PART II: Philippine Legal Information Resources and Citations

Milagros Santos-Ongwas the Director of the Library Services of the Supreme Court of the Philippines before she retired in 2017. She is the author of Legal Research and Citations (Rex Book), a seminal book published in numerous editions, the latest of which is 2018 and a part-time professor on Legal Research in several law schools in Metro Manila.

Published January/February 2020

(Previously updated in June 2009, March 2012, and March 2015)

See Part I

1. Introduction

The Philippine Legal System is a unique blend of civil law (Roman), common law (Anglo-American), Muslim (Islamic) and indigenous law. Laws and jurisprudence since the first Philippine Republic are applicable until they are repealed or superseded. The increasing numbers of laws and jurisprudence are found in books (reference materials, treatises, commentaries and annotations) and electronic resources. In the Philippines, access to legal information and materials and where they be obtained is difficult due to the following.

First, there is no complete and up to date (or the latest) printed laws and jurisprudence (case law), whether it be primary sources (by the Philippine National/Government Printing Office) or secondary sources (by commercial or private institutions). Philippine Reports (compilation of Supreme Court decision) from 1901 until 1961 are out of print. The printing of the updates by the Government Printing Office was so slow and to remedy this problem, in 1983 the Chief Justice requested the President to transfer to the Supreme Court printing and publication of this primary source. On the other hand, for laws, Executive Order No. 200 s. 1986 was promulgated by President Corazon C. Aquino on June 18, 1987.

This Executive Order amended Article 2 of the Civil Code, which provides that “laws shall take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette.” With Executive Order No. 200, “Laws shall take effect fifteen days following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of General Circulation.” All legislative enactments or Republic Acts are still published in the Official Gazette to make it a primary source.

For complete compilation laws from 1898 to 1987, there are a few law libraries in the country. The complete compilation of the Official Gazette where all laws must be published as required by the Philippine Civil Code for laws to be effective is available only in microfilm.

Second, there are no complete search tools for laws and jurisprudence such as indexes, digests, etc.

The remedy to the above problems is the use of the latest technology. Government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations have their own websites where they upload their rules and regulations to be accessible even worldwide. Online sources have been developed by both government and the private sector to provide access to the increasing Philippine legal information. These online sources are discussed in

Sections 2 through 5 list updated bibliographies of leading sources of law from Philippines. The list is organized by subject with additional sub-categories for each subject. The list focuses on more recent publications (2015 on), while older publications are part of and can be accessed by clicking one of the previous versions of Part II. See links above in the publication statement.

2. Books and Other Published Legal Materials

The books and electronic sources are regularly updated. The update for 2019 will include books published from 2015 to present. For older editions of Reference Materials, Form Books, Statutory and Jurisprudence and books by subject, the 2015 Archive edition can be used.

2.1. Dictionaries

  • Lim, Virginia Jeannie P. Dictionary of terms and phrases in taxation. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2015) 266p.
  • Llanes, Emilio M. A compilation of legal maxims. 2016 rev. ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 357p.
  • Salao, Ernesto. Law Dictionary. Manila: Rex Book Store (2013)
  • Sibal, Jose Agaton. Philippine Legal encyclopedia 2018 commemorative ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 2v.

Directories

  • Duque, Fernando B. Directory of Philippine courts, quasi-judicial and administrative offices. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 3014p.

2.2. Statutory Law Books – Electronic Compilation

  • Chanrobles
  • Law Juan. iPad App (Lacd romws)
  • Lawphil Manila: Arellano Law Foundation
  • Lex Libris: Laws. Pasig City: CD Asia Technologies Inc (CD ROM) and CD Asia online
  • National Administrative Register: Quarterly publication of all government and department orders, rules and regulations filed with the UP-Law Center pursuant to 1987 Administrative Code (Executive Order No. 292) This will be electronically available at the Supreme Court E-Library and CD Asia Inc.
  • MyLegalWhiz – Legal Intelligence on Demand
  • Official Gazette
  • SC E-Library

Administrative Rules and Regulations

Administrative agencies and other government instrumentalities have their own regulations and regulations which are generally not published. To get the latest text of these regulations, one has to go to the specific government agencies now available through their websites or through the link of the Official Gazette online. The following are alternate sources:

  • National Administrative Register – Quarterly publication of all governmental and department orders, rules and regulations filed with the UP Law Center pursuant to 1987 Administrative Code (Executive Order No. 292). This will be electronically available at the Supreme Court E-Library and CD Asia Inc. CD Rom
  • Official Gazette. Q.C.: National Printing Office
  • Philippine Law Journals such as Ateneo Law Journal, Court Systems Journal, Lawyers Review, Philippine Law Journal, etc.
  • Bulletin and/or Newsletter of the Administrative Agency and Instrumentality is the latest source of administrative regulations.

International Treaties

Case Law/Jurisprudence

Case/Court Reports – Printed Compilation

  • Philippine Reports. Manila: Bureau of Printing (vol. 1-126) (starting vol. 127 to present, Manila: Supreme Court of the Philippines (1967 to present)
  • Philippine Reports Annotated Edited by Vicente J. Francisco. Manila: East Pub. Co. (1933) 29v.
  • Philippine Reports Annotated. Compiled, Annotated and Edited by the Editorial Staff of the Central Lawbook Pub., v. 1+ Manila: Central Lawbook Publishing, 1987+
  • Supreme Court Reports Annotated (SCRA). Q.C.: Central Book Supply (1967- ) v.1- present

Case/Court Reports – Electronic Compilation

2.3. Treatises, Annotations, Commentaries and Other Publications by Subject

2.3.1. Civil Law

  • Paras, Edgardo L. Civil Code of the Philippines annotated. 18th ed.Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 5v.
  • Santiago, Miriam D. Civil Code annotated. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 3v.

Bar Reviewers on Civil Law

  • Albano. Ed Vincent. Civil Law Reviewer. Ed Vincent Albano, et al. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 1004p.

Law on Conflicts of Law

  • Aquino, Ranhilio. Elements of Philippine private international law. 3d ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply, Inc. (2016) 328p.
  • Pe Benito, Galahad R.A. Conflict of laws. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 427p.

Credit Transactions

  • De Leon, Hector S. Comments and cases on credit transactions/Hector S. De Leon and Hector M. De Leon Jr. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 897p.
  • Mendiola, Maria Elisa Dr. Guidelines on extrajudicial foreclosure of real property mortgage. Q.C.: Central Book Supply, Inc. (2014) 328p.

Land Titles and Deeds

  • Claridades, Alvin T. Land titles deed, liens and dealings. 2017 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 624p.
  • Genciana, Emmanuel L. A guide on land ownership and registration of title. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 133p.
  • Palabrica Emmanuel B. Land titles and deeds (based on property registration decree and related laws) 2017 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 655p.

Agrarian Reform

  • Claridades, Alvin T. Agrarian reform law: bastion of social justice. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 721p.

Natural Resources

  • Agcaoili, Oswaldo The Law on Natural Resources. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 718p.
  • Contreras, Deo G. Jr. Mining a way of life. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 224p.

Obligations and Contracts

  • Aquino, David Robert C. Obligations and Contracts/David Robert C. Aquino, Aristeo R. Cruz. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 546p.
  • Balane, Ruben. Jottings and jurisprudence in civil law (obligations and contracts). 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 808p.
  • Casis, Rommel J. The law on contracts. Singapore: LexisNexis (2016) 296p.
  • Sta. Maria, Melencio. Obligations and Contracts: Texts and Cases. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 768p.

Partnership

  • Luceres, Bernardo M. Trust, partnership and agency. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 412p.

Persons and Family Relations

  • Barte, Recaredo B. The Family Code revisited. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 350p.
  • Monteclar, Alex L. Compendium on the law on persons and family relations. 2017 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 537p.
  • Legarda, Katrina. Family law. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 3v.
  • Pangalangan, E; The Rights of Husbands, Wives and Lovers. Q.C.: University of the Philippines College of Law (2014) 522p.
  • Rabuya. Law on persons and family relations. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017)
  • Sta. Maria, Melencio. Persons and family relations law 6th ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2015) 1008p.

Property

  • Camua, Terence. Buwis it: a comprehensive handbook for estate planning and settlement. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 415p.
  • Rabuya, Elmer T. Property – rev. 2017ed. Manila Rex Book Store (2017) 825p.
  • Salatan, Hipolito C. Guidebook in the investigation and resolution of land claims and conflicts and reversion cases. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 177p.

Sales

  • Saulog, Cyrus Victor T. Law on sales based on Philippine jurisprudence. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 608p.
  • Villanueva, Cesar Lapuz. Law on Sales/ Cesar Lapuz Villanueva, Teresita Villanueva, Tiansay. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 592p.

Succession

  • Claridades, Alvin T. Succession: Succession: an incisive disquisition. 2017 ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2017) 486p.
  • De, Leon Hector. Comments and Cases on Succession. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 687p.
  • Paguiringan. Notes and cases on succession. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017)

Torts and Damages

  • Albano, Ed Vincent S. Torts and damages. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2016) 554p.
  • Aquino, Timoteo B. Torts and damages. 4th ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 870p.

2.3.2. Commercial Law

General

  • Villanueva-Castro, Marian Zarah Commercial law recap. Q.C. Central Book Supply (2018) 2v.
  • Villanueva-Castro, Marian Zarah R. Take note: Commercial law series. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 455p.

Corporations

  • Aquino, David. Corporation law. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 419p.
  • Balgos, Marcial O. Intra-corporate remedies 2016 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 479p.
  • Lim, Francisco Ed. The Philippine Competition A: salient points and emerging issues. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 278p.
  • Recalde, E. Philippine competition act. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016)
  • Villanueva, Cesar Lopez. Philippine corporate law/Cesar L. Villanueva, Teresita S. Villanueva Tiansay. 5th ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018) 950p.

Insurance

  • Aquino, Timoteo. Essentials of Insurance Law. Manila: Rex Book Store (2014)
  • Carale, Bartolome S. The Philippine insurance law: code, comments and cases. Preliminary ed. Q.C. UP College of Law (2014) 459p.
  • De Leon, Hector S. The law of insurance (with allied laws)/ Hector S. De LeonandHector M. De Leon Jr. 11th ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2017) 314p.
  • Martirez, Lohel A. Philippine insurance code annotated. 5th ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2017) 236p.

Negotiable Instruments

  • Aquino, Timoteo. Notes and cases on negotiable instruments law and banking law. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018) 689p.
  • Salao, Ernesto C. Essentials of Intellectual Property Law. 3rd ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016). 453p.
  • Aquino-Tambasacan, Rocelle S. Negotiable instruments in a nutshell (Act No. 2031). 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2016) 292p.
  • Chavez, Josephrally L. Jr. Negotiable instruments law simplified: (a guide to passing the bar). Manila: Rex Book Store (2015) 704p.
  • De Leon, Hector S. Philippine negotiable instruments law (and allied laws) annotated. Hector De Leon, Hector De Leon, Jr., 2016 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 661p.

Transportation

  • Aquino, Timoteo B. Essentials of transportation and public utilities law/Timoteo B. Aquino and Ramon Paul L. Hernando. 2016 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 1052p.

2.3.3. Criminal Law

Generally

  • Abundiente, Arthur L. The revised penal code annotated. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) v.
  • Agas, Juan L. Criminal justice education: pointers for criminal law, jurisprudence and law enforcement administration. 2nd ed. Q.C.: RMG Pub. House (2016) 389p.
  • Campanilla, Mario. B. Penal system under the Revised Penal Code as amended by RA No. 10951. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018) 370p.
  • Fernandez, Nazario Marbella. Criminal justice education: pointers for criminalistics, crime detection and investigation.2nd rev.ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 398p.
  • Reyes, Luis. The Revised Penal Code. Manila: Rex Book Store (2012) 2v.
  • Ticman, Modesto. Updates on Criminal Law. 3rd ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 439p.
  • Deslate, Alberto L. Law on cybercrimes in the Philippines: an annotation on the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 402p.
  • Dulnuan, Manuel L. Jr. Heinous crimes: trial blueprints. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 679p.
  • Stop the killings, abductions and involuntary or enforced disappearances in the Philippines. Q.C.: Ibon Foundsation, Inc (2007) 238p.

Dangerous Drugs


Sexual Violence, Juvenile Delinquency

  • Guanzon, Rowena. Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995; Notes and Case. Q.C.: UP Law Complex (2014) 181p.
  • Tagupa, May Hazel M. Violence against women and their children. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 195p.

2.3.4. Environmental Law

  • Arquiza, Yasmin. Voices from the islands: how the Asian Conservation Company and the El Nido Resorts a showcase for sustainable tourism/ Yasmin Arquisa and Criselda Yabes. Palawan: Asian Conservation Company (2017) 88p.

2.3.5. Labor Law

  • Atienza, Diego P.Fundamentals of labor law. rev. ed.Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 529p.
  • Azucena, Cesario Alvero Jr. Labor Code with Comments and Cases. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) v.
  • Caingat, Celestino S. Jr. The Labor Code. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) v.
  • De Vera, Arnold E. Labor Code of the Philippines. 2017 ed. Singapore: LexisNexis (2017) 720p.
  • Jimenez, Josephus B. Compendium on the Philippine labor relations law and jurisprudence (with compendium, analysis and annotations) 2017 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 1138p.
  • Jimenez, Josephus B. The 8 secrets for success to leading and managing people through employee discipline. 2017 (3rd ed,). Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 2v.
  • Poquiz, Salvador. Labor standards and social legislation with notes and comments 2018ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018) v.
  • Ungos, Paulino D. Jr. The law on labor standards/ Paulino D. Ungos Jr. and Paulino D. Ungos III. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 495p.
  • Veloso, Vicente S.E. Labor laws annotated. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 2v.
  • Villanueva, Elvin B. The Labor Code of the Philippines. Presidential Decree No. 442 as amended. Quezon City: Central Book Supply (2017). 308p

2.3.6. Legal and Judicial Ethics

  • Antiquera, Eldrid. Comments on the procedure of the Commission on Bar Discipline. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 69p.
  • Aquino, David Robert C. Introduction to law. rev. ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 358p.
  • Barte, Recaredo P. Lawyering in lower level courts. 2017 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 325p.
  • Cachapero, Oliver A. Handbook on the discipline of attorneys and members of the bench. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 252p.
  • Cosico, Rodrigo. Book on Legal and Judicial Ethics. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 182p.
  • Mendoza, Arcega Maria Theresa V. Legal and Judicial Ethics. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2017) 465p.
  • Suarez, Rolando A. Introduction to law. 6th ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 316p.

2.3.7. Legal Education

  • Magallona, Merlin M. Legal education: the search for its strategic center in Filipino cultural development. Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex Information and Publication Division (2016) 71p.

Bar Examination

  • Answers to bar examination question in civil law (1987-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 685p.
  • Answers to bar examination question in criminal law (1987-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 557p.
  • Answers to bar examination question in labor and social legislation (1987-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 639p.
  • Answers to bar examination question in mercantile law (1987-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 562p.
  • Answers to bar examination question in political law (1987-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 582p.
  • Answers to bar examination question in remedial law (1987-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 618p.
  • Answers to bar examination question in taxation (1991-2014). Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 468p.
  • Answers to 2015 bar examination questions. Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2016) 280p.
  • Answers to 2016 bar examination questions. Q.C.: U.P. Law Complex (2017) 281p.

2.3.8. Legal Philosophy

  • Bernardo, Nicolo F. PhiLawsophia: Philosophy and theory of the law with Philippine laws and cases/ Nicolo F. Bernardo and Oscar B. Bernado Manila: Rex Book Store (2014) 256p.
  • Vergara, John Dave.Basic techniques in legal reasoning. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 78p.

2.3.9. Legal Research and Writing

  • Abad. Roberto. Fundamentals of Legal Writing. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2009)
  • Feliciano, Myrna. Philippine legal system. Q.C. UP Law Complex (2015) 195p.
  • Feliciano, Myrna. Philippine manual of legal citations. 8th ed. Q.C. UP Law Complex (2017) 122p.
  • Santos-Ong, Milagros. Legal Research and Citations in the Philippines. 2nd ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018). 255p.
  • Tabucanon, Gil Marvel P. Legal writing: a competency-based approach,/Gil Marvel P. Tabucanon and David A. Mockon. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018) 233p

2.3.10. Political Law

  • Cruz, Carlo L. Notes on the constitution. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 2v.
  • De Leon, Hector S. Philippine constitutional law: principles and cases. Hector De Leon, Hector De Leon, Jr., 6th ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) v.
  • Demgillo, Chezie K. A survey of cases in constitutional law. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) v.
  • Gatmaytan, Dante B. Constitutional law in the Philippines: government structure. Singapore: LexisNexis (2015) 338p.
  • Gatmaytan, Dante B. More equal than others: constitutional law and politics. Q.C.: UP Law Complex (2017) 293p.
  • Suarez, Rolando A. Principles, comments and cases in constitutional law. 3rd ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) v.
  • Gorospe, Rene B. Political law. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 842p.
  • Yu, Eliza B. Fundamentals of the 1987 Philippine constitution. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 2v.

Administrative Law

  • Barte, Recaredo P. Proceedings in administrative and quasi-judicial bodies. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 330p.
  • Cruz, Carlo L. Philippine administrative law. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 697p.
  • De Leon, Hecto S. Administrative law: text and cases. Hector De Leon, Hector De Leon, Jr., 7h ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 503p.
  • Lara, Grace Gaudelyn Brillo. Fundamentals of administrative law/ Grace Gaudelyn Brillo Lara and Gerardo F. Lara. Manila: Rex Book Store (2014) 418p.
  • Philippine Government Procurement Reform Act (R.A. No. 9184) and the Revised 2016 IRR. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 411p.
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; Commission on Audit. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2015) 180p.
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2014) 226p
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; Insurance Commission. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2016) 215p
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; Intellectual Property Office. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2014) 236p
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; Land Registration Authority. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2014) 252p
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; National Labor Relation Commission. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2014) 195p
  • Rules of procedure and other issuances; Securities and Exchange Commission. Editor: Flordeliza C. Vargas –Trinidad. Q.C.: UP Law Center, Office of the National Administrative Register (2015) 232p

Citizenship and Immigration Laws

  • Ledesma, Ronaldo. The Alien Registration Act of 1950 (R.A.562, as amended). 2017 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc. (2017) 417p.

Election Law

  • Ausan, Dennis L. A pocket guide to ballot appreciation. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 133p.

2.3.11. Local Government

  • Angeles, Joseph Emmanuel L. Restatement of the law on local government. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 716p.
  • Aquino, David Robert C. Rules of the Senate rules of procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation annotated. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 429p.
  • Manahan, Emiliano M. Jr. Empowering the Pinoy PWD. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 267p.
  • Maralit, Amado Formoso. Hornbook on Senate impeachment trials. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 271p.
  • Maralit, Amado Formoso. A short introduction to the law governing Senate investigation in aid of legislation. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 214p.
  • Veneracion, Voltaire. People and profits: a guide on business and human rights for NGO/ Voltaire J. Veneracion, AgniMentaki Tripodi. QC: UP Law Center, Institutr of Human Rights (2017) 64p.

2.3.12. International Law

  • Bautista, Lowell B. The Philippine treaty limits: historical context and legal basis in international law. Q.C.: UP Law Center Institute of International Legal Studies (2015) 195p.
  • Duka, Cecilio D. Public International Law simplified. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 215p.
  • International commercial arbitration and Philippine law: jurisdiction and legal studies/ Ed. By Diane A. Desierto. Q.C.: UP Law Center Institute of Legal Studies (2014) v.
  • Magallona, Merlin M. Globalization and sovereignty. Q.C.: UP Law Complex (2016) 347p
  • Magallona, Merlin M. The Philippines in the international law of the sea. Q.C.: UP Law Complex (2015) 169p.
  • Nachura, Antonio Eduardo B. Outline introduction to public international law. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 387p.

2.3.13. Civil Procedure

  • Bathan, Eleuterio Larisma. Recitals in civil procedure with notes and cases including Rules 22 and 24. 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2016)) 893p
  • Riano, Willard. Civil Procedure: the bar lecture series. 2016 bantam ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 2v.
  • Tan, Ferdinand A. Civil Procedure: A Guide for the Bench and the Bar. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 2v

2.3.14. Criminal Procedure

  • Aquino, David Robert C. Criminal jurisprudence, procedure and evidence. Manila: Rex Book Store (2017) 301p.
  • Moya, Salvador N. Notes and cases on the revised guidelines of continuous trial in criminal cases (A.M. No. 15-06-10-SC) in relation to the 2000 rules of criminal procedure. 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 548p.
  • Moya, Salvador N. The 2000 rules of criminal procedure (Rule 110-127): notes and cases. 2017 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 1225 p.
  • Riano, Willard. Criminal Procedure: the bar lecture series). Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 560p.

2.3.15. Evidence

  • Aguilar, Narciso M. Roads to verdict: vignettes on proof, admission and presumptions. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 133p.
  • Francisco, Ricardo J. Basic Evidence. 3rd ed. Q.C. Central Book Supply (2017) 898p.
  • Riano, Willard. Evidence. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 382p.

2.3.16. Special Proceedings

  • Claridades, Alvin T. Special proceedings: an exhaustive exposition. Q.C. Central Book Supply (2017) 239p.

2.3.17. Other Procedural Topics

Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation

  • Angustia, Joseph Domingo M. Alternative dispute resolution: laws, rules and jurisprudence. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 158p.
  • Festin, Gerry Lito L. The Alternative Dispute Resolution. And Arbitration Law (with allied laws, rules and regulations). Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 372p.
  • Lara, Gerardo F. Law and jurisprudence on Alternative Dispute Resolution/Gerardo f. Lara and Grace Gaudelyn Brillo Lara. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 406p.
  • Lopez, Jim V. The law on Alternative Dispute Resolution. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 495p.

Appeals, Certiorari, etc.

2.3.18. Statutory Construction

  • Diaz, Noli. Statutory Construction. 5th ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2016) 444p

2.3.19. Taxation

  • Casasola, Eufrocina M. Sacdalan NIRC and other tax laws. 2016 rev. and updated ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) v
  • Dascil, Rodelio T., NIRC of the Philippines amended: annotated 4th rev. ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 616p.
  • De Leon, Hector. National Internal Revenue Code annotated (P>D> No. 1158, as amended up to R.A. 10864)/ Hector S. De Leon and Hector M. De Leon Jr. 11th ed.Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 2v
  • Gruba, Lily K. Guide notes and cases on the general principles of taxation and the organization of the BIR. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 296.
  • Lucenario, Dina D. Taxation in the Philippines: notes and cases. Q.C. UP College of law (2015) v.
  • Mamalateo, Victorino C. Tax rights and remedies. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 907p.
  • Manahan, Catherine Triunfante. TRAIN LAW v. NLRS: a comparative analysis. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 439p.
  • Montemayor, Jose C. Taxation economics and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN LAW). 2018 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2018) 444p.
  • Recalde, Eric R. A treatise on tax principles and remedies. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 638p.

Income Taxation

  • Dimaampao, Japar. Basic Approach to Income Taxation .2018 ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2018) 267p.

Tariff and Customs Code

  • Dascsil, Rogelio T. The custom modernization and Tariff Act: annotated (RA 10863) 2016 1st ed. Manila: Rex Book Store (2016) 380p.
  • Domondon, Abelardo T. Guide to tariff and customs laws/Abelardo T. Domondon and Roberto T. Domondon. 2016 1st ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 713p.
  • Nague, Ferdinand Asejo. Full text of custom modernization and tariff act (Republic Act No. 10863) 2016 ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 210p.

2.3.20. Trial Technique and Practice

  • Claridades, Alvin T. Judicial affidavits and the prerogative of writs. 2017ed. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2017) 391p.
  • Clemente, Michael Anthony N. Handbook on pleadings, practice and procedure before the labor arbiter. 2017 ed. Q.C.: Central Books Supply (2017) 1158p.
  • Lat, Igmidio C. The judicial affidavit rule/ Igmidio C. Lat and Alfonso Ruiz Jr. Q.C.: Central Book Supply (2016) 114p.

3. Philippine Electronic Sources

3.1. Philippine Online Sources

All government offices including government owned and controlled corporations now have their own websites wherein all their issuances, rules and regulations are uploaded. However, majority of them do not have their own search engines. Those in search for their issuances have to know the specific issuance, number and date. The following is a list of a variety of sources one can utilize.

Supreme Court E–Library: The E-Library aims to be the primary research tool in the speedy delivery of justice. It serves the entire judiciary – Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandigabayan, Court of Tax Appeals, and the lower courts. This E-Library will eventually be opened to those outside the judiciary. It includes all the sources of law, and all Philippine legal materials digitized from primary sources as reflected in its directory:

  • Laws – All statutes from 1901 to present
  • Jurisprudence – Decisions of the Supreme Court from 1901 to date. This is divided into Decisions
    • Decisions – Extended
    • Resolutions (minute resolutions)
  • Court Issuances- This is divided into the following
    • Rules of Court – This contains the Rules of Court from 1918 to the present
    • Administrative Matters
    • Circulars and Orders of the Supreme Court and the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA)
  • Executive Issuances – Contains rules and regulations issued by the President such as:
    • Executive Orders
    • Administrative Orders
    • Memorandum Orders/ Memorandum Circular
    • Proclamations
  • National AdministrativeRegister which contains regulations of government agencies
  • Reference – This section is classified as follows:
    • Manual of Clerks of Court 2vols.
    • Memorabilia – This section is devoted to retired Justices of the Supreme Court. It contains the picture brief biography, decisions, and available articles and speeches of each Justice. The List – is a brief tabular presentation of the Justices arranged alphabetically- Place where they were born, school, date appointed and retired (died) and the President who appointed them
  • Databases of the Appellate Courts namely: Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and the Court of Tax Appeals. A judiciary wide search (Supreme Court and the Appellate Courts) is allowed in the E-Library.

Supreme Court website: The Supreme Court website includes decisions of the Supreme Court from 1996 to present arranged by month for every year and the petitions, oral arguments, audio recording and advisories of landmark decisions like those previously mentioned. Further, the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals and Sandiganbayan have their websites and each includes their decisions, and internal rules.

Executive Department website: This website has been modified under the present President. It is now divided into two websites: gov.ph and the officialgazette.gov.ph.

  • Official Gazette online Contains legal documents. It has both word and pdf files. The word files are searchable.
  • Government website: Contains information about the Philippine government and provides general information useful to guide the public such as how to and where to apply for passport, driver’s license etc.

Congress websites: Each House maintains its separate website. This is important in legal research especially when one searches for the intent of the law and the proceedings of the different Committees of each House.

  • Senate:In addition to the Records, Journals, Committee Reports, etc., this website also has a list of Treaties entered into by the Philippines which are pending for approval. The Constitution provides that all Treaties must be approved by the Senate. If they are not approved, they are considered Executive Agreements. This information is not found on the House websites.
  • House of Representatives: The annual budgetary proposals of all government agencies first submitted to the House of Representatives for deliberation. When approved by the House, this is the time when the proposal is forwarded to the Senate for approval. If one is in search for the proposal of an agency, the House has the copy

Some Law Offices have online resources accessible to the public such as:

Some Law Schools also offer legal information on their websites:

Commercial Subscriptions are also available:

  • eSCRA
  • CD Asia Online – for Laws and Jurisprudence only. Subscription can be made for both Laws and Jurisprudence or individually
  • LAW JUAN (Laws and Jurisprudence) – iPad app
  • My Legal Whiz

3.2. CD-ROMS

  • CD Asia Technologies Inc. CD Asia was established in 1994 as an electronic legal research tool using CD-ROM technology. It has now developed its online technology.

The Philippine Law Library contains compilation of full text materials further subdivided as follows:

  • Lex Libris Series in CD-ROMs updated regularly
    • Laws — Full-text versions of the Philippine Constitutions, Republic Acts, Mga Batas Pambansa, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders, Presidential Proclamations and Letters of Instructions.
    • Taxation – Bureau of Internal Revenue rulings, opinions, memoranda, circulars, VAT Rulings, as well as international tax treaties and local tax ordinances. Also included here are related laws, decisions of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Court of Tax Appeals, as well as executive issuances.
    • Jurisprudence – Supreme Court decisions from 1901. It contains the full-text, syllabi and synopses of the cases.
    • Department of Justice – Complete collection of the Opinions of the Secretary of Justice from 1939 to present.
    • Local Autonomy and Local Government — A compilation of laws, and jurisprudence, policy issuances on local autonomy and local government.
    • Environment and Natural Resources — Comprehensive collection of laws and jurisprudence on the subject including policy issuances and decisions, permits and licenses and tenurial instruments gathered from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its attached agencies.
    • Labor and Social Legislation — Contains related laws, jurisprudence and issuances from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and related agencies.
    • Elections — Contains election related laws and jurisprudence and resolutions and issuances of the Commission on Elections, including there are decisions, Implementing rules and regulations of Electoral Tribunals.
    • Trade Commerce and Industry — Comprehensive collection of materials on trade, banking and finance, intellectual property and related topics. Contains a compilation of pertinent Supreme Court decisions, laws, issuances of various agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Board of Investments, Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Stock Exchange, and other related government offices.
    • Securities and Exchange Commission – Compilation of opinions, en banc, SICD and PEC decisions, orders, rules and regulations, circulars and memoranda of the SEC. Also included are related laws and jurisprudence.
    • Persons and Family Relations – Compilation of references on persons and family relations including related laws, jurisprudence, international treaties and agreements and issuances and publications of the National Commission on the Role of the Filipino Women (NCRFW)
    • The Bench Companion
    • Student Edition – collection of legal information based on subjects in all levels of the Philippine law school curriculum
  • CD Asia titles
    • Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas – Compilation of Laws and issuances related to Banking, BSP Manuals of Regulations for Banks and Financial Intermediaries, and BSP Memorandum Circulars, Orders, Letters, Notices and other Regulations.
    • Department of Agrarian Reform Legal Information Archive – contains a compilation of opinions, memoranda, circulars, and vital documents of the DAR and laws and jurisprudence on the subject.
    • Philippine Customs Laws and Regulations – Customs related laws and other issuances including the Bureau of Customs Corporate Plan and Corporate Manual of Procedure.
    • The National Administrative Register – compilation of Rules and Regulations from different administrative agencies and bureaus filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register as required by the 1987 Revised Administrative Code
    • Proceedings of the 1986 Constitutional Commission. Contains the Records and Journals of the 1986 Constitutional Commission with related issuances.
    • Impeachment Proceedings Against Pres. Joseph E. Estrada. Contains the transcript of the historic impeachment proceedings against former president Joseph E. Estrada.
    • Government Procurement Policy Board
  • Legal Knowledge Titles Library: It is a collection of works of legal experts in various fields of law in CD-ROMs.
    • Quitain, Bobby. Philippine Legal and Judicial Ethics
    • Santiago, J. Sedfrey S. Law for Art’s Sake: An Introduction to Legal Gobbledygook
    • Sarmiento, Ulpiano III. Education Law and the Private Schools
    • Sarmiento, Ulpiano III. Compendium of Education Legislation for Private Basic Education
    • Te, Theodore. Philippine Judicial and Legal Forms
    • Indigenous Peoples and the LawLexicon of Philippine Regal Terms
  • Philippine Law Encyclopedia Series containing two titles:
    • Philippine Legal Encyclopedia
    • Philippine Taxation Encyclopedia in DVD-ROM
  • CD Asia Online containing three titles:
    • Laws – Complete full text of all laws from 1900 to present
    • Jurisprudence – Complete decisions of the Supreme Court from 1901 to present
    • Taxation
    • Department of Justice Opinions

4. Philippine Legal Publishers

Institutional Publishers

  • National Printing Office
  • Supreme Court of the Philippines
  • University of the Philippines Law Center/ University of the Philippines Law Complex
  • University of the Philippines College of Law

Commercial Publishers

  • Anvil Publications
  • C & E Publishers
  • Central Books Supply/Central Professional Books/Central Lawbook Supply
  • National Book Store
  • Rex Book Store Legal Materials
  • Some Authors print their own books. At times, they may be available at the Central Book Supply and/or Rex Book Store

5. Philippine Legal Citations

Considering all the sources of Philippine legal information from the 1900s to present, uniform standard of Philippine citation is needed for clarity and consistency. Each individual has his own style and preference in legal research and writing. There are available manuals of legal citation as a guide in citing Philippinelegal information namely:

  • Feliciano, Myrna. Philippine Manual of Legal Citations. Q.C.: University of the Philippines Law Complex (2013) 117p.
  • Santos-Ong, Milagros. Legal Research and Citations in the Philippines. Manila: Rex Book Store (2013). 208p.
  • Supreme Court’s Manual of Judicial Writing (2005).
  • Fundamentals of Decision Writing for Judges. Manila: Philippine Judicial Academy (2009)
  • Ateneo De Manila School of Law through its Ateneo Law Journal came out with its version of the Legal Citation Primer (2008) 33p.

The legal citation provided below considers the complexity of Philippine legal information and a standard to conform to both international and Philippine citations. Please see, Santos-Ong, Milagros. Legal Research and Citations in the Philippines. Manila: Rex Book Store (2013) page 80.

Constitution: Cited by reference to the article, section and the paragraph. The year is placed in parenthesis when the Constitution is no longer in force. For example:

  • Const. (1935), Art. VIII, Sec. 1
  • Const. (1973), Art. X, Sec. 1
  • Const, (1987), Art. VIII, Sec. 1

Other legal citations provide that when the current law is cited, the date is not included. Taking into consideration the number of times the Philippine Constitution was revised; it is important to include the date. At present, there is a move to revised again the Philippine Constitution either through a Constitutional Convention (Con-Com) or a Constitutional Assembly (Con-Ass).

Statutes: Laws passed by the Legislative Department from 101 to present are cited as follows:

  • For Laws 1901-1934: Act No. 136 (1901)
  • Commonwealth Acts (1935-1945): Com. Act No. 35 (1935)
  • Republic Acts (1946-1972, 1987-present): Rep. Act No. 88 (1946)
  • Presidential Decrees (September 21, 1972 – February 1986): Pres. Decree No. 442 (1972)
  • Batas Pambansa (January 1979- February 1, 1986): Batas Blg. 129 (1980)

Citation of Statutes by Publication Source:

  • Printed Source: Rep. Act No. 3019 (1960), 57 O.G., No. 22, 4072 (May 29, 1961) or 4 PPGS 85 (Rev. ed., 1978).
  • The printed sources are the Official Gazette (O.G.) or the Philippine Permanent and General Statutes (PPGS)
  • Electronic Sources: Rep. Act No. 3019 (1960) (last visited August 29, 2012); the Ombudsman ((last visited August 29, 2012); The Central Bank (last visited August 29, 2012).

Treaties: This includes treaties entered into by the Philippines whether it be bilateral or multilateral. Cited by the name of the treaty and the date when the treaty was signed. For example:

  • Printed source: Philippines Extradition Treaty with the United States, signed November 13, 1994. 8 PTS 978.
    • 8 cited in the source represents the volume number of the Philippine Treaty Series and 978 is the page where the treaty was printed.
    • Electronic Sources: Philippines Extradition Treaty with the United States, signed November 13, 1994 (last visited January 02, 2020).

Executive/Presidential Issuances: Presidential issuances are cited by the number of the issuance and followed by the date of issuance. The date is important for each year, the number starts with the first number (No. 1).

  • Executive Orders: Exec. Order No. 200 (1986).
  • Proclamations: Proc. No. 1081 (1972)
  • Administrative Orders: Adm. Order No. 200 (2005)

Special Presidential Issuances under Martial law as follows:

  • General Orders: Gen. Order No. 1 (1972)
  • Letters of Instructions: L.O.I. No. 2 (1972)
  • Letters of Implementation: L.O. Impl. No. 1 (1972)
  • Letters of Authority: L.O.A. No. 1 (1972)

Administrative Rules and Regulations: Government offices and agencies promulgate their own rules and regulations. They are cited by the abbreviation of the name of each agency, followed by the name of the specific rule or regulation. It is important to indicate the year in parenthesis for each year, the number of the rules and regulations start with the first number (No.1). For example:

  • Administrative Order No. 1 promulgated by the Department of Energy on January 5, 2006 is thus cited as: DOE Adm. Order No. 1 (2006).
  • SC Adm. Order No. 1 (2005). This is the citation for Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 1 adopted in 2005.

Abbreviations as to the names of the Different Government Agencies are through the Acronyms of the Agencies, which is also reflected on their website address.

Name of Agency

Abbreviation

Department of Agrarian Reform

DAR

Department of Agriculture

DA

Department of Budget and Management

DBM

Department of Education

DEPED

Department of Energy

DOE

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DENR

Department of Finance

DOF

Department of Foreign Affairs

DFA

Department of Health

DOH

Department of Interior and Local Government

DILG

Department of Information and Communications Technology

DICT

Department of Justice

DOJ

Department of Labor and Employment

DOLE

Department of National Defense

DND

Department of Public Works and Highways

DPWH

Department of Science and Technology

DOST

Department of Tourism

DOT

Department of Trade and Industry

DTI

Department of Social Welfare and Development

DSWD

Department of Transportation

DOTr

Civil Service Commission

CSC

Commission on Elections

COMELEC

Commission on Audit

COA

Commission on Human Rights

CHR

Office of the Solicitor General

OSG

 

Ordinances: The laws passed by the city, municipal or provincial government (local government) are in the form of ordinances. They are cited by providing the name of the city, municipality or the province, followed by the ordinance number and the date. For example:

  • City ordinance No. 1 of the city of Manila passed on June 21, 2004 is cited as: Manila Ordinance No. 1, June 21, 2004.

Court Rules: The Rules of Court is cited like any ordinary code by its name, followed by the rule number and section. For example:

  • Rule of Court, Rule 14, sec.1.

Jurisprudence – Court Decisions: The Supreme Court through the proposal of the Committee of Revision of Rules Courts amended the Rules of Court by subject, such as Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Special Proceedings. They are now cited by said amendments as follows:

  • Criminal Procedure, Rule 115, se. 1 (2000)
  • Civil Procedure, Rule 70, sec. 1 (1997)

Court decisions from the Supreme Court down to the lower courts can be identified through their case number and are cited as follows:

  • Supreme Court decisions: G.R. No. ___, date of promulgation.
  • Court of Appeals decisions: C.A.-G.R. NO. ___-R, CV, CR or SP, date of promulgation
  • Sandiganbayan decisions: Sandiganbayan Crim Case No. ____, date of promulgation
  • Court of Tax Appeals decisions – CTA Case No.____, date of promulgation
  • Metropolitan Trial Courts: Me TC (Place & Branch No.) Civil or Criminal Case No. ___, date of promulgation. Example:
    • People v. Santiago, Me TC (Quezon City, Branch II) Crim. Case No. 4444, May 10, 2005
  • Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts decisions: MTC or MCTC (Place) Criminal or Civil Case No.______, date of promulgation
  • Shari’ah District and Circuit Courts: Shari’ah Dist/Circ. Ct. (Place) Case no.___, date of promulgation

For all decisions of the Supreme Court, a specific G.R. No or General Register No. is assigned. Each case is cited with a G.R. No. The L (G.R. No. L) after the word No. In some decisions represents those decision after the war or L is for Liberation. This will differentiate those that were decided before the war and those decided after.

There is no printed compilation for Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals and lower court decisions. The full text of important decisions is found in the internet like the decision of the Sandiganbayan against former President Joseph Estrada.

The citation of Court decisions depends upon whether the printed court reports are a primary or a secondary source. Those found in primary sources such as the Philippine Reports or the Official Gazette are cited by the family name of the parties, the volume number, Court Report title, page of the court report, and the year of promulgation in parenthesis. For example:

  • Ong v. People, 399 Phil. 686 (2000) [The Ong case is found in volume 399 of the Philippine Reports page 686]
  • Ong v. People, 399 Phil. 686, 688 (2000) [686 is the page where the case started and 688 is the specific page where the doctrine used is found.]

Those found in secondary sources such as the Supreme Court Reports Annotated (SCRA) are cited by family name of the parties, case no. (G.R. No.), date of promulgation, volume number of the court reports and page. For example:

  • Ong v. People, G.R. No. 139006, November 27, 2000, 346 SCRA 117.

The case names are cited using the surnames of the parties. Exception to the general rule of using family names are Islamic, Chinese names, which are cited in full. Those with Christian first names follow the general rule. For example:

  • Sy Chin v. Tang Ching Heng & Co., 399 Phil. 442 (2000).

When the party is a company, agency corporation, etc., the complete name must be included. For example:

  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority v. Chiongbian, 399 Phil. 695 (2000).

When the party is the Government of the Philippines, the court decisions are cited as follows:

  • Government v. ________, date of promulgation, Source
  • Commonwealth v. ________, date of promulgation, Source
  • Republic v. ______, date of promulgation, Source

In criminal cases wherein the case if filed for the People of the Philippines, it is cited as: People v. ______, date of promulgation, Source

Citation of Electronic Sources

  • Ong v. People, G.R. No. 139006, November 27, 2000 (last visited January 2, 2020)

Administrative decisions: Cited by the name of the agency (abbreviated form), case number and date of promulgation. For example:

  • Santos v. Dizon, CSC Adm. Case No. 12345, January 6, 2006. [Civil Service Commission Decision]