Supreme Court Ph Podcast

Does the use of online chat logs and videos as evidence in court proceedings violate the right to privacy? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Judge Janice L. Andrade-Udarbe, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 57, Lucena City, Quezon, and Acting Presiding Judge of Pasig City RTC Branch 161. Judge Andrade-Udarbe is also Professorial Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy, an MCLE Lecturer, a law professor, Bar reviewer, and author of law books. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Andrade-Udarbe discuss the use of online chat logs and videos as evidence vis-à-vis the right to privacy, within the context of the case of 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘷. 𝘌𝘶𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘖. 𝘙𝘰𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘻, G.R. No. 263603. This Decision was penned by then Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez and promulgated by the Supreme Court Second Division on October 9, 2023.

Can a trial court issue a provisional custody order based solely on a parental compromise agreement without conducting a full-blown trial? In child custody cases, are courts bound by what parents agree on, or does the best interest of the child always come first? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Emily L. San Gaspar-Gito. She is a member of the Family Law and Civil Law Departments of the Philippine Judicial Academy, as well as the Court of Appeals Committee on Rules and the Supreme Court Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns. She is also a law professor and Bar reviewer. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice San Gaspar-Gito discuss parental compromise agreements and the best interest of the child in custody cases within the context of the case of Empuerto v. Cabrillos, GR No. 268979. This decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and promulgated by the Supreme Court Second Division on February 5, 2025.

For legitimated children, how do you correct details in their birth certificates to reflect their father’s surname? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Emily L. San Gaspar-Gito. She is a member of the Family Law and Civil Law Departments of the Philippine Judicial Academy, as well as the Court of Appeals Committee on Rules and the Supreme Court Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns. She is also a law professor and Bar reviewer. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice San Gaspar-Gito discuss legitimation and change of surname within the context of the case of Teresita Calliza Barba v. Local Civil Registrars of Manila and of Cebu City, G.R. No. 269743. This Decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and promulgated by the Supreme Court Second Division on August 18, 2025.

Does the use of common familial terms such as “uncle” or “niece” in a criminal information, particularly in rape cases, sufficiently inform the accused of the nature of their relationship to the victim, especially when the relationship qualifies the crime and increases the penalty? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Dean Ace Pamaran, a Bar Examiner in Criminal Law during the 2024 Bar Examinations. He is a seasoned court attorney and law professor with extensive experience in decision writing, legal research, judicial management and administration, and legal education. He has also lectured on the Supreme Court Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations or SPJI, gender sensitivity and gender-based violence, tourism laws, cybercrime, and legal writing. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Pamaran discuss the significance of making proper allegations in a criminal information within the context of the case of People of the Philippines v. BBB254878, G.R. No. 254878. This Decision was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and promulgated by the Supreme Court En Banc on October 22, 2024.

How can a valid arrest collapse over an unmarked gun, and how crucial is the chain of custody in securing a conviction under RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Dean Ace A. Pamaran, a Bar Examiner in Criminal Law during the 2024 Bar Examinations. He is a seasoned court attorney and law professor with extensive experience in decision-writing, legal research, judicial management and administration, and legal education. He has also lectured on the Supreme Court Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations or SPJI, gender sensitivity and gender-based violence, tourism laws, cybercrime, and legal writing. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Pamaran discuss about the handling of seized firearms during a warrantless search within the context of the case of Tony Baclig II v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 252644. This Decision was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and promulgated by the Supreme Court En Banc on April 8, 2026.

How will eNotarization benefit the public and transform the way Filipinos access notarization services? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Bettina Melchor, Interim Electronic Notary Administrator and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Bar Confidant. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Melchor discuss electronic notarization, as well as significant provisions of the eNotarization Rules and the Guidelines on the Accreditation of Electronic Notarization Facility Providers under A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC.

Paano nakatutulong ang paggamit ng Wikang Filipino sa mga desisyon ng Korte Suprema sa pagpapalapit ng hustisya sa mamamayan habang napapanatili ang kawastuhan ng pangangatwirang legal? Pakinggan ang #SupremeCourtPH Podcast kasama si Retiradong Court of Appeals Associate Justice Apolinario D. Bruselas, Jr. Naging Bar Examiner si Justice Bruselas sa Criminal Law (2010 at 2019) at Remedial Law (2013). Siya ay dating nagsilbi bilang Judge ng Regional Trial Court ng Lungsod ng Quezon City, at bilang prosecutor sa Makati City. Sa pagtatapos ng dalawang-bahaging serye ng podcast na ito, ipagpapatuloy nina Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo at (Ret.) Justice Bruselas, Jr. ang talakayan sa pagsusulong ng Korte Suprema sa paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa mga desisyon nito, gaya ng Velarde laban sa Hukuman ng Pag-aapela sa Buwis, G.R. Bilang 210480. Ang Desisyong ito ay isinulat ni Kasangguning Mahistrado Maria Filomena Singh at inilabas ng Ikatlong Dibisyon ng Korte Suprema noong ika-29 ng Enero, taong 2026.

Mahalaga ba ang pagsusulong sa paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pagsulat ng mga desisyon ng mga hukuman sa Pilipinas? Mas magiging malinaw at mas madaling mauunawaan ba ng nakararaming Pilipino ang mga desisyon kung ang mga ito ay nasusulat sa ating sariling wika? Pakinggan ang #SupremeCourtPH Podcast kasama si Retiradong Court of Appeals Associate Justice Apolinario D. Bruselas, Jr. Naging Bar Examiner si Justice Bruselas sa Criminal Law (2010 at 2019) at Remedial Law (2013). Siya ay dating nagsilbi bilang Judge ng Regional Trial Court ng Lungsod ng Quezon City, at bilang prosecutor sa Makati City. Tatalakayin nina Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo at (Ret.) Justice Bruselas, Jr. sa unang bahagi ng dalawang-bahaging serye ang pagsusulong ng Korte Suprema sa paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa mga desisyon nito, tulad sa kasong Sambayanang Pilipinas laban kay GGG269811, G.R. Bilang 269811. Ang Desisyon na ito ay isinulat ni Kasangguning Mahistrado Maria Filomena Singh at inilabas ng Ikatlong Dibisyon ng Korte Suprema noong ika-7 ng Abril, taong 2026.

Where should the line be drawn between news reporting by the media and a fair trial? How should the law balance a journalist’s duty and responsibility to report on matters of public concern against the court’s duty to protect the fairness of judicial proceedings? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Dante B. Gatmaytan, a Member of the Constitutional Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. Atty. Gatmaytan is a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law where he teaches Constitutional Law, Legal Method, and Local Governments. Before entering the academe, he was a public interest lawyer focusing on environmental and natural resources law, Indigenous People's rights, agrarian reform, and local governance. He also previously served as head of the Information and Publication Division and as director of the Institute for the Administration of Justice of the UP Law Center. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Gatmaytan discuss about press freedom, fair trial, and contempt within the context of the case of ABS-CBN Corp. and Cariño v. Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr., G.R. No. 227004. This Decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and promulgated by the Supreme Court En Banc on April 25, 2023.

Does a congressional inquiry into the spread of fake news online violate the right to free speech or is it considered a legitimate fact-finding exercise in aid of legislation? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Dante B. Gatmaytan, a Member of the Constitutional Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. Atty. Gatmaytan is a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law where he teaches Constitutional Law, Legal Method, and Local Governments. Before entering the academe, he was a public interest lawyer focusing on environmental and natural resources law, Indigenous People's rights, agrarian reform, and local governance. He also previously served as head of the Information and Publication Division of the UP Law Center and as director of the Institute for the Administration of Justice. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Gatmaytan discuss about freedom of speech and legislative inquiries within the context of the case of Ernesto Abines Jr. et al. v. House of Representatives et al., GR No. 278101. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier and promulgated by the Supreme Court En Banc on July 8, 2025.

While lenders and borrowers in a loan agreement may adjust stipulated interest rates, how can borrowers determine when interest charges on loans are no longer reasonable and fair? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Reinier Paul R. Yebra, an examiner in Commercial and Taxation Laws during the 2023 Bar examinations. A graduate and class valedictorian of the San Beda University College of Law in 2009, he also topped the Bar Examinations that same year. He served as Undersecretary for Legal Affairs of the Department of Transportation from 2017 to 2024 and as Acting Deputy Director in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from 2011 to 2017. He is also a law professor and a Bar reviewer. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Yebra discuss loans and their corresponding interest rates within the context of the case of Manila Credit Corp. v. Viroomal, G.R. No. 258526. This Decision was penned by then Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez and promulgated by the Supreme Court Second Division on January 11, 2023.

Should banks be held liable for unauthorized withdrawals from a depositor’s account, particularly those involving substantial amounts, if they fail to exercise the highest degree of diligence required by law? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Reinier Paul R. Yebra, an examiner in Commercial and Taxation Laws during the 2023 Bar examinations. He served as Undersecretary for Legal Affairs of the Department of Transportation from 2017 to 2025 and as Acting Deputy Director in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from 2011 to 2017. A graduate of the San Beda University College of Law, where he was class valedictorian in 2009, he also topped the Bar Examinations that same year. He teaches commercial law and has authored various publications on the BSP, microfinancing, and special banking laws. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Yebra discuss unauthorized bank withdrawals, as well as banking rules and unsanctioned transactions within the context of the case of Banco de Oro Universal Bank, Inc. v. Seastres, G.R. No. 257151. This Decision was penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa and promulgated by the Supreme Court Third Division on February 13, 2023.

With the Judiciary’s latest reforms and renewed ethical commitment by Judiciary, how does the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability balance judges’ and justices’ personal freedom with the responsibility to uphold integrity and maintain public trust in today’s era of social media, artificial intelligence, and heightened public scrutiny? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Joan S. Largo, a Member of the Judicial and Philosophy Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy and of the Supreme Court Technical Working Group that drafted The 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability. She served as the Bar Examiner in Remedial Law in the 2020/21 Bar Examinations and in Civil Law for the 2023 Bar Examinations. She is currently the Vice President for Administration of the University San Carlos and the long-serving former dean of USC’s School of Law and Governance in Cebu. She is the first woman to serve as USC’s Vice President. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Largo discuss the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability, the updated version of the 2004 Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs the conduct of all Justices and judges.

In a contracting arrangement, how do we determine who the true employer is? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Marlon J. Manuel, a Labor Law examiner for the 2022 Bar Examinations and a faculty member of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) School of Law, teaching Labor Law. He is also a Bar Review and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education lecturer at AdMU and previously served as Coordinator of the Alternative Law Groups from 2008-2017. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Manuel discuss contracting agreements within the context of the case of Delera and Quiling v. Philippine Foremost Milling, Corp., Amigo Logistics Corp., MMA Competent Manpower & General Services, Inc., G.R. No. 258481. This Decision was promulgated by the Supreme Court Third Division on November 10, 2025.

In the context of media workers, how does the Court determine whether workers are regular employees or independent contractors? Can workers engaged under Talent Agreements still be considered regular employees? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Marlon J. Manuel, a Labor Law examiner for the 2022 Bar Examinations and a faculty member of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) School of Law, teaching Labor Law. He is also a Bar Review and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education lecturer at AdMU and previously served as Coordinator of the Alternative Law Groups from 2008-2017. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Manuel discuss regular employees, independent contractors, and talent agreements within the context of the consolidated cases of GMA Network, Inc v. Cabaluna, G.R. No. 250673, and GMA Network, Inc. v. Cabaluna, et al., G.R. No. 254711. This resolution was promulgated by the Court’s Third Division on July 16, 2025.

Does entitlement to overtime pay extend to security guards under a ‘broken period’ scheme when their designated rest intervals are too brief to allow practical personal use? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Evelyn (Leo) D. Battad, a member of the Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. She also teaches the same subject at the University of the Philippines Graduate School of Law. A human rights advocate, Attorney Battad is also an associate professor at the UP College of Law, where she teaches labor and social legislation, among others. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Battad discuss the payment of overtime wages within the context of the case of Lorenzo D. Cambila Jr. and Albajar S. Samad v. Seabren Security Agency and Elizabeth S. Dureza, G.R. No. 261716. This Decision was penned by Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and promulgated by the Supreme Court Third Division on October 21, 2024.

What are the effects of accepting a formal job offer? Does an employer-employee relationship commence once a formal job offer is accepted and signed? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. E. (Leo) D. Battad, a member of the Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. She also teaches the same subject at the University of the Philippines Graduate School of Law. A human rights advocate, Attorney Battad is also an associate professor at the UP College of Law, where she teaches labor and social legislation, among others. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Battad discuss what happens when a job offer is accepted, and the implications for employer-employee relationship within the context of the case of Paolo Aragones v. Alltech Biotechnology Corporation, et al., GR No. 251736. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa and promulgated by the Supreme Court Third Division on April 2, 2025.

How do the Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary move beyond simple translation to recognizing the d/Deaf community’s cultural identity? What role do the Rules play in ensuring the d/Deaf’s constitutional right to effectively participate in judicial processes? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Judge Remiebel U. Mondia of Branch 110, Regional Trial Court, Pasay City. A Filipino Sign Language interpreter, Judge Mondia is a member of the Technical Working Group of the Supreme Court that drafted the Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary. Judge Mondia is currently a Board Member and Legal Head of the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Mondia discuss the FSL Rules which took effect on December 15, 2025. This initiative is a core component of the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 or SPJI, which seeks to dismantle barriers and ensure equitable and accessible justice for court users who rely on FSL.

In rape cases, how crucial is the non-consensual nature of the sexual act in determining whether it constitutes a crime and whether reasonable doubt exists? Can a deaf person be expected to give full consent to a sexual act? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Judge Remiebel U. Mondia of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court, Branch 110. A Filipino Sign Language interpreter, Judge Mondia is a member of the Technical Working Group of the Supreme Court that drafted the Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary. Judge Mondia is currently a Board Member and Legal Head of the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Mondia discuss the fundamental role of consent in sexual acts and its impact on establishing the guilt beyond reasonable doubt within the context of the case of People of the Philippines v. San Pedro, G.R. No. 219850. This Decision was penned by Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan and decided by the Supreme Court First Division on July 14, 2021.

Under the law, are satellite airtime fees paid to a non-resident foreign corporation considered income from within the Philippines, and therefore subject to final withholding tax? If so, is the local payor liable for deficiency withholding tax and delinquency interest? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Lanee S. Cui-David. A certified public accountant, Justice Cui-David is a member of the Taxation Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and headed the Bureau’s Information Systems Group. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Cui-David discuss income tax from satellite transmissions within the context of the case of Aces Philippines Cellular Satellite Corporation v. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, GR No. 226680. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and decided by the Supreme Court En Banc on August 30, 2022.

Are interment services covered by the 20% discount on funeral and burial expenses provided by the Senior Citizens Act and its amending laws? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Lanee S. Cui-David. A certified public accountant, Justice David is a member of the Taxation Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and headed the Bureau’s Information Systems Group. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Cui-David discuss the extent of the 20% discount for senior citizens within the context of the case of Republic of the Philippines v. Pryce Corporation, G.R. No. 243133. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda and decided by the Supreme Court En Banc on March 8, 2023.

In tax cases, under what circumstances does the extended 10-year assessment period apply as opposed to the basic three-year assessment period under the Tax Code? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Maria Gracia M. Pulido-Tan, a Member of the Taxation Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. A CertifiedPublic Accountant, Atty. Pulido-Tan is the first woman Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Audit (2011-2015). She also served as a Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (2002-2003), and asUndersecretary of the Department of Finance (2003-2005). Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Pulido-Tan discuss tax assessment periods within the context of the case of McDonald’s PhilippinesRealty Corporation v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, GR No. 247737. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and decided by the Supreme Court En Banc on August 8, 2023.

Does the acquittal of an accused in a criminal tax case automatically extinguish civil liability for deficiency taxes or relieve the taxpayer of the obligation to pay unpaid taxes? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Maria Gracia M. Pulido-Tan, a Member of the Taxation Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. A Certified Public Accountant, Atty. Pulido-Tan is the first woman Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Audit (2011-2015). She also served as a Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (2002-2003), and as Undersecretary of the Department of Finance (2003-2005). Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Pulido-Tan discuss the civil liability of a taxpayer accused for deficiency taxes despite his or her acquittal in a criminal action for violation of tax laws within the context of the case of People of the Philippines v. E & D Parts Supply Inc. and Margaret L. Uy, GR No. 259284. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez and decided by the Supreme Court Second Division on January 24, 2024.

Does the erroneous inclusion of a deceased person among incorporators automatically amount to fraud sufficient to warrant the revocation of its registration? What constitutes fraud in incorporation? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Maria Zarah R. Villanueva-Castro, Bar Examiner in Commercial Law (2022) and in Commercial and Taxation Laws (2024). She is also a bar reviewer and law professor, and is a Vice-President and Head of Corporate Legal of MERALCO. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Villanueva-Castro discuss the validity of incorporation within the context of the consolidated cases of Securities and Exchange Commission v. AZ 17/31 Realty, Inc., G.R. Nos. 239010, and Locsin-Garcia v. AZ 17/31 Realty, Inc., G.R. No. 240888. This Decision was penned by Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier and decided by the Supreme Court Second Division on July 6, 2022.

A family conflict reaches the boardroom of several corporations. What constitutes a valid quorum in intra-corporate meetings, and what is the primary basis for determining which stockholders are recognized as stockholders of record in validating a stockholders’ meeting and election? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Maria Zarah R. Villanueva-Castro, Bar Examiner in Commercial Law (2022) and in Commercial and Taxation Laws (2024). She is also a bar reviewer and law professor, and is a Vice-President and Head of Corporate Legal of MERALCO. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Atty. Villanueva-Castro discuss stock ownership and intra-corporate disputes within the context of the case of Lopez v. Lopez, G.R. Nos. 254957-58. This resolution was penned by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando and decided by the Supreme Court First Division on April 21, 2025.

When a pregnant employee is reassigned to another location, what are the boundaries of an employer’s management prerogative? When do such actions constitute constructive dismissal or pregnancy-based discrimination? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega, Vice President of the International Association of Women Judges. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Arcega explore these issues and discuss the rights of women in the workplace within the context of the case of Paulino v. Sutherland Global Services, Inc.-Clark, G. R. No. 262564. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and decided by the Supreme Court Third Division on August 6, 2025.

Does Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, extend protection to women in lesbian relationships? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega, Vice President of the International Association of Women Judges. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Arcega talk about Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act within the context of the case of Jacinto v. Fouts, G. R. No. 250627. This resolution was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and decided by the Supreme Court Third Division on December 7, 2022.

How has the Supreme Court's interpretation of psychological incapacity evolved over time, and what does this evolution reveal about the Court's continuing effort to balance the protection of marriage with the realities of marital breakdown? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Ma. Soledad Deriquito-Mawis, Member of the Philippine Judicial Academy Department of Civil Law, and Dean of the College of Law of Lyceum of the Philippines University. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Dean Mawis talk about the evolution of the Philippine Supreme Court's interpretation of psychological incapacity within the context of the case of Rosanna L. Tan-Andal v. Mario Victor M. Andal, GR No. 196359. This decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M. V. F. Leonen and decided by the Supreme Court En Banc on May 11, 2021.

What is the effect of a declaration of nullity of marriage on the legitimated status of a child? Do children born before a marriage that is later annulled or declared void remain legitimate, or does their status revert to illegitimacy? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Ma. Soledad Deriquito-Mawis, Member of the Philippine Judicial Academy Department of Civil Law, and Dean of the College of Law of Lyceum of the Philippines University. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Dean Mawis talk about annulment and declaration of nullity of marriage, including their differences and effects on the legitimacy of children, within the context of the case of Republic of the Philippines v. Linney Jean L. Tangarorang and Ramer R. Tangarorang, G.R. No. 272006, penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez and decided by the Supreme Court Second Division on February 5, 2025.

When is a tax payment considered wrongfully or illegally collected? When does the two-year period start for claiming a tax refund? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo, 2024 Bar Examiner for Commercial and Taxation Law. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Fajardo talk about claiming tax refunds within the context of the case of Melco Resorts Leisure Corporation v. Commission of Internal Revenue, GR No. 271261, penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, and decided by the Supreme Court First Division on April 2, 2025.

When are businesses registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority or PEZA exempt from paying value-added tax or VAT? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo, 2024 Bar Examiner for Commercial and Taxation Law. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Fajardo talk about value-added tax (VAT) exemptions within the context of the case of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 251333-34, penned by Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao, and decided by the Supreme Court Third Division on March 5, 2025.

In criminal cases, what is conspiracy and how is it proven? Does mere presence at preparatory meetings and expressions of agreement amount to conspiracy without proof of an overt act? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Theodore O. Te, who is the Chairperson of the Philippine Judicial Academy Department of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. He has served as Chief of the Supreme Court Public Information Office and has been Bar Examiner thrice. Professor Te teaches criminal law and procedure at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo speaks with Atty. Te on the Court’s ruling on Maguindanao Massacre, the requirement of overt acts to establish conspiracy, and the fundamental principles that safeguard criminal liability under the rule of law.

What procedural lapses led the Court to treat earlier impeachment complaints as already initiated? How did the Court interpret “session days” and the role of the House Committee on Justice? And what guidance does this ruling provide for the conduct of future impeachment proceedings in Congress? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH 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 speaks with Dean Tranquil on key issues surrounding the Supreme Court’s impeachment rulings, including the political question doctrine, the one-year bar rule, due process, and their implications for constitutional accountability.

In cases involving police officers or persons of authority, how does the Court evaluate testimony and other pieces of evidence, and determine lawful police conduct? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Theodore O. Te, who is the Chairperson of the Philippine Judicial Academy Department of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. He has served as Chief of the Supreme Court Public Information Office and has been Bar Examiner thrice. Professor Te teaches criminal law and procedure at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo speaks with Atty. Te on the lessons of the Kian delos Santos case, emphasizing lawful police conduct, credible forensic evidence, and the Court’s message on the rule of law.

How does a person’s journey through wrongful conviction and incarceration shape his or her concept of justice? What lessons can one with lived experience of injustice teach about justice? What key measures must be put in place in order to prevent prolonged or unjust detention? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Dr. Raymund Narag, Associate Professor at the School of Justice and Public Safety in Southern Illinois University. A person restored of liberty, he is currently the head consultant of Prisoners' Enhancement and Support Organization Inc. or PRESO. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo sits down with Dr. Narag, whose story of perseverance transforms the conversation on jail and prison decongestion, emphasizing how purposeful reform and timely justice can uplift lives and strengthen the justice system.

Where does our government stand today in terms of addressing the persistent challenge of congestion in jails and detention centers? What plans are being put in place to ensure lasting, human, and effective solutions? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jaime Fortunato Caringal; New Bilibid Prison Superintendent C/SSUPT Roger Boncales; and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Community Relations Service Office Acting Chief and Spokesperson JSUPT Jayrex Joseph Bustinera. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo discuss with Justice Caringal, Sr. Supt. Boncales, and J/Supt. Bustinera the issue of jail and prison overcrowding ahead of the Second National Decongestion Summit, which will be held on January 21-23, 2026 at the Manila Hotel.

As we mark our 100th podcast episode today, we look back at how the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast began, how each episode is produced, and some of the highlights from past episodes. Listen to the #SCphPodcast as Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Information Officer V Tiffany Atendido-Beltran share their personal anecdotes and thoughts on the podcast.

How does the law protect insured parties when insurers delay or deny payment? Does the recovery of a stolen vehicle prevent the insured owner from receiving full payment under an insurance policy? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Jose Maria G. Hofileña, Member of the Commercial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy, and Dean of the School of Law of the Ateneo de Manila University. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Dean Hofileña discuss how the law protects insured parties against delayed or denied claims, and whether recovering a stolen vehicle affects full insurance payment within the context of Wilfrido C. Wijangco v. UCPB General Insurance Co. Inc., G.R. No. 257086, penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, and decided by the Supreme Court Third Division on April 23, 2025.

When a brand-new car turns out to be defective, which law should protect the buyer: Republic Act No. 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, or Republic Act No.10642, or the Philippine Lemon Law? Are these laws mutually exclusive, or can a consumer choose between the two? How should the rights of vehicle buyers be weighed in relation to those of car manufacturers and dealers? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Atty. Jose Maria G. Hofileña, Member of the Commercial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy, and Dean of the School of Law of the Ateneo de Manila University. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Dean Hofileña discuss the laws that protect consumers within the context of the case of Department of Trade and Industry v. Toyota Balintawak, Inc. and Toyota Motor Phils. Corp., G.R. Nos. 254978-79, penned by Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho, Jr., decided by the Supreme Court Second Division on October 11, 2023.

What are considered small claims cases, and what is the procedure in pursuing and settling them? How can understanding the process of setting small claims empower ordinary Filipinos to trust our courts by giving them access to efficient justice? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Judge Jackie B. Crisologo-Saguisag of Branch 67, Metropolitan Trial Court, Makati City. She is a Member of the Remedial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy and a Member of the Supreme Court Technical Working Group for the Committee on the Revision of the Rules on Summary Procedure and Small Claims Cases. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Crisologo-Saguisag discuss the simplified and expedited process of resolving specific civil disputes under the 2016 Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases as provided in Administrative Matter No. 08-8-7-SC.

When someone forces their way to take over a piece of real property, how do courts determine who truly has the right to possess property? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Judge Jackie B. Crisologo-Saguisag of Branch 67, Metropolitan Trial Court, Makati City. She is a Member of the Remedial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy and a Member of the Supreme Court Technical Working Group for the Committee on the Revision of the Rules on Summary Procedure and Small Claims Cases. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Judge Crisologo-Saguisag discuss forcible entry, unlawful detainer, and the Rule on Summary Procedure within the context of the case of Edgar M. Rico v. Ernie “Toto” Castillo, G.R. No. 215166, penned by Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, and decided by the Court’s First Division on July 23, 2024.

In purchasing real property in the Philippines, what should be the considerations of a buyer acting in good faith? How do the courts apply the principles of good faith and innocent purchaser for value in disputes involving sale of real properties? How important is the observance of due diligence when it comes to protecting one’s right as a real property buyer? 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 land titles and what buyers should do before purchasing lands within the context of the case of Spouses Orencio S. Manalese and Eloisa B. Manalese, and Aries B. Manalese v. The Estate of the Late Spouses Narciso and Ofelia Ferreras, G.R. No. 254046, penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, and decided by the Supreme Court Third Division on November 25, 2024.

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.