Seatwork, answer the following questions thoroughly and completely.

1. What is the GENERAL RULE in construing words and phrases used in a statute? And why is it
considered the general rule?
2. Generally, when a Statute defines particular words or phrases, the definition must be adopted
in applying and enforcing such law. When may the court disturb such definition and apply its
own construction?
3. Discuss what is progressive interpretation.
4. Discuss “ubi lex non distiguit, nec nos distinguere debemu” and give an example of this rule.
5. The word “or” in the context of a statute can be used to mean or connote different uses. Give 3
examples of these and explain each.
6. Discuss what is “Noscitur a Sociis”
7. In the Case of Murphy, Morris & Co. v Collector of customs, 11 phil. 456 (1908) how was the
maxim “Ejusdem Generis” used.
8. Differentiate the legal maxims of casus omissus pro omisso habendus est and Expressio unius est
exclusion alterius.
9. What is a proviso and how is it different from an exception?