Evidence

I. PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATION:

A. Importance of the study of Evidence in Law Enforcement:

As an element of our Criminal Justice System, it is the duty of every law enforcement

agencies to provide the prosecution with the materials and information (Evidence)
necessary in order to support conviction.

Every person is entitled to be presumed innocent of a crime or wrong, unless proven

otherwise. This is a prima facie presumption which must be overcome by proof beyond
reasonable doubt.

B. Connecting the chain of events through Evidence during Trial:

Trial refers to “the examination before a competent tribunal, according to the laws

of the land, of the facts in issue in a cause, for the purposes of determining such
issue” (U.S. v. Raymundo, 14 Phil 416).

Evidence helps in the determination of Questions of Facts by helping the judge

reconstruct the chain of events from the conception up to the consummation of a
criminal design.

C. Factum Probandum and Factum Probans

Factum Probandum – The ultimate facts to be proven. These are the propositions of
law.

Examples:
•    murder was committed thru treachery
•    robbery was made through force upon things

Factum Probans – The evidentiary Facts. This addresses questions of fact.

Examples:
•    exit wounds were in front indicating that victim was shot at the back
•    destroyed locks indicative of force upon things

Thus, the outcome of every trial is determined by:

•    Propositions of law, and

•    Questions of fact.
D. Proof and Evidence

Evidence – the means to arrive at a conclusion. Under the Revised Rules of Court,
evidence is defined as “the means, sanctioned by the rules, for ascertainment in a
judicial proceeding, the truth, respecting a matter of fact”.
Proof – the result of introducing evidence. The establishment of a requisite degree of
belief in the mind of the judge as to the facts in issue. It refers to the accumulation of
evidence sufficient to persuade the trial court.
Quantum of evidence – the totality of evidence presented for consideration
Quantum of proof – refers to the degree of proof required in order to arrive at a
conclusion.
Burden of evidence – the duty of a party of going forward with evidence.
Burden of proof – the duty of the affirmative to prove that which it alleges.

Variations on degrees of proof based on type of action:

1.    Criminal Action – proof beyond reasonable doubt [that degree of proof which
produces conviction in an unprejudiced mind]
2.    Civil Action – preponderance of evidence [evidence of greater weight or more
convincing than that which is offered to refute it]
3.    Administrative Action – sufficiency of evidence [that amount of relevant evidence
which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a conclusion]

E. Exclusionary Rule. (Fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine)

Evidence ILLEGALY OBTAINED is inadmissible for reasons of public policy. This

is so because of the constitutional requirement of due process. Due process has been
defined as “the law that hears before it condemns, which proceeds upon  inquiry,
and renders judgment only after fair trial”.

As a result, jurisprudence has evolved a rule that renders inadmissible any evidence
obtained in an illegal search from being introduced in trial.

F. Principle of Chain of Custody of Evidence

If the evidence is of a type which cannot be easily recognized or can readily be

confused or tampered with, the proponent of the object must present evidence of its
chain of custody. The proponent need not negate all possibilities of substitution or
tampering in the chain of custody, but must show that: 
The evidence is identified as the same object which was taken from the scene;
It was not tampered with, or that any alteration can be sufficiently explained (i.e.
discoloration due to the application of ninhydrine solution, etc.); and 
The persons who have handled the evidence are known and may be examined in court
with regard to the object.
II. GENERAL PROVISIONS:

A. Concepts of evidence:

1.    It is a means of ascertainment – used to arrive at a legal conclusion

2.    It is sanctioned by the rules of court – meaning, not excluded by the rules on
relevancy and admissibility
3.    It is used in a judicial proceeding – there is a jural conflict involving different
rights asserted by different parties
4.    It pertains to the truth respecting a matter of fact – evidence represents a
“claim” either for the prosecution or for the defense where issues (clashes of view)
are present.

Admissibility of Evidence:

For evidence to be admissible, it must be:    

1) relevant to the issue [relevancy test], and 
2) not excluded by the law or rules of court [competency test].

Note:  To determine the relevancy of any item of proof, the purpose for which it is
sought to be introduced must first be known (There must be a formal offer).

Test of relevancy of evidence:

Whether or not the factual information tendered for evaluation of the trial court would be
helpful in the determination of the factual issue that is disputed.

When is evidence relevant? 

When it has a relation to the fact in issue as to induce belief in it’s:    

1) existence, or 
2) non-existence 

In other words, evidence is relevant when it is:

1) material, and
2) has probative value

What is meant by “probative value”?

It is the tendency of the evidence to establish the proposition that it is offered to prove.

“Collateral Matters” not admissible except when it tend in any reasonable degree to

establish probability or improbability of the fact in issue.

Collateral matters – matters other than the fact in issue and which are offered as a

basis for inference as to the existence or non-existence of the facts in issue.
Collateral matters are classified into:

1.    Antecedent circumstances – facts existing before the commission of the crime

[i.e. hatred, bad moral character of the offender, previous plan, conspiracy, etc.]
2.    Concomitant circumstances – facts existing during the commission of the crime
[i.e. opportunity, presence of the accused at the scene of the crime, etc.]
3.    Subsequent circumstances – facts existing after the commission of the crime [i.e.
flight, extrajudicial admission to third party, attempt to conceal effects of the crime,
possession of stolen property, etc.]

Query: Is modus operandi an antecedent, concomitant or subsequent circumstance?

B. Judicial Notice, basis of:

Judicial notice is based on necessity and expediency. This is so because what is known
need not be proved.

Different kinds of judicial notices:

1.    mandatory
2.    discretionary
3.    hearing required

C. Confession and Admission, distinguished:

Confession – an acknowledgement of guilt.
Admission – an acknowledgment of facts.

Different kinds of confession/admission:

1.    Judicial
2.    Extrajudicial
3.    Oral
4.    Written
5.    Voluntary
6.    Forced

Different kinds of evidence:

1.    Relevant evidence – evidence having any value in reason as tending to prove
any matter provable in an action.
2.    Material evidence – evidence is material when it is directed to prove a fact in issue
as determined by the rules of substantive law and pleadings.
3.    Competent evidence – not excluded by law.
4.    Direct evidence – proves the fact in issue without aid of inference or presumptions.
5.    Circumstantial evidence - the proof of fact or facts from which, taken either singly
or collectively, the existence of a particular fact in dispute may be inferred as necessary
or probable consequence.
6.    Positive evidence – evidence which affirms a fact in issue.
7.    Negative evidence - evidence which denies the existence of a fact in issue.
8.    Rebutting evidence – given to repel, counter act or disprove facts given in
evidence by the other party.
9.    Primary/Best evidence – that which the law regards as affording the greatest
certainty.
10.    Secondary evidence – that which indicates the existence of a more original
source of information.
11.    Expert evidence – the testimony of one possessing knowledge not usually
acquired by other persons.
12.    Prima facie evidence – evidence which can stand alone to support a conviction
unless rebutted.
13.    Conclusive evidence – incontrovertible evidence
14.    Cumulative evidence – additional evidence of the same kind bearing on the
same point.
15.    Corroborative evidence – additional evidence of a different kind and character
tending to prove the same point as that of previously offered evidence.
16.    Character evidence – evidence of a person’s moral standing or personality traits
in a community based on reputation or opinion.
17.    Demeanor evidence – the behavior of a witness on the witness stand during trial
to be considered by the judge on the issue of credibility.
18.    Demonstrative evidence – evidence that has tangible and exemplifying purpose.
19.    Hearsay evidence – oral testimony or documentary evidence which does not
derive its value solely from the credit to be attached to the witness himself.
20.    Testimonial evidence – oral averments given in open court by the witness.
21.    Object/Auotoptic proferrence/Real evidence – those addressed to the senses
of the court (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste).
22.    Documentary evidence – those consisting of writing or any material containing
letters, words, numbers, figures, symbols or other modes of written expression offered
as proof of its contents.

Best Evidence Rule:

When the subject of the inquiry is the contents of a document, no evidence shall be
admissible other than the original of the document.

For exceptions, see Sec. 3, Rule 130, Revised Rules of Court.

A document is legally considered “Original” when:

1.    It is the subject of an inquiry
2.    When in two or more copies executed at or about the same time, with identical
contents.
3.    When an entry is repeated in ordinary course of business, one being copied from
another at or near the time of the transaction.
Question: May a “fake” document be considered as “original” or “authentic”?

Yes. A forged or spurious document when presented in court for examination is

considered as the original fake/forged document. Thus, a mere photocopy of the
allegedly forged or spurious document is only secondary to the original questioned
document.

Secondary Evidence
When the original document has been:
1.    lost,
2.    destroyed, or
3.    cannot be produced in court.

The offer or without bad faith must:

1.    prove its execution or existence, and
2.    prove the cause of its unavailability.

Secondary evidence may consist of:

1.    a copy,
2.    recital of its contents in some authentic document, or
3.    by testimony of witnesses.

When original document is in the custody of:

1.    adverse party – adverse party must have reasonable notice to produce it. After
such notice and satisfactory proof of its existence, he fails to produce it, secondary
evidence may be presented.
2.    public officer – contents may be proved by certified copy issued by the public
officer in custody thereof.

III. TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE:

Qualifications of witnesses:
1.    can perceive
2.    can make known their perception to others
3.    not disqualified by reason of mental incapacity, immaturity, marriage, privileged
communications, or “dead man’s statute”.

“Res Inter Alios Acta” Rule

General Rule: The rights of a party cannot be prejudiced by an act, declaration, or
omission of another.

Exception:
1.    admission by a co-partner or agent
2.    admission by a conspirator
3.    admission by privies
4.    admission by silence

In the above cases, the admission of one person is admissible as evidence against
another.

Testimonial Knowledge:
General Rule: A witness can testify only to those facts which he knows of his personal
knowledge; that is, which are derived from his own perception. Any statement which
derives its strength from another’s personal knowledge is hearsay, and is therefore
inadmissible.

Exceptions:
1.    Dying declarations (ante-mortem statements)
2.    Declaration against interest
3.    Act or declaration about pedigree
4.    Family reputation or tradition regarding pedigree
5.    Common reputation
6.    Part of the res gestae
7.    Entries in the course of business
8.    Entries in official records
9.    Commercial lists and the like
10.    Learned treatises
11.    Testimony or deposition at a former proceeding
12.      Examination of child victim/witness in cases of child abuse

IV. BURDEN OF PROOF AND PRESUMPTIONS:

Burden of proof – the duty of a party to present evidence on the facts in issue
necessary to establish his claim or defense by the amount of evidence required by
law.

Presumption – an inference as to the existence of a fact not actually known, arising

from its usual connection with another which is known or a conjecture based on past
experience as to what course human affairs ordinarily take.

2 kinds of presumptions:
1.    Conclusive presumptions [jure et de jure] – based on rules of substantive law
which cannot be overcome by evidence to the contrary.
2.    Disputable presumptions [prima facie presumptions, rebuttable
presumptions] – based on procedural rules and may be overcome by evidence to the
contrary.

Kinds of Conclusive Presumptions:

1.    Estoppel by record or judgment – the preclusion to deny the truth of matters set
forth in a record, whether judicial or legislative, and also deny the facts adjudicated by a
court of competent jurisdiction (Salud v. CA, 233 SCRA 387).
2.    Estoppel by deed – a bar which precludes a party to a deed and his privies from
asserting as against the other and his privies any right or title in derogation of the deed
or denying the truth of any material fact asserted in it (Iriola v. Felices, 30 SCRA 202).
3.    Estoppel in pais – based upon express representation or statements or upon
positive acts or conduct. A party cannot, in the course of litigation or in dealings in pais,
be permitted to repudiate his representation or occupy inconsistent positions.
4.    Estoppel against Tenant – the tenant is not permitted to deny the title of his
landlord at the time of the commencement of the relation of landlord and tenant
between them.

Note: For Kinds of disputable presumptions, see Sec. 3, Rule 131 of the Revised Rules
of Court.

Presentation of Evidence:
The examination of witnesses presented in a trial or hearing shall be done is open court,
and under oath or affirmation. Unless the witness is incapacitated to speak, or the
question calls for a different mode of answer, the answer of the witness shall be given
orally.

Rights and Obligations of witnesses:

1.    To be protected from irrelevant, improper, or insulting questions, and from harsh or
insulting demeanor.
2.    Not to be detained longer than the interest of justice requires.
3.    Not to be examined except only as to matters pertinent to the issue.
4.    Not to give an answer which will tend to subject him to a penalty for an offense
unless otherwise provided by law.
5.    Not to give an answer which will tend to degrade his reputation, unless it be to the
very fact at issue or to the fact from which the fact in issue would be presumed, but a
witness must answer to the facts of his previous final conviction for an offense.

Order of Examination of individual witnesses:

Direct examination by the proponent
Cross examination by the opponent
Re-direct examination by the proponent
Re-cross examination by the opponent

Direct examination – the examination in chief of a witness by the party presenting him
on the facts relevant to the issue.
Cross examination – the examination by the adverse party of the witness as to any
matter stated in the direct examination, or connected therewith, with sufficient fullness
and freedom from interest or bias, or the reverse, and to elicit all important facts bearing
upon the issue.
Re-direct examination – second questioning by the proponent to explain or
supplement answers given in the cross examination.
Re-cross examination – second questioning by the adverse party on matters stated on
the re-direct and also on such matters as may be allowed by court.
Different Types of Questions:
Leading questions –It is one where the answer is already supplied by the examiner
into the mouth of the witness. [Ex. You saw Jose killed Juan because you were present
when it happened, didn’t you?]
Misleading question – a question which cannot be answered without making an
unintended admission. [Ex. Do you still beat your wife?]
Compound question – a question which calls for a single answer to more than one
question. [Ex. Have you seen and heard him?]
Argumentative question – a type of leading question which reflects the examiners
interpretation of the facts. [Ex. Why were you driving carelessly?]
Speculative question – a question which assumes a disputed fact not stated by the
witness as true. [Ex. The victim cried in pain, didn’t he?]
Conclusionary question – a question which asks for an opinion which the witness is
not qualified or permitted to answer. [Ex. Asking a high school drop-out whether the gun
used is a Cal. 45 pistol or 9mm pistol]
Cumulative question – a question which has already been asked and answered.
Harassing/Embarrassing question – [Ex. Are you a homosexual?]

Classes of Documents:
Documents are either public or private.

Public documents are:

    1. The written official acts, or records of the official acts of sovereign authority, official
bodies and tribunals, and public officers, whether of the Philippines, or a foreign
country.
    2. Documents acknowledged before a notary public except last wills and testaments.
    3. Public records (1) kept in the Philippines, or private documents (2) required by law
to be entered therein.

All other writings are private.

SOME USEFUL LATIN TERMS AND LEGAL MAXIMS:

Verba legis non est decendendum – from the words of the law there can be no
departure.

Dura lex sed lex – the law may be harsh but it is the law.

Ignorantia legis neminem excusat – ignorance of the law excuses no one.

Ignorantia facti excusat – mistake of fact excuses.

Praeter intentionem – different from that which was intended.

Error in personae – mistake in identity.

Abberatio Ictus – mistake in the blow

Nulum crimen, nulla poena sine lege – there is no crime when there is no law
punishing the same.

Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea – the act cannot be criminal where the mind is
not criminal.

Actus mi invictu reus, nisi mens facit reum – an act done by me against my will is
not my act.

Mens rea – guilty mind.

Actus reus – guilty act.

Res ipsa loquitor – the thing speaks for itself.

Causa Proxima – proximate cause which produced the immediate effect.

Prima facie – at first glance.

Locus Criminis – scene of the crime or crime scene.

Pro Reo – principle in Criminal Law which states that where the statute admits of
several interpretations, the one most favorable to the accused shall be adopted.

Res Gestae – the thing itself.

Falsus in unum, falsus in omnibus – false in one part of the statement would render
the entire statement false (note: this maxim is not recognized in our jurisdiction).