New Era University

College of Arts and Sciences

COURSE SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE LAW

SOC SCI ELEC 2-18
2nd semester, A.Y. 2019-20
Atty. Ida Marie V. Escolano-Canton
imvescolano@neu.edu.ph

Course Description: An introduction to the basic concepts and tenets of political science
providing for an overview of the various aspects of the concept and sources of law, with emphasis on the
relationship between law, jurisprudence, equity, courts, society and public policy, presented through
selected provisions of law, cases and other materials depicting settled principles and current
developments, both local and international, including a review of the evolution of the Philippine legal
system and the basic framework and the underlying principles of government.

Course Objectives: At the end of this course, the student is expected to –

1. Outline and explain the different principles and concepts of political science, constitution, the
state and its elements: people, territory, government, and sovereignty.
2. Trace and summarize the timeline and evolution of Philippine government structure and
Philippine law.
3. Identify and classify different sources of law, its parts, functions and relevance.
4. Categorize and integrate the structure and composition of the Philippine Government: the three
main branches of government, constitutional commissions, local government, and accountability
of public officers.
5. Apply and critique the selected provisions of the law in personal or real life situations, in
historical and current events of the country.
6. Intelligently answer and address political issues by applying principles and concepts of law.

COURSE OUTLINE

WEEK DATE CONTENT LEARNING EXERCISES

Introduction to Law
Jan 27 (M)
2 I. State Law
Jan 29 (W)
II. Sources of Law
General Provisions Answer Online Quiz on General
Feb 3 (M)
3 Provisions on Political Science,
Feb 5 (W)
State, Government and Constitution
Course Introduction Trace and Complete Timeline and
Feb 10 (M)
4 Evolution of Government Structure
Feb 12 (W)
Historical Evolution of Government and Law
Structure and Philippine Law
Feb 17 (M)
5
Feb 19 (W) Philippine Legal System
State Recite Who are citizens of the
Feb 24 (M) I. Elements Philippines
6 II. Fundamental Powers Read and Watch National Territory,
Feb 26 (W)
Issues on National Territory and the
Archipelagic Doctrine
Read The Fundamental Powers of
Mar 2 (M) the State
7
Mar 4 (W) Answer Online Quiz on the
Fundamental Powers
 CONSTITUTION Outline Bill of Rights
Mar 9 (M)
8 I. Definition and Nature Answer Online Quiz on Bill of Rights
Mar 11 (W)
II. Parts Reflect Extrajudicial Killings, Police
Mar 16 (M) III. Doctrine of Constitutional Supremacy Brutality and the Rights of the
9 IV. Rights Accused
Mar 18 (W)
V. Principles Read Structure and Composition of
VI. Structure Government
Mar 23 (M)
10 Take a Closer Look Structure and
Mar 25 (W)
Composition of Government
STATUTES/LEGISLATIONS Trace and Analyze: How a bill
Mar 30 (M)
11 I. Legislative Powers becomes a law?
Apr 1 (W)
II. The Procedure of Making Laws Feature Significant Legislations
III. Parts of a Statute Survey and Examine: Various
Apr 6 (M) IV. Classification of Laws statutes relevant to current issues
12
Apr 8 (W) and interests
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS Point out: Proper
I. Executive Powers executive/administrative agency and
Apr 13 (M)
13 II. Doctrine of Delegation of Powers respective orders and issuance
Apr 15 (W)
- Quasi-legislative Powers relevant to to current issues and
- Quasi-judicial Powers interests
JURISPRUDENCE AND CASE LAW Digest Significant Jurisprudence
Apr 20 (M)
14 I. Judicial Powers Reflect Journal Article
Apr 22 (W)
II. Judicial Review
III. Analytical Reasoning
Apr 27 (M) IV. Parts of a Decision
15
Apr 29 (W) V. Case Digesting
TREATIES, ORDINANCES Introduce International Law
May 4 (M)
16 SECONDARY SOURCES Analyze and Critique The Luneta
May 6 (W)
hostage crisis and PH-HK relations
May 11 (M) Critique Philippine Treaty Law and
17
May 13 (W) Practice
Evaluate Introduction to Philippine
May 18 (M) Laws
18 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
May 20 (W) Reflect Last Thoughts about
Introduction to Philippine Laws

Course Requirements

Class Standing and Attendance - 20%

Learning Exercises - 50%
Comprehensive Examination - 30%
Total - 100%