldariega v.
Information allege the ultimate facts constituting the Panganiban, G.R. Nos. 211933 & 211960, April 15, 2015)
elements of the crime charged. Details that do not go into
the core of the crime need not be included in the NOTE: The denial of the right to speedy trial is a ground
Information, but may be presented during trial. The rule for acquittal.
that evidence must be presented to establish the
existence of the elements of a crime to the point of moral The right to speedy trial [Sec. 14 (2)] particularly refers
certainty is only for purposes of conviction. It finds no to criminal prosecutions which are at the trial stage,
application in the determination of whether or not an while the right to speedy disposition of cases (Sec. 16)
Information is sufficient to warrant the trial of an applies to all cases before judicial, quasi-judicial or
accused (People v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 160619, Sept. administrative bodies.
9, 2015)
Right to impartial trial
It is not necessary for the information to allege the date
and time of the commission of the crime with exactitude Impartial trial means that the accused is entitled to cold
unless such date and time are essential ingredients of the neutrality of an impartial judge, one who is free from
offenses charged. (People v. Nuyok, G.R. No. 195424, June interest or bias.
15, 2015)
Speedy Disposition of Cases
Determination of the real nature of the crime
The right to speedy disposition of cases is different from
Description, not designation of the offense, is controlling. the right to speedy trial to the extent that the former
The real nature of the crime charged is determined from applies to all cases, whether judicial, quasi-judicial, or
the recital of facts in the information. It is neither administrative cases (Art. III, Sec. 16, 1987 Constitution);
determined based on the caption or preamble thereof whereas, the latter applies to criminal cases only. [Art.
nor from the specification of the provision of the law III, Sec. 14 (2), 1987 Constitution]
allegedly violated.
Violation
NOTE: The accused cannot be convicted thereof if the
information fails to allege the material elements of the The right to a speedy disposition of a case, like the right
offense even if the prosecution is able to present to a speedy trial, is deemed violated only when the
evidence during the trial with respect to such elements. proceedings are attended by vexatious, capricious, and
oppressive delays; or when unjustified postponements of
The right to be informed of the nature and cause of the trial are asked for and secured; or even without
accusation cannot be waived. However, the defense may cause or justifiable motive, a long period of time is
waive the right to enter a plea and let the court enter a allowed to elapse without the party having his case tried
plea of “not guilty”. (Roquero v. Chancellor of UP-Manila, G.R. No. 181851,
March 9, 2010).
Variance doctrine
Right to public trial
In spite of the difference between the crime that was
charged and that which was eventually proved, the GR:
accused may still be convicted of whatever offense that 1. Trial must be public in order to prevent possible
was proved even if not specifically set out in the abuses which may be committed against the
information provided it is necessarily included in the accused.
crime charged. (Teves v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 154182, 2. The attendance at the trial is open to all,
Dec. 17, 2004) irrespective of their relationship to the accused.
If the failure of the accused to cross-examine a witness is Trials in absentia allows the accused to be absent at the
due to his own fault or was not due to the fault of the
prosecution, the testimony of the witness should not be trial. (Lavides v. CA, G.R. No. 129670, Feb. 1, 2000)
excluded.
Elements of trials in absentia
The affidavits of witnesses who are not presented during
trial are inadmissible for being hearsay. The accused is 1. Accused has been validly arraigned
denied the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses. 2. Accused has been duly notified of the dates of
hearing
NOTE: Depositions are admissible under circumstances 3. Failure to appear is unjustifiable
provided by the Rules of Court.
The presence of the accused is mandatory in the
RIGHT TO COMPULSORY PROCESS TO SECURE following instances
ATTENDANCE OF WITNESS AND PRODUCTION OF
EVIDENCE 1. During arraignment and plea
2. During trial, for identification, unless the
Means available to the parties to compel the accused has already stipulated on his identity
attendance of witnesses and the production of during the pre-trial and that he is the one who
documents and things needed in the prosecution or will be identified by the witnesses as the
defense of a case accused in the criminal case
3. During promulgation of sentence, unless for a
1. Subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces light offense (Ibid.).
tecum
2. Depositions and other modes of discovery
3. Perpetuation of testimonies
Promulgation of judgment in absentia is valid Requisites for the suspension of the privilege of the
provided the following are present writ of habeas corpus
1. Judgment be recorded in the criminal docket 1. There must be an actual invasion or rebellion;
2. Copy be served upon accused or counsel and
2. Public safety requires the suspension
NOTE: Recording the decision in the criminal docket of
the court satisfies the requirement of notifying the The writ applies only to persons judicially charged for
accused of the decision wherever he may be. (Estrada v. rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected
People, G.R. No. 162371, Aug. 25, 2005) with invasion and anyone arrested or detained during
suspension must be charged within 3 days. Otherwise, he
should be released.
WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS