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Responsible Use of Social Media under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA)

The Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) provides that a lawyer shall uphold the dignity of the legal profession in all social media interactions in a manner that enhances the people’s confidence in the legal system, as well as promote its responsible use.

Justifying Circumstance of Insanity

In Ruiz v. People of the Philippines (G.R. No. 244692), the Supreme Court held that while prior medical records can be relevant, they are not required to prove that the accused’s medical condition led to the crime. Therefore, the absence of documented psychiatric history should not be taken against the accused claiming legal insanity.

Unjustified Absence from Marital Home considered Psychological Incapacity

In the case of Lanuza v. Lanuza, G.R. No. 242362, April 17, 2024, the Supreme Court held that unjustified absence from the marital home for decades may be considered as part of the totality of evidence that a person is psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential obligations of marriage.

Importance of Notarization of Documents

In the case of TOMAS N. OROLA AND PHIL. NIPPON AOI INDUSTRY, INC. VS. ATTY. ARCHIE S. BARIBAR, A.C. No. 6927, March 14, 2018, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance and purpose of notarization. It said that notarization is not an empty, meaningless, or routinary act. It is impressed with substantial public interest, and only those who are qualified or authorized may act as such. It is not a purposeless ministerial act .of acknowledging documents executed by parties who. are willing to pay fees for notarization. Notarization of documents ensures the authenticity and reliability of a document. Notarization of a private document converts such document into a public one, and renders it admissible in court without further proof of its authenticity. Courts, administrative agencies and public at large must be able to rely upon the acknowledgment executed by a notary public and appended to a private instrument.

Guidelines on Presenting Firearms as Evidence in Court

Jurisprudence dictates that the corpus delicti in illegal possession of firearms is the lack of license to own or possess a firearm. However, for the Court to rule that there is no need to present the firearm as evidence would have dangerous consequences. It would be easy for anyone to plant a firearm as evidence, arrest the person, then charge them for illegal possession if their name does not appear in the database of the Firearms and Explosives Office of the Philippine National Police. Anyone could easily be convicted by the mere issuance of a certification that they do not have a license to own and possess a firearm. Thus, the preservation of the integrity of the confiscated firearm is crucial.

Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court

In recent months, the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been under harsh scrutiny by many Filipinos. Therefore, to give us a better understanding of what the ICC is and whether or not it has jurisdiction to try criminal cases here in our country, here are some key points gathered from the ICC’s booklet “Understanding the International Criminal Court”, published in 2020.