Can an agrarian reform awardee legally mortgage or sell his or her land? What should prevail: the protection of agrarian reform’s social justice intent or the enforcement of private contractual rights?
Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jose Lorenzo R. dela Rosa, a member of the Remedial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. He once served as the presiding judge of a family and exclusive land registration court in the City of Manila.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice dela Rosa discuss mortgage and sale of lot properties covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law within the context of the case of Elizabeth Ong Lim versus Lazaro N. Cruz, GR No. 248650, penned by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, decided on March 15, 2023.
In October 2022, the Supreme Court formally launched the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), envisioned as a long-term reform program and a blueprint for action under the leadership of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.
Three years on, what progress has been made on the plans laid out in SPJI? Are the lofty goals being achieved? Is the vision closer to becoming a reality?
In this special video episode, watch nine sitting Members of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Gesmundo and Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, as they converse with Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo to discuss 14 transformative projects under the SPJI during its 3rd Anniversary event at the Manila Hotel on October 22, 2025.
This special video episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on YouTube and the #SupremeCourtPH website.
How can our justice system balance accountability with compassion, ensuring that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are not only punished but also given real opportunities for reform and reintegration?
Listen to the conclusion of the two-part episode of the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Justice Karl B. Miranda, a staunch advocate of prison reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo continues his conversation with Justice Miranda, who discusses concrete projects for the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs into society, among others.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on YouTube and the #SupremeCourtPH website.
How can a person deprived of liberty (PDL) find redemption? Can education behind bars transform lives and pave the way for reintegration? Listen to the first of a two-part episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Justice Karl Arian A. Castillo, a staunch advocate of prison reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo sits down with Justice Miranda, who shares his advocacy and personal experiences that inspired his lifelong commitment to the reform and reintegration of PDLs.This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on YouTube and the #SupremeCourtPH website.
What is the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS), and why is there a need for it? Who are the qualified beneficiaries, and how do they apply for assistance? What kinds of legal services are considered to be creditable under ULAS Rules? And what's in it for lawyers who comply with the ULAS Rules?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Atty. Karl Arian A. Castillo, a private practitioner and a member of the ULAS interim board, chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Castillo discuss the Rules on the Unified Legal Aid Service and its implementing manual.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on YouTube and the #SupremeCourtPH website.
Did the repeal of the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA 9775) through the passage of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act (RA 11930) extinguish the criminal liability of those charged with the former? What are the other effects of the subsequent enactment of RA 11930?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Wilhelmina B. Jorge-Wagan, a member of the Supreme Court Special Committee on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence, and a Professorial Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Wagan talk about the repeal of a criminal act by its reenactment and whether it would extinguish or erase criminal liability within the context of the case of People of the Philippines v. YYY, G.R. No. 262941, penned by then Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, decided on February 20, 2024.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on YouTube and the #SupremeCourtPH website.
What is the specific timeframe within which a case for cyber libel should be filed?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Wilhelmina B. Jorge-Wagan, a member of the Supreme Court Special Committee on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence, and a Professorial Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Wagan discuss cyber libel, commonly referred to as online libel, within the context of the case of Berteni Cataluña Causing v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 258524, penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, decided on October 11, 2023.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on YouTube and the #SupremeCourtPH website.
What key principles should we understand about the Writ of Habeas Data and the Writ of Kalikasan? How do these writs work in practice, and why were they introduced in the Philippine legal system? How do they empower citizens to assert their rights in the face of modern challenges, whether in the digital landscape or in the protection of our environment?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Atty. Tranquil Gervacio S. Salvador III, Dean of the School of Law and Jurisprudence of the Manila Adventist College, and Professorial Lecturer of the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Dean Salvador discuss the Writ of Habeas Data and the Writ of Kalikasan, two other protective legal remedies available in the Philippines, in the conclusion of the two-part episode on “Extraordinary Writs.”
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What is Writ of Amparo, and why was it introduced in the Philippine legal system? How does it serve as a protective remedy to uphold an individual’s right to life, liberty, and security, especially in cases of threats, enforced disappearances, or extrajudicial killings?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Dean Tranquil Gervacio S. Salvador III, Dean of the School of Law and Jurisprudence of the Manila Adventist College, and Professorial Lecturer of the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Dean Salvador discuss the Writ of Amparo, one of the protective legal remedies available in the Philippines, in the first of a two-part episode on “Extraordinary Writs.”
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available onthe #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, looks back on her Bar journey and shares her insights in #SCphPodcast Episode 85: Bar Lessons and Beyond.
How were the Bar Examinations during Justice Lazaro-Javier’s time different from today in terms of scope, the conduct of the exams and the release of the results? How important are the Bar Exams in shaping future lawyers? In today's world, why is it still important to be a lawyer? How does the profession remain relevant?
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What is inordinate delay, and how does it affect a case in a legal proceeding? Under what conditions can inordinate delay cause a case to be dismissed, and how do courts evaluate such delays? How do courts ensure both due process for the accused and the state's right to fair prosecution?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi, who served as Bar Examiner in Remedial Law in 2022.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Musngi discuss the concept of inordinate delay in legal proceedings within the context of the consolidated cases of Cesar Matas Cagang v. Sandiganbayan, et al., G.R. Nos. 206438 and 206458 and Cesar Matas Cagang v. Sandiganbayan, et al., G.R. Nos. 210141-42; penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, decided on July 31, 2018.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
In graft cases, under what circumstances can shortcuts in public procurement or government procurements without public bidding be deemed justified, potentially leading to an acquittal?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi, who served as Bar Examiner in Remedial Law in 2022.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Musngi revisit the issue of procurement in government transactions and explore the circumstances under which shortcuts in public procurement may be considered within the context of the consolidated cases of Richard T. Martel et al. v. People of the Philippines, GR No. 224720-23, and Benjamin P. Bautista Jr. v. People of the Philippines, GR No. 224765-68, penned by Supreme Court Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, decided on February 2, 2021.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
Are judgments of acquittal final, or are there exceptions? Does the guarantee against double jeopardy preclude the Court from declaring a judgment of acquittal as void when it has been rendered in violation of the State's right to be heard and prosecute its case?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal, a member of the Remedial Law Department of the Philippine Judiciary Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Caringal talk about the right against double jeopardy within the context of the case of the case of Manuel T. Ubarra, Jr., v. People of the Philippines, G. R. No. 249890, penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, decided on October 9, 2024.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What is an acquittal? On what grounds may an accused secure an acquittal, and what are the consequences of such an acquittal?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal, a member of the Remedial Law Department of the Philippine Judiciary Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Caringal talk about acquittals in general and what are the possible grounds for an accused to be absolved of a crime within the context of the case of Roel Gementiza Padillo v. People of the Philippines, GR No. 271012, penned by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, decided on October 9, 2024.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What are the key differences between RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act) and RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) in how harassment is defined and who are protected? How do these laws vary in terms of accountability, legal remedies, and scope?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Judge Bernard P. Bernal, who also serves as a Professorial Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Bernal discuss RA 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, vis-à-vis RA 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, highlighting what sets them apart.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What acts constitute sexual harassment in a work environment, and do employers in the Philippines have a legal and moral obligation to prevent it? More importantly, can an employer’s failure to act on such complaints result to its liability for constructive dismissal?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Judge Bernard P. Bernal, who also serves as a Professorial Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Bernal discuss the responsibility of employers in addressing sexual harassment complaints, and whether their failure to act promptly and sensitively to such complaints can lead to liability for constructive dismissal within the context of the case of LBC Express-VIS, Inc. v. Palco, G.R. No. 217101; penned by Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and decided by the Court on February 12, 2020.
This episode of the #SCphPodcast is also available onthe #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What happens when a public official bypasses the public bidding requirement in a government transaction? Can negotiated procurement justify the disregard of public bidding, which is the default mode of procurement under the old law, Republic Act No. 9184?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, who also serves as a Professorial Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Estoesta discuss the requirement of competitive public bidding in government procurements and its difference from negotiated procurement within the context of the case of People of the Philippines v. Jeorge Ejercito Estregan, G.R. No. 248699, penned by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ricardo R. Rosario, and decided on February 5, 2025.
This episode of the SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
What violations do lawyers commit under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) when they forge court orders? Is disbarment an automatic and appropriate penalty for lawyers who falsify documents?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, Member of the Department of Ethics and Judicial Conduct of the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Estoesta discuss what violations of the CPRA were committed by a lawyer who forged a court order within the context of the case of Judge Ray Alan T. Drilon and Atty. Corazon P. Romero v. Atty. Ariel D. Maglalang, A.C. No. 8471. This is a per curiam Decision of the Supreme Court En Banc promulgated on August 22, 2023.
This episode of the SCphPodcast is also available on the #SupremeCourtPH website and YouTube.
Does the incumbency and continuous discharge of duties of public officials in one locality preclude them from validly acquiring a new domicile in another locality to satisfy the residency requirement under the Local Government Code?
More importantly, is it time for the Supreme Court to revisit the second placer rule to determine who should serve the remaining term of a winning candidate whose certificate of candidacy (COC) has been cancelled and who has been disqualified?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guest Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) lecturer and former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner, Atty. Luie Tito F. Guia.
Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Guia discuss several very important issues in the Philippine elections: the concept of domicile, false material representation in the COC as a ground for its cancellation, and the second placer rule within the context of Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu v. The Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. Nos. 260219 & 260231, penned by Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan and decided by the Court En Banc on April 22, 2025.
This episode of the Supreme Court Podcast is also available on the SC website.
How has the Philippine judiciary contributed to protecting the rights of refugees and stateless persons?
Listen to the latest episode of the Supreme Court Podcast with guests Atty. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the Philippines Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres, Member of the Supreme Court Special Committee on the Facilitated Naturalization for Refugees and Stateless Individuals; and Mr. Jalal Aboughaula, a naturalized Filipino citizen and former refugee.
In the final installment of this two-part episode, Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo, Judge Torres, and Atty. Gallardo discuss A.M. No. 21-07-22-SC or the Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons, and its impact on the naturalization process. Mr. Aboughaula, for his part, shares his own experience.
This episode of the Supreme Court Podcast is also available on the SC website.