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Rule
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RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
B. Documentary evidence
Section 3. Original document must be produced; exceptions
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
(c) When the original consists of numerous (c) When the original consists of numerous
accounts or other documents which cannot be accounts or other documents which cannot be
examined in court without great loss of time and examined in court without great loss of time and
the fact sought to be established from them is the fact sought to be established from them is only
only the general result of the whole; and the general result of the whole;
(d) When the original is a public record in the
(d) When the original is a public record in the custody of a public officer or is recorded in a public
custody of a public officer or is recorded in a office; and
public office. (e) When the original is not closely-related to a
controlling issue.
Exceptions to Original Document Rule
Section 3, Rule 130
(a) When the original is lost or destroyed, or cannot be
produced in court, without bad faith on the part of the
offeror;
(b)When the original is in the custody or under the control
of the party against whom the evidence is offered, and the
latter fails to produce it after reasonable notice, or the
original cannot be obtained by local judicial processes or
procedures;
Exceptions to Original Document Rule
Section 3, Rule 130
(c) When the original consists of numerous accounts or
other documents which cannot be examined in court
without great loss of time and the fact sought to be
established from them is only the general result of the
whole;
(d) When the original is a public record in the custody of a
public officer or is recorded in a public office; and
(e) When the original is not closely-related to a controlling
issue.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
B. Documentary Evidence
Section 4. Original of document
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
(a) An “original” of a document is the document itself or any
counterpart intended to have the same effect by a person
(a) The original of the document is one the contents executing or issuing it. An “original” of a photograph includes
of which are the subject of inquiry. the negative or any print therefrom. If data is stored in a
computer or similar device, any printout or other output
readable by sight or other means, shown to reflect the data
(b) When a document is in two or more copies accurately, is an “original.”
executed at or about the same time, with identical (b) A “duplicate” is a counterpart produced by the same
contents, all such copies are equally regarded as impression as the original, or from the same matrix, or by
means of photography, including enlargements and
originals. miniatures, or by mechanical or electronic re-recording, or by
chemical reproduction, or by other equivalent techniques
(c) When an entry is repeated in the regular course which accurately reproduce the original.
of business, one being copied from another at or (c) A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original
near the time of the transaction, all the entries are unless (1) a genuine question is raised as to the authenticity
of the original, or (2) in the circumstances, it is unjust or
likewise equally regarded as originals. inequitable to admit the duplicate in lieu of the original.
Original Document under the New Rules
Section 4, Rule 130
(a) An “original” of a document is the document itself or any counterpart intended to have the
same effect by a person executing or issuing it. An “original” of a photograph includes the
negative or any print therefrom. If data is stored in a computer or similar device, any printout or
other output readable by sight or other means, shown to reflect the data accurately, is an
“original.”
(b) A “duplicate” is a counterpart produced by the same impression as the original, or from the
same matrix, or by means of photography, including enlargements and miniatures, or by
mechanical or electronic re-recording, or by chemical reproduction, or by other equivalent
techniques which accurately reproduce the original.
(c) A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original unless (1) a genuine question is
raised as to the authenticity of the original, or (2) in the circumstances, it is unjust or inequitable
to admit the duplicate in lieu of the original.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
B. Documentary Evidence
Section 5. When original document is unavailable
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 5. When original document is Section 5. When original document is
unavailable. When the original document unavailable. When the original document
has been lost or destroyed, or cannot be has been lost or destroyed, or cannot be
produced in court, the offeror, upon proof produced in court, the offeror, upon proof
of its execution or existence and the cause of its execution or existence and the cause
of its unavailability without bad faith on of its unavailability without bad faith on
his part, may prove its contents by a copy, his or her part, may prove its contents by
or by a recital of its contents in some a copy, or by recital of its contents in some
authentic document, or by the testimony authentic document, or by the testimony
of witnesses in the order stated. of witnesses in the order stated.
How do you present secondary
evidence when the original is
unavailable?
1. The offeror must prove its due existence and
execution
1. By a copy.
Section 8. Party who calls for Section 9. Party who calls for
document not bound to offer it. — A document not bound to offer it. — A
party who calls for the production of party who calls for the production of
a document and inspects the same is a document and inspects the same is
not obliged to offer it as evidence. not obliged to offer it as evidence.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Parol Evidence
Section 10; Evidence of written agreements
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 9. Evidence of written agreements. — When the terms of an Section 10. Evidence of written agreements. — When the terms of an
agreement have been reduced to writing, it is considered as containing agreement have been reduced to writing, it is considered as
all the terms agreed upon and there can be, between the parties and containing all the terms agreed upon and there can be, as between
their successors in interest, no evidence of such terms other than the the parties and their successors in interest, no evidence of such terms
contents of the written agreement. other than the contents of the written agreement.
However, a party may present evidence to modify, explain or add to the However, a party may present evidence to modify, explain or add to
terms of written agreement if he puts in issue in his pleading: the terms of written agreement if he or she puts in issue in a verified
pleading:
(a) an intrinsic ambiguity, mistake or imperfection in the written
agreement; (a) an intrinsic ambiguity, mistake or imperfection in the written
agreement;
(b) the failure of the written agreement to express the true intent and
(b) the failure of the written agreement to express the true intent and
agreement of the parties thereto;
agreement of the parties thereto;
(c) the validity of the written agreement; or (c) the validity of the written agreement; or
(d) the existence of other terms agreed to by the parties or their (d) the existence of other terms agreed to by the parties or their
successors in interest after the execution of the written agreement. successors in interest after the execution of the written agreement.
The term “agreement” includes wills. The term “agreement” includes wills.
What is parole evidence rule?
Yes.
Alvarez vs. Ramirez, 473 SCRA
72.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
1. Qualification of witness
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Section 23. Disqualification by reason of death or
insanity of adverse party. — Parties or assignor of
parties to a case, or persons in whose behalf a
case is prosecuted, against an executor or This was deleted already
administrator or other representative of a
deceased person, or against a person of unsound The “DEAD MAN STATUTE” is dead.
mind, upon a claim or demand against the estate
of such deceased person or against such person It is now allowed as an exception to the hearsay
of unsound mind, cannot testify as to any matter rule under Section 39, Rule 130.
of fact occurring before the death of such
deceased person or before such person became
of unsound mind.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
1. Qualification of witness
SECTION 24; Disqualification by reason of privileged communications.
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Sec. 24. Disqualification by reason of privileged Sec. 24. Disqualification by reason of privileged
communication. — The following persons cannot communications. – The following persons cannot
testify as to matters learned in confidence in the testify as to matters learned in confidence in the
following cases: following cases:
(a) The husband or the wife, during or after the (a) The husband or the wife, during or after the
marriage, cannot be examined without the marriage, cannot be examined without the
consent of the other as to any communication consent of the other as to any communication
received in confidence by one from the other received in confidence by one from the other
during the marriage except in a civil case by one during the marriage except in a civil case by one
against the other, or in a criminal case for a crime against the other, or in a criminal case for a crime
committed by one against the other or the latter's committed by one against the other or the latter’s
direct descendants or ascendants; direct descendants or ascendants.
Disqualification by Reason of Privilege Communication
1. Husband and Wife
Other persons
assisting the attorney
What are matters covered by the privilege?
1. A minister
2. Priest
3. Person reasonably believed to be so
(Section 24(d), Rule 130).
What mattes are considered privilege?
Sec. 24. Disqualification by reason of privileged Sec. 24. Disqualification by reason of privileged
communications. – The following persons cannot testify as
communication. — The following persons cannot to matters learned in confidence in the following cases:
testify as to matters learned in confidence in the
following cases: xxx
(e) A public officer cannot be examined during or after his
xxx or her tenure as to communications made to him or her in
official confidence, when the court finds that the public
(e) A public officer cannot be examined during his interest would suffer by the disclosure.
term of office or afterwards, as to
communications made to him in official The communication shall remain privileged, even in the
confidence, when the court finds that the public hands of a third person who may have obtained the
information, provided that the original parties to the
interest would suffer by the disclosure. (21a) communication took reasonable precaution to protect its
confidentiality. (24a)
Disqualification by Reason of Privilege Communication
5. Public Officer
A public officer cannot be examined during or
after his or her tenure as to communications
made to him or her in official confidence, when
the court finds that the public interest would
suffer by the disclosure. (Section 24(e), Rule
130).
Who and what is covered by the privilege?
Section 27. Offer of compromise not Section 28. Offer of Compromise Not Admissible.
admissible. — In civil cases, an offer of — In civil cases, an offer of compromise is not an
admission of any liability, and is not admissible in
compromise is not an admission of any
evidence against the offeror. Neither is evidence
liability, and is not admissible in evidence of conduct nor statements made in compromise
against the offeror. negotiations admissible, except evidence
In criminal cases, except those involving otherwise discoverable or offered for another
purpose, such as proving bias or prejudice of a
quasi-offenses (criminal negligence) or those witness, negativing a contention of undue delay,
allowed by law to be compromised, an offer or proving an effort to obstruct a criminal
of compromise by the accused may be investigation or prosecution.
received in evidence as an implied admission
of guilt.
Offer of Compromise in Civil Cases
In civil cases, an offer of compromise is not an admission
of any liability, and is not admissible in evidence against
the offeror. Neither is evidence of conduct nor
statements made in compromise negotiations
admissible, except evidence otherwise discoverable or
offered for another purpose, such as proving bias or
prejudice of a witness, negativing a contention of
undue delay, or proving an effort to obstruct a criminal
investigation or prosecution (Section 28, Rule 139).
Offer of Compromise in Civil Cases
Section 39. Act or declaration about pedigree.—The Section 41. Act or declaration about pedigree. - The act or
act or declaration of a person deceased, or unable declaration of a person deceased or unable to testify, in
respect to the pedigree of another person related to him
to testify, in respect to the pedigree of another or her by birth, adoption, or marriage or, in the absence
person related to him by birth or marriage, may be thereof, with whose family he or she was so intimately
received in evidence where it occurred before the associated as to be likely to have accurate information
controversy, and the relationship between the two concerning his or her pedigree, may be received in
persons is shown by evidence other than such act evidence where it occurred before the controversy, and
or declaration. The word "pedigree" includes the relationship between the two persons is shown by
relationship, family genealogy, birth, marriage, evidence other than such act or declaration. The word
"pedigree" includes relationship, family genealogy, birth,
death, the dates when and the places where these
marriage, death, the dates when and the places where
facts occurred, and the names of the relatives. It these facts occurred, and the names of the relatives. It
embraces also facts of family history intimately embraces also facts of family history intimately connected
connected with pedigree. with pedigree.
Act or Declaration about Pedigree
Section 41. Act or declaration about pedigree. - The act or declaration of a
person deceased or unable to testify, in respect to the pedigree of another
person related to him or her by birth, adoption, or marriage or, in the
absence thereof, with whose family he or she was so intimately associated
as to be likely to have accurate information concerning his or her pedigree,
may be received in evidence where it occurred before the controversy, and
the relationship between the two persons is shown by evidence other than
such act or declaration. The word "pedigree" includes relationship, family
genealogy, birth, marriage, death, the dates when and the places where
these facts occurred, and the names of the relatives. It embraces also facts of
family history intimately connected with pedigree. (Rule 130).
“Requisites”
1. The declarant is dead or unable to testify;
2. The declarant is related by birth, adoption or marriage to 3. The
person whose pedigree is in issue; absence thereof, with whose
family he or she was so intimately associated as to be likely to
have accurate information concerning his or her pedigree;
4. The declaration was made before the controversy;
5. The relationship between the two persons is shown by evidence
other than such declaration.
What is pedigree?
The word "pedigree" includes relationship,
family genealogy, birth, marriage, death, the
dates when and the places where these facts
occurred, and the names of the relatives. It
embraces also facts of family history intimately
connected with pedigree.
Example
The declaration of A who is dead already, prior
to his death and prior to any controversy, that B
is his illegitimate son, is a declaration about
pedigree. Similarly, a statement from a mother
while living, that her daughters, C and D, were
sired by the same father is admissible.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 42; Family reputation or tradition regarding pedigree.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 40. Family reputation or tradition Section 42. Family reputation or tradition
regarding pedigree.— The reputation or tradition regarding pedigree. — The reputation or tradition
existing in a family previous to the controversy, in existing in a family previous to the controversy, in
respect to the pedigree of any one of its respect to the pedigree of any one of its
members, may be received in evidence if the members, may be received in evidence if the
witness testifying thereon be also a member of witness testifying thereon be also a member of
the family, either by consanguinity or affinity. the family, either by consanguinity, affinity, or
Entries in family bibles or other family books or adoption. Entries in family bibles or other family
charts, engraving on rings, family portraits and books or charts, engraving on rings, family
the like, may be received as evidence of pedigree. portraits and the like, may be received as
evidence of pedigree.
Family Reputation or Tradition
Regarding Pedigree
Section 42. Family reputation or tradition regarding pedigree.
— The reputation or tradition existing in a family previous to
the controversy, in respect to the pedigree of any one of its
members, may be received in evidence if the witness
testifying thereon be also a member of the family, either by
consanguinity, affinity, or adoption. Entries in family bibles or
other family books or charts, engraving on rings, family
portraits and the like, may be received as evidence of
pedigree. (Rule 130).
Requisites
1. There is controversy in respect to the pedigree of any
members of the family
2. The reputation or traditions of the pedigree of the
person concerned existed previous to the controversy.
3. The witness testifying to the refutation or tradition
regarding the pedigree of the person is a member of the
family of said person, either by consanguinity of affinity.
Example
In a statutory rape case, the issue is the age of the
victim. The grandfather testified that the victim was
born on September 5, 1976 basing on the information
from the mother of the child.
Is the testimony admissible?
Yes. Section 40, Rule 130 applies.
People vs. Alegado, 201 SCRA 37
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 43; Common Reputation.
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Spontaneous statements
Verbal acts
Elements of Res Gestae (Spontaneous
statement)
1. There is a startling occurrence.
2. A statement was made while the event is taking place, or immediately prior or
subsequent thereto.
3. The statement was made before the declarant had time to contrive or devise
falsehood.
Section 43. Entries in the course of business.— Section 45. Records of regularly conducted business
Entries made at, or near the time of the activity. — A memorandum, report, record or data
transactions to which they refer, by a person compilation of acts, events, conditions, opinions, or
diagnoses, made by writing, typing, electronic,
deceased, or unable to testify, who was in a optical or other similar means at or near the time of
position to know the facts therein stated, may be or from transmission or supply of information by a
received as prima facie evidence, if such person person with knowledge thereof and kept in the
made the entries in his professional capacity or in regular course or conduct of a business activity, and
the performance of duty and in the ordinary or such was the regular practice to make the
regular course of business or duty. memorandum, report, record, or data compilation by
electronic, optical or similar means, all of which are
shown by the testimony of the custodian or other
qualified witnesses, is excepted from the rule on
hearsay evidence.
Records of Regularly Conducted
Business Activity
Section 45. Records of regularly conducted business activity. — A
memorandum, report, record or data compilation of acts, events,
conditions, opinions, or diagnoses, made by writing, typing, electronic,
optical or other similar means at or near the time of or from
transmission or supply of information by a person with knowledge
thereof and kept in the regular course or conduct of a business activity,
and such was the regular practice to make the memorandum, report,
record, or data compilation by electronic, optical or similar means, all of
which are shown by the testimony of the custodian or other qualified
witnesses, is excepted from the rule on hearsay evidence. (Rule 130).
What will be testified to under
Section 45?
Records of business activity, which includes
memorandum, report, record or data compilation of
acts, events, conditions, opinions, or diagnoses, made
by writing, typing, electronic, optical or other similar
means at or near the time of or from transmission or
supply of information by a person with knowledge
thereof and kept in the regular course or conduct of a
business activity (Sec. 45, Rule 130).
Who will be testify on those records of
business activity?
By the custodian of those records or other
qualified witness (Sec. 45, Rule 130).
This is considered an exception to the
hearsay rule because the custodian is not
actually the one who recorded the
business activity.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 46; Entries in official records.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 44. Entries in official records.— Section 46. Entries in official records. -
Entries in official records made in the Entries in official records made in the
performance of his duty by a public performance of his or her duty by a
officer of the Philippines, or by a person public officer of the Philippines, or by a
in the performance of a duty specially person in the performance of a duty
enjoined by law, are prima specially enjoined by law, are prima
facie evidence of the facts therein facie evidence of the facts therein
stated. stated.
Entries in Official Records
Section 46. Entries in official records. -
Entries in official records made in the
performance of his or her duty by a public
officer of the Philippines, or by a person in
the performance of a duty specially
enjoined by law, are prima facie evidence
of the facts therein stated (Rule 130).
Requisites
1. The entry was made by a public officer or by another
person specifically enjoined by law to do so.
2. It was made by the public officer, or by such other person in
the performance of a duty specifically enjoined by law
3. The public officer had sufficient knowledge of the facts he
stated which must have been acquired by the public officer
personally or through official information (Alvarez v. PICOP
Resources, G.R. Nos. 162243, 164516 & 171875, December
3, 2009, 606 SCRA 444, 525; citing Africa v. Caltex, 123 Phil.
272, 277 (1966).
DST Movers Corp. vs. People’s General
Insurance,
Jan. 13, 2016
It is plain to see that the matters indicated in the Report are not
matters that were personally known to PO2 Tomas. The Report
is candid in admitting that the matters it states were merely
reported to PO2 Tomas by "G. Simbahon of PNCC/SLEX." It was
this "G. Simbahon," not PO2 Tomas, who had personal
knowledge of the facts stated in the Report. Thus, even as the
Report embodies entries made by a public officer in the
performance of his duties, it fails to satisfy the third requisite for
admissibility for entries in official records as an exception to the
Hearsay Rule.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 47; Commercial Lists and the Like.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 45. Commercial lists and the like.— Section 47. Commercial lists and the like. -
Evidence of statements of matters of interest to Evidence of statements of matters of interest to
persons engaged in an occupation contained in a persons engaged in an occupation contained in a
list, register, periodical, or other published list, register, periodical, or other published
compilations admissible as tending to prove the compilation is admissible as tending to prove the
truth of any relevant matter so stated if that truth of any relevant matter so stated if that
compilation is published for use by persons compilation is published for use by persons
engaged in that occupation and is generally used engaged in that occupation and is generally used
and relied upon by them therein. and relied upon by them therein.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 48; Learned Treatise.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 46. Learned treatises.—A published Section 48. Learned treatises. - A published
treatise, periodical or pamphlet on a subject of treatise, periodical or pamphlet on a subject of
history, law, science or art is admissible as history, law, science, or art is admissible as
tending to prove the truth of a matter stated tending to prove the truth of a matter stated
therein if the court takes judicial notice, or a therein if the court takes judicial notice, or a
witness expert in the subject testifies, that the witness expert in the subject testifies, that the
writer of the statement in the treatise, periodical writer of the statement in the treatise, periodical
or pamphlet is recognized in his profession or or pamphlet is recognized in his or her profession
calling as expert in the subject. or calling as expert in the subject.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 49; Testimony or deposition at a former proceeding.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 47. Testimony or deposition at a former Section 49.Testimony or deposition at a former
proceeding.—The testimony or deposition of a proceeding. - The testimony or deposition of a
witness deceased or unable to testify, given in a witness deceased or out of the Philippines or
former case or proceeding, judicial or who cannot, with due diligence, be found
administrative, involving the same parties and therein, or is unavailable or otherwise unable to
subject matter, may be given in evidence against testify, given in a former case or proceeding,
the adverse party who had the opportunity to judicial or administrative, involving the same
cross-examine him. parties and subject matter, may be given in
evidence against the adverse party who had the
opportunity to cross-examine him or her.
Testimony or deposition at a Former
Proceeding
Section 49.Testimony or deposition at a former
proceeding. - The testimony or deposition of a witness
deceased or out of the Philippines or who cannot, with
due diligence, be found therein, or is unavailable or
otherwise unable to testify, given in a former case or
proceeding, judicial or administrative, involving the
same parties and subject matter, may be given in
evidence against the adverse party who had the
opportunity to cross-examine him or her. (Rule 130).
Requisites
1. The witness is dead or out of the Philippines or who cannot, with due diligence,
be found therein, or is unavailable or otherwise unable to testify
2. His testimony or deposition was given in a former case or proceeding, judicial or
administrative, between the same parties or those representing the same parties
3. The former case involved the same subject as that in the present case, although on
different cause of action
4. The issue testified to by the witness in the former trial is the same issue involved
in the present case
5. The adverse party had the opportunity to cross-examine the witness in the former
case (Manliclic vs. Calaunan, 512 SCRA 642).
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
5. Hearsay
Section 50; Testimony or deposition at a former proceeding.
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Section 50. Residual exception. - A statement not specifically
covered by any of the foregoing exceptions, having equivalent
circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness, is admissible if the
court determines that (a) the statement is offered as evidence
of a material fact; (b) the statement is more probative on the
No similar provision in the 1997 rules of court. point for which it is offered than any other evidence which the
proponent can procure through reasonable efforts; and (c) the
general purposes of these rules and the interests of justice will
be best served by admission of the statement into evidence.
However, a statement may not be admitted under this exception
unless the proponent makes known to the adverse party,
sufficiently in advance of the hearing, or by the pre-trial stage in
the case of a trial of the main case, to provide the adverse party
with a fair opportunity to prepare to meet it, the proponent’s
intention to offer the statement and the particulars of it,
including the name and address of the declarant. (n)
Let us dissect residual exception
A statement not specifically covered by any of the foregoing
exceptions, having equivalent circumstantial guarantees of
trustworthiness, is admissible if the court determines that (a)
the statement is offered as evidence of a material fact; (b) the
statement is more probative on the point for which it is offered
than any other evidence which the proponent can procure
through reasonable efforts; and (c) the general purposes of
these rules and the interests of justice will be best served by
admission of the statement into evidence.
Residual exception
The rule provides that the focus for
trustworthiness is on circumstantial guarantees
surrounding the making of the statement itself,
as well as any independent evidence
corroborating the statement. The credibility of
the witness relating the statement is not a part
of either inquiry.
Rationale for residual exception
The "residual exception" rule is essentially a
recognition that the other rules dealing with
hearsay exceptions could not reasonably cover
and address each and every type of hearsay
evidence and the factual and legal situations
under which a party might argue for its
admission.
Requirement for application of residual
exception
In order for a party to rely on the rule on residual
exception for the admission of hearsay, it must
advise the opposing party sufficiently in advance of
the trial or hearing about the statement and the
name and address of the declarant. This is to allow
the opposing party time to prepare its response to
arguments in support of the proposed admission.
Residual evidence is related to “standard
of totality of evidence rule”
It is the consideration of all the pieces of evidence adduced in
their totality, and to consider any evidence otherwise
inadmissible under our usual rules to be admissible if it is
consistent with the admissible evidence adduced. In other
words, it is the reduction of the rules to the most basic test of
reason — i.e., to the relevance of the evidence to the issue at
hand and its consistency with all other pieces of adduced
evidence. Thus, even hearsay evidence can be admitted if it
satisfies this basic minimum test (Razon, Jr. v. Tagitis, December
3, 2009, 606 SCRA 598).
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
7. Opinion
Section 51; General Rule
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 48. General rule.—The Section 51. General rule.—The
opinion of a witness is not opinion of a witness is not
admissible, except as indicated in admissible, except as indicated in
the following sections the following sections
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
7. Opinion Rule
Section 52; Opinion Expert
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Section 49. Opinion of expert witness.— Section 52. Opinion of expert witness.
The opinion of a witness on a matter The opinion of a witness on a matter
requiring special knowledge, skill, requiring special knowledge, skill,
experience or training which he is experience, training or education,
shown to possess, may be received in which he or she is shown to possess,
evidence. may be received in evidence.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
7. Opinion Rule
Section 53; Opinion of Expert
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 50. Opinion of ordinary witnesses.—The Section 53. Opinion of ordinary witnesses. - The opinion
opinion of a witness for which proper basis is given, of a witness, for which proper basis is given, may be
may be received in evidence regarding— received in evidence regarding –
(a) The identity of a person about whom he has (a) The identity of a person about whom he or she has
adequate knowledge; adequate knowledge;
(b) A handwriting with which he has sufficient (b) A handwriting with which he or she has
familiarity; and sufficient familiarity; and
(c) The mental sanity of a person with whom he is (c) The mental sanity of a person with whom he
sufficiently acquainted. or she is sufficiently acquainted.
The witness may also testify on his impressions of the The witness may also testify on his or her impressions of
the emotion, behavior, condition or appearance of a
motion, behavior, condition or appearance of a person.
person.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
8. Character Evidence
Section 54; Character Evidence Not Generally Admissible; Exceptions.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Sec. 51. Character evidence not Sec. 54. Character Evidence Not
generally admissible; exceptions. – Generally Admissible; Exceptions. —
Evidence of a person's character or a
trait of character is not admissible for
the purpose of proving action in
conformity therewith on a particular
occasion, except:
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
8. Character Evidence
Section 54; Character Evidence Not Generally Admissible; Exceptions.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
(a) In Criminal Cases: (a) In Criminal Cases:
1) The accused may prove his good moral 1) The character of the offended party may
character which is pertinent to the moral trait be proved if it tends to establish in any
involved in the offense charged. reasonable degree the probability or
2) Unless in rebuttal, the prosecution may not improbability of the offense charged.
prove his bad moral character which is pertinent 2) The accused may prove his or her good
to the moral trait involved in the offense charged. moral character, pertinent to the moral trait
3) The good or bad moral character of the involved in the offense charged. However, the
offended party may be proved if it tends to prosecution may not prove his or her bad
establish in any reasonable degree the probability moral character unless on rebuttal.
or improbability of the offense charged.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
8. Character Evidence
Section 54; Character Evidence Not Generally Admissible; Exceptions.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
(b)In Civil Cases: (b) In Civil Cases:
Evidence of the moral character of a Evidence of the moral character of a
party in a civil case is admissible only party in a civil case is admissible only
when pertinent to the issue of character when pertinent to the issue of
involved in the case. character involved in the case.
RULE 130: Rules of Admissibility
C. Testimonial evidence
8. Character Evidence
Section 54; Character Evidence Not Generally Admissible; Exceptions.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
(c) In Criminal and Civil Cases:
(c) In the case provided for in Rule 132,
Evidence of the good character of a witness is not
Section 14. admissible until such character has been impeached.
In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of
character of a person is admissible, proof may be
made by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in
the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry
is allowable into relevant specific instances of conduct.
In cases in which character or a trait of character of a
person is an essential element of a charge, claim or
defense, proof may also be made of specific instances
of that person's conduct.
When is evidence of person’s
character or trait of character not
admissible?
Evidence of a person's character or a trait
of character is not admissible for the
purpose of proving action in conformity
therewith on a particular occasion
(Section 54, Rule 130).
When is evidence of person’s character or trait
of character admissible in criminal cases?
1) The character of the offended party may be proved if it tends to
establish in any reasonable degree the probability or improbability
of the offense charged.
2) The accused may prove his or her good moral character,
pertinent to the moral trait involved in the offense charged.
However, the prosecution may not prove his or her bad moral
character unless on rebuttal. (Section 54(a), Rule 130).
3) Evidence of the good character of a witness is not admissible
until such character has been impeached (Section 54[c]).
When is evidence of person’s character or
trait of character admissible in civil cases?
1) Evidence of the moral character of a party in a civil
case is admissible only when pertinent to the issue of
character involved in the case.
In civil cases, it is a basic rule that the party making allegations has the
burden of proving them by preponderance of evidence. By
preponderance of evidence is meant that evidence adduced by one side
is, as a whole, superior to that of the other side (NFF Industrial
Corporation vs. G& L Brokerage, January 12, 2015).
(a) Whenever a party has, by his own declaration, (a) Whenever a party has, by his or her own
act, or omission, intentionally and deliberately led declaration, act, or omission, intentionally and
another to believe a particular thing is true, and to deliberately led another to believe a particular thing
act upon such belief, he cannot, in any litigation true, and to act upon such belief, he or she cannot,
in any litigation arising out of such declaration, act or
arising out of such declaration, act, or omission,
omission, be permitted to falsify it; and
be permitted to falsify it.
(b) The tenant is not permitted to deny the title of
(b) The tenant is not permitted to deny the title his or her landlord at the time of the
of his landlord at the time of the commencement of the relation of landlord and tenant
commencement of the relation of landlord and between them.
tenant between them.
Presumption
• It is an assumption of fact resulting from the
rule of law which require such fact to be
assumed from another fact or group of facts
found or otherwise established in an action
Concep (Black Law Dictionary)
(l) That a person acting in a public office was (l) That a person acting in a public office was
regularly appointed or elected to it; regularly appointed or elected to it;
(m) That official duty has been regularly performed; (m) That official duty has been regularly performed;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 1; Burden of Proof
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(n) That a court, or judge acting as such, whether in (n) That a court, or judge acting as such, whether
the Philippines or elsewhere, was acting in in the Philippines or elsewhere, was acting in the
the lawful exercise of jurisdiction; lawful exercise of jurisdiction;
(o) That all the matters within an issue raised in a (o) That all the matters within an issue raised in a
case were laid before the court and passed upon case were laid before the court and passed upon by
by it; and in like manner that all matters within an it; and in like manner that all matters within an
issue raised in a dispute submitted for arbitration issue raised in a dispute submitted for arbitration
were laid before the arbitrators and passed upon were laid before the arbitrators and passed upon
by them; by them;
(p) That private transactions have been fair and (p) That private transactions have been fair and
regular; regular;
(q) That the ordinary course of business has been (q) That the ordinary course of business has been
followed; followed;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumption
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(r) That there was a sufficient consideration for a (r) That there was a sufficient consideration for a
contract; contract;
(s) That a negotiable instrument was given or (s) That a negotiable instrument was given or
indorsed for a sufficient consideration; indorsed for a sufficient consideration;
(t) That an indorsement of a negotiable (t) That an indorsement of a negotiable
instrument was made before the instrument was instrument was made before the instrument was
overdue and at the place where the instrument is overdue and at the place where the instrument is
dated; dated;
(u) That a writing is truly dated; (u) That a writing is truly dated;
(v) That a letter duly directed and mailed was (v) That a letter duly directed and mailed was
received in the regular course of the mail; received in the regular course of the mail;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 5; Burden of Proof
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(w) That after an absence of seven years, it being (w) That after an absence of seven years, it being
unknown whether or not the absentee still lives, he is unknown whether or not the absentee still lives, he or
considered dead for all purposes, except for those of she is considered dead for all purposes, except for those
succession. of succession.
The absentee shall not be considered dead for the purpose The absentee shall not be considered dead for the purpose
of opening his succession till after an absence of ten years. If of opening his or her succession until after an absence of
he disappeared after the age of seventy-five years, an ten years. If he or she disappeared after the age of seventy-
absence of five years shall be sufficient in order that his five years, an absence of five years shall be sufficient in
succession may be opened. order that his or her succession may be opened.
The following shall be considered dead for all purposes The following shall be considered dead for all purposes
including the division of the estate among the heirs: including the division of the estate among the heirs:
(1) A person on board a vessel lost during a sea voyage, or (1) A person on board a vessel lost during a sea voyage,
an aircraft with is missing, who has not been heard of for or an aircraft with is missing, who has not been heard
four years since the loss of the vessel or aircraft; of for four years since the loss of the vessel or aircraft;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(2) A member of the armed forces who has taken part in armed (2) A member of the armed forces who has taken part in armed
hostilities, and has been missing for four years; hostilities, and has been missing for four years;
(3) A person who has been in danger of death under other (3) A person who has been in danger of death under other
circumstances and whose existence has not been known for four circumstances and whose existence has not been known for four
years; years; and
(4) If a married person has been absent for four consecutive (4) If a married person has been absent for four consecutive
years, the spouse present may contract a subsequent marriage if years, the spouse present may contract a subsequent marriage if
he or she has well-founded belief that the absent spouse is he or she has well-founded belief that the absent spouse is
already death. In case of disappearance, where there is a danger already death. In case of disappearance, where there is a danger
of death the circumstances hereinabove provided, an absence of of death the circumstances hereinabove provided, an absence
only two years shall be sufficient for the purpose of of only two years shall be sufficient for the purpose of
contracting a subsequent marriage. However, in any case, before contracting a subsequent marriage. However, in any case, before
marrying again, the spouse present must institute a summary marrying again, the spouse present must institute a summary
proceedings as provided in the Family Code and in the rules for proceedings as provided in the Family Code and in the rules for
declaration of presumptive death of the absentee, without declaration of presumptive death of the absentee, without
prejudice to the effect of reappearance of the absent spouse. prejudice to the effect of reappearance of the absent spouse.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(x) That acquiescence resulted from a (x) That acquiescence resulted from a
belief that the thing acquiesced in was belief that the thing acquiesced in was
conformable to the law or fact; conformable to the law or fact;
(y) That things have happened according (y) That things have happened according
to the ordinary course of nature and to the ordinary course of nature and
ordinary nature habits of life; ordinary nature habits of life;
(z) That persons acting as copartners have (z) That persons acting as copartners have
entered into a contract of co- partneship; entered into a contract of co- partneship;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
(aa) That a man and woman deporting themselves as (aa) That a man and woman deporting themselves as
husband and wife have entered into a lawful contract husband and wife have entered into a lawful contract of
of marriage; marriage;
(bb) That property acquired by a man and a woman (bb) That property acquired by a man and a woman
who are capacitated to marry each other and who live who are capacitated to marry each other and who live
exclusively with each other as husband and wife without exclusively with each other as husband and wife without
the benefit of marriage or under void marriage, has been the benefit of marriage or under void marriage, has been
obtained by their joint efforts, work or industry. obtained by their joint efforts, work or industry.
(cc) That in cases of cohabitation by a man and a (cc) That in cases of cohabitation by a man and a
woman who are not capacitated to marry each other and woman who are not capacitated to marry each other and
who have acquire properly through their actual joint who have acquire properly through their actual joint
contribution of money, property or industry, such contribution of money, property or industry, such
contributions and their corresponding shares including contributions and their corresponding shares including
joint deposits of money and evidences of credit are joint deposits of money and evidences of credit are
equal. equal.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(dd) That if the marriage is terminated and the (dd) That if the marriage is terminated and the
mother contracted another marriage within three hundred mother contracted another marriage within three hundred
days after such termination of the former marriage, these days after such termination of the former marriage, these
rules shall govern in the absence of proof to the contrary: rules shall govern in the absence of proof to the contrary:
(1) A child born before one hundred eighty days after the (1) A child born before one hundred eighty (180) days after
solemnization of the subsequent marriage is considered to the solemnization of the subsequent marriage is considered
have been conceived during such marriage, even though it to have been conceived during such marriage, even though
be born within the three hundred days after the termination it be born within the three hundred days after the
of the former marriage. termination of the former marriage; and
(2) A child born after one hundred eighty days following (2) A child born after one hundred eighty (180) days
the celebration of the subsequent marriage is considered to following the celebration of the subsequent marriage is
have been conceived during such marriage, even though it considered to have been conceived during such marriage,
be born within the three hundred days after the termination even though it be born within the three hundred days after
of the former marriage. the termination of the former marriage.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(ee) That a thing once proved to exist (ee) That a thing once proved to exist
continues as long as is usual with continues as long as is usual with
things of the nature; things of the nature;
(ff) That the law has been obeyed; (ff) That the law has been obeyed;
(gg) That a printed or published (gg) That a printed or published
book, purporting to be printed or book, purporting to be printed or
published by public authority, was so published by public authority, was so
printed or published; printed or published;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(hh) That a printed or published book, (hh) That a printed or published book,
purporting contain reports of cases purporting contain reports of cases
adjudged in tribunals of the country where adjudged in tribunals of the country where
the book is published, contains correct the book is published, contains correct
reports of such cases; reports of such cases;
(ii) That a trustee or other person whose (ii) That a trustee or other person whose
duty it was to convey real property to a duty it was to convey real property to a
particular person has actually conveyed it particular person has actually conveyed it
to him when such presumption is necessary to him or her when such presumption is
to perfect the title of such person or his necessary to perfect the title of such
successor in interest; person or his or her successor-in-interest;
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(jj) That except for purposes of succession, when two persons perish (jj) That except for purposes of succession, when two persons perish
in the same calamity, such as wreck, battle, or conflagration, and it is not in the same calamity, such as wreck, battle, or conflagration, and it is not
shown who died first, and there are no particular circumstances from shown who died first, and there are no particular circumstances from
which it can be inferred, the survivorship is determined from the which it can be inferred, the survivorship is determined from the
probabilities resulting from the strength and the age of the sexes, probabilities resulting from the strength and the age of the sexes,
according to the following rules: according to the following rules:
1. If both were under the age of fifteen years, the older is deemed to 1. If both were under the age of fifteen years, the older is deemed to
have survived; have survived;
2. If both were above the age sixty, the younger is deemed to have 2. If both were above the age sixty, the younger is deemed to have
survived; survived;
3. If one is under fifteen and the other above sixty, the former is deemed 3. If one is under fifteen and the other above sixty, the former is deemed
to have survived; to have survived;
4. If both be over fifteen and under sixty, and the sex be different, the 4. If both be over fifteen and under sixty, and the sex be different, the
male is deemed to have survived, if the sex be the same, the older; male is deemed to have survived, if the sex be the same, the older; and
5. If one be under fifteen or over sixty, and the other between those 5. If one be under fifteen or over sixty, and the other between those
ages, the latter is deemed to have survived. ages, the latter is deemed to have survived.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 3; Disputable Presumptions
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(kk) That if there is a doubt, as (kk) That if there is a doubt, as
between two or more persons who between two or more persons who
are called to succeed each other, as to are called to succeed each other, as to
which of them died first, whoever which of them died first, whoever
alleges the death of one prior to the alleges the death of one prior to the
other, shall prove the same; in the other, shall prove the same; in the
absence of proof, they shall be absence of proof, they shall be
considered to have died at the same considered to have died at the same
time. (5a) time. (5a)
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 4; No Presumption of Legitimacy
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Section 4. No presumption of legitimacy Section 4. No presumption of
or illegitimacy. — There is no legitimacy or illegitimacy. — There is no
presumption of legitimacy of a child presumption of legitimacy or
born after three hundred days following illegitimacy of a child born after three
the dissolution of the marriage or the hundred days following the dissolution
separation of the spouses. Whoever of the marriage or the separation of the
alleges the legitimacy or illegitimacy of spouses. Whoever alleges the
such child must prove his allegation legitimacy or illegitimacy of such child
must prove his or her allegation
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 5; Presumptions in Civil Actions and Proceedings
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 5. Presumptions in Civil Actions and
Proceedings. — In all civil actions and
proceedings not otherwise provided for by the
No comparable provision under the old rule law or these Rules, a presumption imposes on
the party against whom it is directed the burden
of going forward with evidence to rebut or meet
the presumption.
If presumptions are inconsistent, the
presumption that is founded upon weightier
considerations of policy shall apply. If
considerations of policy are of equal weight,
neither presumption applies.
What is the effect of presumption?
A party in whose favor the legal presumption
exists may rely on and invoke such legal
presumption to establish a fact in issue. One
need not introduced evidence to prove the fact
for a presumption is prima facie proof of the
fact presumed (Diesel Construction vs. UPSI
Property, 549 SCRA 12)
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of
Evidence and Presumptions
Section 6; Presumption agaisnt an Accused in Criminal Cases
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 6. Presumption against an
Accused in Criminal Cases. — If a
No comparable provision under the old rule presumed fact that establishes guilt, is
an element of the offense charged, or
negates a defense, the existence of the
basic fact must be proved beyond
reasonable doubt and the presumed
fact follows from the basic fact beyond
reasonable doubt.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of Evidence
and Presumptions
Section 6; Presumption agaisnt an Accused in Criminal Cases
The provision simply means that if the presumed fact is an element of crime, the fact from
which the presumed fact was derived and the intimate connection between the two must be
proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Example: BP 22. on of the elements is: The knowledge of the maker, drawer, or issuer that at the
time of issue he does not have sufficient funds in or credit with the drawee bank for the payment
of such check in full upon its presentment.
What is evidence of knowledge of insufficiency of funds? The making, drawing and issuance of a
check payment of which is refused by the drawee because of insufficient funds in or credit with
such bank, when presented within ninety (90) days from the date of the check, shall be prima
facie evidence of knowledge of such insufficiency of funds or credit unless such maker or drawer
pays the holder thereof the amount due thereon, or makes arrangements for payment in full by
the drawee of such check within (5) banking days after receiving notice that such check has not
been paid by the drawee.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of Evidence
and Presumptions
Section 6; Presumption agaisnt an Accused in Criminal Cases
Therefore, under Section 6, Rule 130, the prosecution must
prove beyond reasonable doubt the fact that the accused made,
drew and issued of a check payment of which is refused by the
drawee because of insufficient funds in or credit with such
bank, when presented within ninety (90) days from the date of
the check and the accused did not pay the same or make
arrangements for payment in full by the drawee of such check
within (5) banking days after receiving notice that such check
has not been paid by the drawee.
RULE 131: Burden of Proof, Burden of Evidence
and Presumptions
Section 6; Presumption agaisnt an Accused in Criminal Cases
Another example: Estafa, through misappropriation under Article
315 par. 1(b).
The failure to return upon demand the properties which one has
the duty to return is tantamount to appropriating the same for
his own personal use.
The fact that accused failed to return the property upon demand
must be proved by proof beyond reasonable doubt because it is
the basis fact from which the fact presumed is derived.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 1; Examination to be Done in Open Court
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 1. Examination to be done in Section 1. Examination to be done in
open court. — The examination of open court. — The examination of
witnesses presented in a trial or hearing witnesses presented in a trial or hearing
shall be done in open court, and under shall be done in open court, and under
oath or affirmation. Unless the witness oath or affirmation. Unless the witness
is incapacitated to speak, or the is incapacitated to speak, or the
questions calls for a different mode of questions calls for a different mode of
answer, the answers of the witness shall answer, the answers of the witness shall
be given orally. be given orally.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 2; Proceedings to be recorded
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 2. Proceedings to be recorded. — The entire Section 2. Proceedings to be recorded. — The entire
proceedings of a trial or hearing, including the proceedings of a trial or hearing, including the
questions propounded to a witness and his answers questions propounded to a witness and his or her
thereto, the statements made by the judge or any of answers thereto, the statements made by the judge
the parties, counsel, or witnesses with reference to or any of the parties, counsel, or witnesses with
the case, shall be recorded by means of shorthand or reference to the case, shall be recorded by means of
stenotype or by other means of recording found shorthand or stenotype or by other means of
suitable by the court. recording found suitable by the court.
A transcript of the record of the proceedings made by A transcript of the record of the proceedings made by
the official stenographer, stenotypist or recorder and the official stenographer, stenotypist or recorder and
certified as correct by him shall be deemed prima certified as correct by him or her shall be
facie a correct statement of such proceedings. deemed prima facie a correct statement of such
proceedings.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 3; Rights and Obligation of a Witness
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 3. Rights and obligations of a witness. — A witness must Section 3. Rights and obligations of a witness. — A witness must answer
answer questions, although his answer may tend to establish a claim questions, although his or her answer may tend to establish a claim against
against him. However, it is the right of a witness: him or her. However, it is the right of a witness:
(1) To be protected from irrelevant, improper, or insulting (1) To be protected from irrelevant, improper, or insulting questions, and
questions, and from harsh or insulting demeanor; from harsh or insulting demeanor;
Section 10. Leading and misleading questions. — A question which Section 10. Leading and misleading questions. — A question which
suggests to the witness the answer which the examining party desires suggests to the witness the answer which the examining party desires
is a leading question. It is not allowed, except: is a leading question. It is not allowed, except:
(c) When there is a difficulty is getting direct and intelligible (c) When there is a difficulty is getting direct and intelligible
answers from a witness who is ignorant, or a child of tender years, answers from a witness who is ignorant, or a child of tender years,
or is of feeble mind, or a deaf-mute; or is of feeble mind, or a deaf-mute;
(e) Of a witness who is an adverse party or an officer, director, (e) Of a witness who is an adverse party or an officer, director,
or managing agent of a public or private corporation or of a or managing agent of a public or private corporation or of a
partnership or association which is an adverse party. partnership or association which is an adverse party.
A misleading question is one which assumes as true a fact not yet A misleading question is one which assumes as true a fact not yet
testified to by the witness, or contrary to that which he has previously testified to by the witness, or contrary to that which he or she has
stated. It is not allowed. previously stated. It is not allowed.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 11; Impeachment of adverse party’s witness
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 11, Rule 132. Impeachment of adverse Section 11, Rule 132. Impeachment of adverse
party's witness. — A witness may be impeached party's witness. — A witness may be impeached
by the party against whom he was called, by by the party against whom he or she was called,
contradictory evidence, by evidence that his by contradictory evidence, by evidence that his
general reputation for truth, honesty, or or her general reputation for truth, honesty, or
integrity is bad, or by evidence that he has made integrity is bad, or by evidence that he or she
at other times statements inconsistent with his has made at other times statements
present testimony, but not by evidence of inconsistent with his or her present testimony,
particular wrongful acts, except that it may be but not by evidence of particular wrongful acts,
shown by the examination of the witness, or the except that it may be shown by the examination
record of the judgment, that he has been of the witness, or the record of the judgment,
convicted of an offense. that he or she has been convicted of an offense.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 12; Impeachment by Evidence of Conviction of Crime
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 12. Impeachment by Evidence of
Conviction of Crime. — For the purpose of
impeaching a witness, evidence that he or she
(No comparable provision under the old rule) has been convicted by final judgment of a crime
shall be admitted if (a) the crime was punishable
by a penalty in excess of one year; or (b) the
crime involved moral turpitude, regardless of
the penalty.
However, evidence of a conviction is not
admissible if the conviction has been the subject
of an amnesty or annulment of conviction.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 12; Impeachment by Evidence of Conviction of Crime
Under the New Rule, a witness my now be impeached
evidence that he or she has been convicted by final
judgment of a crime shall be admitted if (a) the crime was
punishable by a penalty in excess of one year; or (b) the
crime involved moral turpitude, regardless of the
penalty.
However, if the witness was given absolute pardon or
amnesty, his or her conviction cannot be used to impeach
him or her.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 12; Party May Not Impeach His or Her Own Witness.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 12. Party may not impeach his own witness. — Except Section 13. Party May Not Impeach His or Her Own
with respect to witnesses referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) Witness. — Except with respect to witnesses referred to in
of Section 10, the party producing a witness is not allowed to paragraphs (d) and (e) of Section 10 of this Rule, the party
impeach his credibility. presenting the witness is not allowed to impeach his or her
credibility.
A witness may be considered as unwilling or hostile only if so
declared by the court upon adequate showing of his adverse A witness may be considered as unwilling or hostile only if so
declared by the court upon adequate showing of his or her adverse
interest, unjustified reluctance to testify, or his having misled
interest, unjustified reluctance to testify, or his or her having misled
the party into calling him to the witness stand. the party into calling him or her to the witness stand.
The unwilling or hostile witness so declared, or the witness who The unwilling or hostile witness so declared, or the witness who is
is an adverse party, may be impeached by the party presenting an adverse party, may be impeached by the party presenting him
him in all respects as if he had been called by the adverse party, or her in all respects as if he or she had been called by the adverse
except by evidence of his bad character. He may also be party, except by evidence of his or her bad character. He or she
impeached and cross-examined by the adverse party, but such may also be impeached and cross-examined by the adverse party,
cross-examination must only be on the subject matter of his but such cross-examination must only be on the subject matter of
examination-in-chief. his or her examination-in-chief.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 14; How Witness Impeached by Evidence of Inconsistent
Statements.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 13. How witness impeached by evidence Section 14. How Witness Impeached by Evidence
of inconsistent statements. — Before a witness of Inconsistent Statements. — Before a witness can
can be impeached by evidence that he has made be impeached by evidence that he or she has
at other times statements inconsistent with his made at other times statements inconsistent with
present testimony, the statements must be his or her present testimony, the statements must
related to him, with the circumstances of the be related to him or her, with the circumstances of
times and places and the persons present, and he the times and places and the persons present, and
must be asked whether he made such he or she must be asked whether he or she made
statements, and if so, allowed to explain them. If such statements, and if so, allowed to explain
the statements be in writing they must be shown them. If the statements be in writing they must be
to the witness before any question is put to him shown to the witness before any question is put to
concerning them. him or her concerning them.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 15; Exclusion and separation of witnesses
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 15. Exclusion and separation of Section 15. Exclusion and Separation of Witnesses. – The
court, motu proprio, or upon motion, shall order
witnesses. — On any trial or hearing, the judge witnesses excluded so that they cannot hear the
may exclude from the court any witness not at testimony of other witnesses. This rule does not
the time under examination, so that he may not authorize exclusion of (a) a party who is a natural
hear the testimony of other witnesses. The judge person, (b) a duly designated representative of a
may also cause witnesses to be kept separate and juridical entity which is a party to the case, (c) a person
to be prevented from conversing with one whose presence is essential to the presentation of the
another until all shall have been examined. party’s cause, or (d) a person authorized by a statute to
be present.
The court may also cause witnesses to be kept separate
and to be prevented from conversing with one another,
directly or through intermediaries, until all shall have
been examined.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 15; Exclusion and separation of witnesses
This section gives instances where the Court cannot exclude a
witness. They are as follows:
(a) a party who is a natural person,
(b) a duly designated representative of a juridical entity
which is a party to the case,
(c) a person whose presence is essential to the presentation
of the party’s cause, or
(d) a person authorized by a statute to be present.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 15; When witness may refer to memorandum.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 16. When witness may refer to memorandum. — A Section 16. When Witness May Refer to Memorandum. — A
witness may be allowed to refresh his memory respecting witness may be allowed to refresh his or her memory
a fact, by anything written or recorded by himself or under respecting a fact, by anything written or recorded by himself
his direction at the time when the fact occurred, or or herself, or under his or her direction at the time when the
immediately thereafter, or at any other time when the fact fact occurred, or immediately thereafter, or at any other time
was fresh in his memory and knew that the same was when the fact was fresh in his or her memory and he or she
correctly written or recorded; but in such case the writing knew that the same was correctly written or recorded; but in
such case the writing or record must be produced and may be
or record must be produced and may be inspected by the
inspected by the adverse party, who may, if he or she
adverse party, who may, if he chooses, cross examine the chooses, cross examine the witness upon it, and may read it
witness upon it, and may read it in evidence. So, also, a in evidence. A witness may also testify from such writing or
witness may testify from such writing or record, though he record, though he or she retains no recollection of the
retain no recollection of the particular facts, if he is able to particular facts, if he or she is able to swear that the writing
swear that the writing or record correctly stated the or record correctly stated the transaction when made; but
transaction when made; but such evidence must be such evidence must be received with caution.
received with caution.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 17; When part of transaction, writing or record given in evidence,
the remainder, the remainder admissible.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 17. When part of transaction, writing or Section 17. When part of transaction, writing or
record given in evidence, the remainder, the record given in evidence, the remainder, the
remainder admissible. — When part of an act, remainder admissible. — When part of an act,
declaration, conversation, writing or record is declaration, conversation, writing or record is
given in evidence by one party, the whole of the given in evidence by one party, the whole of the
same subject may be inquired into by the other, same subject may be inquired into by the other,
and when a detached act, declaration, and when a detached act, declaration,
conversation, writing or record is given in conversation, writing or record is given in
evidence, any other act, declaration, evidence, any other act, declaration,
conversation, writing or record necessary to its conversation, writing or record necessary to its
understanding may also be given in evidence. understanding may also be given in evidence.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
A. Examination of Witness
Section 18; Right to respect writing shown to witness.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 18. Right to respect Section 18. Right to respect
writing shown to writing shown to
witness. — Whenever a writing is witness. — Whenever a writing is
shown to a witness, it may be shown to a witness, it may be
inspected by the adverse party. inspected by the adverse party.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 19; Classes of documents.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 19. Classes of Documents. — For the purpose of Section 19. Classes of Documents. — For the purpose of their
their presentation evidence, documents are either public presentation evidence, documents are either public or private.
or private. Public documents are:
Public documents are: (a) The written official acts, or records of the official acts of
the sovereign authority, official bodies and tribunals, and public
(a) The written official acts, or records of the official officers, whether of the Philippines, or of a foreign country;
acts of the sovereign authority, official bodies and
tribunals, and public officers, whether of the Philippines, (b) Documents acknowledge before a notary public except last
wills and testaments; and
or of a foreign country;
(c) Documents that are considered public documents under
(b) Documents acknowledge before a notary public treaties and conventions which are in force between the
except last wills and testaments; and Philippines and the country of source; and;
(c) Public records, kept in the Philippines, of private (d) Public records, kept in the Philippines, of private
documents required by law to the entered therein. documents required by law to the entered therein.
All other writings are private. All other writings are private.
RULE 132
Rules of Admissibility
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 19(c)- “Documents that are
considered public documents under treaties
and conventions which are in force between
the Philippines and the country of source”
because of the effectivity of the Apostille
Convention of which the Philippines is a party.
With the Apostille, the document will no
longer require legalization by the Foreign
Embassy if the country of destination is
already a Member of the Apostille Convention
(or an "Apostille Country.") Once Apostillized,
the document can be validly used in any and
all Apostille Countries.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 21; When evidence of authenticity of private document not necessary.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 21. When evidence by Section 21. When evidence of
authenticity of private document not authenticity of private document not
necessary. – Where a private document necessary. – Where a private document
is more than thirty (30) years old, is is more than thirty (30) years old, is
produced from a custody in which it produced from a custody in which it
would naturally be found if genuine, would naturally be found if genuine,
and is unblemished by any alterations and is unblemished by any alterations
or circumstances of suspicion, no other or circumstances of suspicion, no other
evidence of its authenticity need be evidence of its authenticity need be
given. given.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 22; How genuineness of handwriting proved.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 22. How genuineness of handwriting Section 22. How genuineness of handwriting proved.
proved. – The handwriting of a person may be – The handwriting of a person may be proved by any
proved by any witness who believesit to be the witness who believesit to be the handwriting of such
handwriting of such person because he has seen person because he or she has seen the person write,
the person write, or has seen writing purporting to or has seen writing purporting to be his or hers upon
be his upon which the witness has acted or been which the witness has acted or been charged, and
charged, and thus acquired knowledge of the thus acquired knowledge of the handwriting of such
handwriting of such person. Evidence respecting person. Evidence respecting the andwriting may also
the andwriting may also be given by a comparison, be given by a comparison, made by the witness or
made by the witness or the court, with writings the court, with writings admitted or treated as
admitted or treated as genuine by the party against genuine by the party against whom the evidence is
whom the evidence is offered, or proved to be offered, or proved to be genuine to the satisfaction of
genuine to the satisfaction of the judge. the judge.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 23; Public documents as evidence.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 23. Public documents as evidence. SEC. 23. Public documents as evidence.
—Documents consisting of entries in —Documents consisting of entries in
public records made in the public records made in the
performance of a duty by a public performance of a duty by a public
officer are prima facie evidence of the officer are prima facie evidence of the
facts therein stated. All other public facts therein stated. All other public
documents are evidence, even against a documents are evidence, even against a
third person, of the fact which gave rise third person, of the fact which gave rise
to their execution and of the date of the to their execution and of the date of the
latter.(24a) latter. (23)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 24; Proof of official record.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 24. Proof of official record.—The record of public Sec. 24. Proof of official record. — The record of public
documents referred to in paragraph (a) of Section 19, documents referred to in paragraph (a) of Section 19, when
admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official
when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer having
an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the legal custody of the record, or by his or her deputy, and
the officer having the legal custody of the record, or by accompanied, if the record is not kept in the Philippines, with
his deputy, and accompanied, if the record is not kept a certificate that such officer has the custody.
in the Philippines, with a certificate that such officer
If the office in which the record is kept is in a foreign country,
has the custody. If the office in which the record is kept which is a contracting party to a treaty or convention to
is in a foreign country, the certificate may be made by a which the Philippines is also a party, or considered a public
secretary of the embassy or legation, consul general, document under such treaty or convention pursuant to
consul, vice consul, or consular agent or by any officer paragraph (c) of Section 19 hereof the certificate or its
in the foreign service of the Philippines stationed in the equivalent shall be in the form prescribed by such treaty or
foreign country in which the record is kept, and convention subject to reciprocity granted to public
authenticated by the seal of his office.(25a) documents originating from the Philippines.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 24; Proof of official record.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
For documents originating from a foreign country which is not
a contracting party to a treaty or convention referred to in the
next preceding sentence, the certificate may be made by a
secretary of the embassy or legation, consul general, consul,
vice-consul, or consular agent or by any officer in the foreign
service of the Philippines stationed in the foreign country in
which the record is kept, and authenticated by the seal of his or
her office.
A document that is accompanied by a certificate or its
equivalent may be presented in evidence without further
proof, the certificate or its equivalent being prima facie
evidence of the due execution and genuineness of the
document involved. The certificate shall not be required when
a treaty or convention between a foreign country and the
Philippines has abolished the requirement, or has exempted
the document itself from this formality. (24a)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 24; Proof of official record.
The new formulation of Section 34 incorporates the efficacy of
the Apostille Convention. Thus, when the record is kept is in a
foreign country, which is a party to Apostille Convention, the
certificate or its equivalent shall be in the form prescribed by
such treaty or convention subject to reciprocity granted to
public documents originating from the Philippines.
Thus, if a document is Apostillized, that is considered proof of
such document and prima facie proof of its authenticity and due
execution.
How do we prove documents originating in a country
outside the Philippines which is not a
party to the convention?
It is proved by a the certificate may be made by
a secretary of the embassy or legation, consul
general, consul, vice-consul, or consular agent
or by any officer in the foreign service of the
Philippines stationed in the foreign country in
which the record is kept, and authenticated by
the seal of his or her office.
Orion Savings Bank vs. Suzuki, G.R. No.
205487, November 12, 2014
In this case, the petitioner is trying to prove the existence of
South Korean Law on conjugal ownership of property. In
doing so, he presented a “Certificate from Embassy of
Korea” as to the existence of that law.
SC said it is not enough. This certification, does not qualify
as sufficient proof of the conjugal nature of the property
for there is no showing that it was properly authenticated
by the seal of his office, as required under Section 24 of
Rule 132.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 25; What attestation of copy must state.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 25. What attestation of copy must state. Sec. 25. What attestation of copy must state.
—Whenever a copy of a document or record - Whenever a copy of a document or record
is attested for the purpose of evidence, the is attested for the purpose of evidence, the
attestation must state, in substance, that the attestation must state, in substance, that the
copy is a correct copy of the original, or a copy is a correct copy of the original, or a
specific part thereof, as the case may be. The specific part thereof, as the case may be. The
attestation must be under the official seal of attestation must be under the official seal of
the attesting officer, if there be any, or if he the attesting officer, if there be any, or if he
be the clerk of a court having a seal, under or she be the clerk of a court having a seal,
the seal of such court.(26a) under the seal of such court. (25 a)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 26; Irremovability of public record.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 26. Irremovability of public record. Sec. 26. Irremovability of public record.
—Any public record, an official copy of - Any public record, an official copy of
which is admissible in evidence, must which is admissible in evidence, must
not be removed from the office in which not be removed from the office in
it is kept, except upon order of a court which it is kept, except upon order of a
where the inspection of the record is court where the inspection of the
essential to the just determination of a record is essential to the just
pending case.(27a) determination of a pending case. (26)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 27; Public record of a private document.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 27. Public record of a private Sec. 27. Public record of a private
document.—An authorized public document. — An authorized public
record of a private document may be record of a private document may be
proved by the original record, or by a proved by the original record, or by a
copy thereof, attested by the legal copy thereof, attested by the legal
custodian of the record, with an custodian of the record, with an
appropriate certificate that such officer appropriate certificate that such officer
has the custody .(28a) has the custody. (27)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 28; Proof of record.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 28. Proof of lack of record.—A Sec. 28. Proof of lack of record. - A written
written statement signed by an officer statement signed by an officer having the
having the custody of an official record custody of an official record or by his or her
or by his deputy that after diligent deputy that, after diligent search, no
search no record or entry of a specified record or entry of a specified tenor is
tenor is found to exist in the records of found to exist in the records of his or her
his office, accompanied by a certificate office, accompanied by a certificate as
above provided, is admissible as evidence
as above provided, is admissible as that the records of his or her office contain
evidence that the records of his office no such record or entry. (28a)
contain no such record or entry.(29)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 29; How is judicial record impeached.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 29. How judicial record impeached. Sec. 29. How judicial record impeached. -
—Any judicial record may be Any judicial record may be impeached by
impeached by evidence of: (a) want of evidence of:
jurisdiction in the court or judicial (a) want of jurisdiction in the court or
officer, (b) collusion between the judicial officer;
parties, or (c) fraud in the party offering (b) collusion between the parties; or
the record, in respect to the fraud in the party offering the record, in
proceedings.(30a) respect to the proceedings. (29)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 30; Proof of notarial documents.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 30. Proof of notarial documents.— Sec. 30. Proof of notarial documents. -
Every instrument duly acknowledged or Every instrument duly acknowledged or
proved and certified as provided by law, proved and certified as provided by law,
may be presented in evidence without may be presented in evidence without
further proof, the certificate of further proof, the certificate of
acknowledgment being prima acknowledgment being prima facie
facie evidence of the execution of the evidence of the execution of the
instrument or document involved.(31a) instrument or document involved. (30)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 31; Alteration in document, how explain.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 31. Alterations in document, how to explain.— Sec. 31. Alteration in document, how to explain. -
The party producing a document as genuine which The party producing a document as genuine which
has been altered and appears to have been altered has been altered and appears to have been altered
after its execution, in a part material to the after its execution, in a part material to the
question in dispute, must account for the question in dispute, must account for the alteration.
alteration. He may show that the alteration was He or she may show that the alteration was made
made by another, without his concurrence, or was by another, without his or her concurrence, or was
made with the consent of the parties affected by it, made with the consent of the parties affected by it,
or was otherwise properly or innocently made, or or was otherwise properly or innocently made, or
that the alteration did not change the meaning or that the alteration did not change the meaning or
language of the instrument. If he fails to do that, language of the instrument. If he or she fails to do
the document shall not be admissible in evidence. that, the document shall not be admissible in
(32a) evidence. (31a)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 32; Seal.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
SEC. 32. Seal.—There shall be no Sec. 32. Seal. - There shall be no
difference between sealed and difference between sealed and
unsealed private documents insofar as unsealed private documents insofar as
their admissibility as evidence is their admissibility as evidence is
concerned.(33a) concerned. (32)
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
B. Authentication and Proof of Documents
Section 33; Documentary evidence in an unofficial language.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 33. Documentary evidence in an Section 33. Documentary evidence in an
unofficial language. — Documents unofficial language. — Documents
written in an unofficial language shall written in an unofficial language shall
not be admitted as evidence, unless not be admitted as evidence, unless
accompanied with a translation into accompanied with a translation into
English or Filipino. To avoid interruption English or Filipino. To avoid interruption
of proceedings, parties or their of proceedings, parties or their
attorneys are directed to have such attorneys are directed to have such
translation prepared before trial. translation prepared before trial.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
C. Offer and Objection
SECTION 34; Offer of evidence
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 34. Offer of evidence. — Section 34. Offer of evidence. —
The court shall consider no The court shall consider no
evidence which has not been evidence which has not been
formally offered. The purpose for formally offered. The purpose for
which the evidence is offered which the evidence is offered
must be specified. must be specified.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
C. Offer of evidence
Section 35; When to make an offer.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 35. When to make offer. — As Section 35. When to Make Offer. — All
regards the testimony of a witness, the evidence must be offered orally.
offer must be made at the time the The offer of the testimony of a witness in
witness is called to testify. evidence must be made at the time the
witness is called to testify.
Documentary and object evidence shall
be offered after the presentation of a The offer of documentary and object
party's testimonial evidence. Such offer evidence shall be made after the
shall be done orally unless allowed by presentation of a party’s testimonial
the court to be done in writing. evidence.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
C. Offer of evidence
Section 36; Objection.
Section 39. Striking out answer. — Should a Section 39. Striking out answer. — Should a witness
answer the question before the adverse party had the
witness answer the question before the adverse opportunity to voice fully its objection to the same, or
party had the opportunity to voice fully its where a question is not objectionable, but the aswer is
objection to the same, and such objection is not responsive, or where a witness testifies without a
found to be meritorious, the court shall sustain question being posed or testifies beyond limits set by
the objection and order the answer given to be the court, or when the witness does a narration instead
stricken off the record. of answering the question, and such objection is found
to be meritorious, the court shall sustain the objection
On proper motion, the court may also order the and order such answer, testimony or narration to be
striking out of answers which are incompetent, stricken off the record.
irrelevant, or otherwise improper. On proper motion, the court may also order the striking
out of answers which are incompetent, irrelevant, or
otherwise improper.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
C. Offer of evidence
Section 39; Striking out answer.
The amendment spelled out the instances when the Court can
strike out answer:
1. Answer is not responsive.
2. When a witness testified without a question.
3. When a witness testified beyond the limits set by the court.
4. When a witness did a narration.
5. When a witness answered to an otherwise objectionable
question before the adverse had the opportunity to voice fully his
objection.
RULE 132: Presentation of Evidence
C. Offer of evidence
Section 40; Tender of excluded evidence.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 40. Tender of excluded Section 40. Tender of excluded evidence.
evidence. — If documents or things — If documents or things offered in
offered in evidence are excluded by the evidence are excluded by the court, the
court, the offeror may have the same offeror may have the same attached to
attached to or made part of the record. or made part of the record. If the
If the evidence excluded is oral, the evidence excluded is oral, the offeror
offeror may state for the record the may state for the record the name and
name and other personal circumstances other personal circumstances of the
of the witness and the substance of the witness and the substance of the
proposed testimony. proposed testimony.
RULE 133: Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence
SECTION 1; Preponderance of evidence, how taken
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 1. Preponderance of evidence, how determined. — Section 1. Preponderance of evidence, how determined. —
In civil cases, the party having burden of proof must In civil cases, the party having the burden of proof must
establish his case by a preponderance of evidence. In establish his or her case by a preponderance of evidence.
determining where the preponderance or superior weight In determining where the preponderance or superior
of evidence on the issues involved lies, the court may weight of evidence on the issues involved lies, the court
consider all the facts and circumstances of the case, the may consider all the facts and circumstances of the case,
witnesses' manner of testifying, their intelligence, their the witnesses' manner of testifying, their intelligence,
means and opportunity of knowing the facts to which their means and opportunity of knowing the facts to
there are testifying, the nature of the facts to which they which there are testifying, the nature of the facts to which
testify, the probability or improbability of their testimony, they testify, the probability or improbability of their
their interest or want of interest, and also their personal testimony, their interest or want of interest, and also their
credibility so far as the same may legitimately appear personal credibility so far as the same may legitimately
upon the trial. The court may also consider the number of appear upon the trial. The court may also consider the
witnesses, though the preponderance is not necessarily number of witnesses, though the preponderance is not
with the greater number. necessarily with the greater number.
RULE 133: Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence
Section 2; Proof beyond reasonable doubt
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 2. Proof beyond reasonable doubt. — Section 2. Proof beyond reasonable doubt. —
In a criminal case, the accused is entitled to In a criminal case, the accused is entitled to
an acquittal, unless his guilt is shown beyond an acquittal, unless his or her guilt is shown
reasonable doubt. Proof beyond reasonable beyond reasonable doubt. Proof beyond
doubt does not mean such a degree of proof, reasonable doubt does not mean such a
excluding possibility of error, produces degree of proof, excluding possibility of error,
absolute certainly. Moral certainly only is produces absolute certainly. Moral certainly
required, or that degree of proof which only is required, or that degree of proof
produces conviction in an unprejudiced which produces conviction in an
mind. unprejudiced mind.
RULE 133: Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence
Section 3; Extrajudicial confession, not sufficient
ground for conviction.
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 3. Extrajudicial confession, Section 3. Extrajudicial confession,
not sufficient ground for conviction. not sufficient ground for conviction.
— An extrajudicial confession made — An extrajudicial confession made
by an accused, shall not be sufficient by an accused, shall not be sufficient
ground for conviction, unless ground for conviction, unless
corroborated by evidence of corpus corroborated by evidence of corpus
delicti. delicti.
RULE 133: Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence
Section 4; Circumstantial evidence
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
No comparable provision under the old rule. (a) Whether the opinion is based upon sufficient facts or
data;
(b) Whether it is the product of reliable principles and
methods;
(c) Whether the witness has applied the principles and
methods reliably to the facts of the case; and
(d) Such other factors as the court may deem helpful to
make such determination
RULE 133: Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence
Section 5; Weight to be given to expert witness, how determined .
Under the old Rule, Judges do not have standards of how to give weight to
the opinion of an expert witness.
Judges can consider the following:
(a) Whether the opinion is based upon sufficient facts or data;
(b) Whether it is the product of reliable principles and methods;
(c) Whether the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to
the facts of the case; and
(d) Such other factors as the court may deem helpful to make such
determination.
RULE 133: Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence
Section 6; Substantial evidence
Section 2. Contents of petition. — The petition shall be entitled in the Section 2. Contents of petition. — The petition shall be entitled in the
name of the petitioner and shall show: name of the petitioner and shall show:
(a) that the petitioner expects to be a party to an action in a court of (a) that the petitioner expects to be a party to an action in a court of
the Philippines by is presently unable to bring it or cause it to be the Philippines by is presently unable to bring it or cause it to be
brought; brought;
(b) the subject matter of the expected action and his interest (b) the subject matter of the expected action and his interest
therein; therein;
(c) the facts which he desires to establish by the proposed (c) the facts which he desires to establish by the proposed
testimony and his reasons for desiring to perpetuate it; testimony and his reasons for desiring to perpetuate it;
(d) the names of a description of the persons he expects will be (d) the names of a description of the persons he expects will be
adverse parties and their addresses so far as known; and adverse parties and their addresses so far as known; and
(e) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the (e) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the
substance of the testimony which he expects to elicit from each, and substance of the testimony which he expects to elicit from each, and
shall ask for an order authorizing the petitioner to take the depositions shall ask for an order authorizing the petitioner to take the depositions
of the persons to be examined named in the petition for the purpose of of the persons to be examined named in the petition for the purpose of
perpetuating their testimony. perpetuating their testimony.
RULE 134: Perpetuation of Testimony
Section 3. Notice and hearing
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 3. Notice and service. — The Section 3. Notice and service. — The
petitioner shall thereafter serve a notice petitioner shall thereafter serve a notice
upon each person named in the petition as upon each person named in the petition as
an expected adverse party, together with a an expected adverse party, together with a
copy of a petition, stating that the petitioner copy of a petition, stating that the petitioner
will apply to the court, at a time and place will apply to the court, at a time and place
named therein, for the order described in named therein, for the order described in
the petition. At least twenty (20) days before the petition. At least twenty (20) days before
the date of hearing the notice shall be the date of hearing the notice shall be
served in the manner provided for service of served in the manner provided for service of
summons. summons.
RULE 134: Perpetuation of Testimony
Section 4. Order of examination
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 4. Order of examination. — If the Section 4. Order of examination. — If the
court is satisfied that the perpetuation of court is satisfied that the perpetuation of
the testimony may prevent a failure or delay the testimony may prevent a failure or delay
of justice, it shall make an order designating of justice, it shall make an order designating
or describing the persons whose deposition or describing the persons whose deposition
may be taken and specifying the subject may be taken and specifying the subject
matter of the examination, and whether the matter of the examination, and whether the
depositions shall be taken upon oral depositions shall be taken upon oral
examination or written interrogatories. The examination or written interrogatories. The
depositions may then be taken in depositions may then be taken in
accordance with Rule 24 before the hearing. accordance with Rule 24 before the hearing.
RULE 134: Perpetuation of Testimony
Section 5. Reference to the court
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 5. Reference to court. — For the Section 5. Reference to court. — For the
purpose of applying Rule 24 to purpose of applying Rule 24 to
depositions for perpetuating testimony, depositions for perpetuating testimony,
each reference therein to the court in each reference therein to the court in
which the action is pending shall be which the action is pending shall be
deemed to refer to the court in which the deemed to refer to the court in which the
petition for such deposition was filed. petition for such deposition was filed.
RULE 134: Perpetuation of Testimony
Section 6. Use of deposition
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT
Section 6. Use of deposition. — If a Section 6. Use of deposition. — If a
deposition to perpetuate testimony is deposition to perpetuate testimony is
taken under this rule, or if, although not taken under this rule, or if, although not
so taken, it would be admissible in so taken, it would be admissible in
evidence, it may be used in any action evidence, it may be used in any action
involving the same subject matter involving the same subject matter
subsequently brought in accordance subsequently brought in accordance
with the provisions of Sections 4 and 5 with the provisions of Sections 4 and 5
of Rule 24. of Rule 24.
RULE 134: Perpetuation of Testimony
Section 7. Deposition pending appeal
OLD RULES 2019 AMENDMENT