LEYTE COLLEGES

Paterno Street and San Jose,

Tacloban City, 6500

CLJ 5
EVIDENCE
1ST Semester A.Y. 2023-2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a study of the basic concepts of evidence in general. Based on the 2019 Revised
Rules on Evidence, it covers the concept of evidence; its scope and kinds; its admissibility,
presentation, and weight including its application in the country’s criminal justice system. This
course likewise covers specific examples as embodied in the different kinds of evidence.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing Evidence, you should be able to:

1) Determine the general principles concerning evidence; the concepts, scope and kinds, as well
as its applications in real-life scenarios;

2) Explain the definition of evidence, discuss its admissibility, presentation and differentiate
the concept relating to its weight and sufficiency; and

3) Understand the relation of evidence in Philippine Law Enforcement from principles into
practical application.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE

a. Definition, scope, and kinds

b. What need not be proved

1. Judicial Notice
2. Admissions
3. Confessions
4. Presumption

2. ADMISSIBILITY, PRESENTATION, WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE

a. Admissibility
1. Relevance
2. Competence
 b. Presentation

- Witness’ oath; examination; leading and misleading questions; Judicial

Affidavit Rule

1. Offer
2. Objection
3. Ruling

c. Weight and sufficiency

1. Burden of Proof vs Burden of Evidence

2. Standards of Proof

3. OBJECT EVIDENCE

1. Categories; examples
2. DNA evidence
3. Evidence in drugs cases; Chain of Custody Rule

4. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

1. Classification; public vs private documents

2. Original document rule; exceptions
3. Parol evidence rule, exception
4. Electronic evidence

5. TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE

1. Witnesses; qualifications and disqualification

2. Hearsay; exceptions
 MODE OF LEARNING
The mode of teaching for this course still adheres to blended learning. This modality follows
50-50 onsite/offsite classes following the implemented Learning Delivery Schedule for the semester.
Thus, virtual classrooms will be utilized for offsite learning delivery. In case of difficulty in
connecting to the internet, the works and other assignments may be submitted through
email or uploaded in the Facebook Messenger Group Chat created specifically for this class.

COURSE MATERIALS

Since EVIDENCE is a subject which deals with the Rules of Court and Philippine Laws,
the primary learning materials consist of soft copies of textbooks, online copies of relevant laws
and issuances, which can be accessed from open sources such as Lawphil.net and Chanrobles.com.
You may likewise borrow or use a physical copy of any textbook on Evidence from others or in San
Jose Criminology Library, regardless of the author. Recommended reading textbook is Evidence by
Velasco et. al, First Edition, REX Book Store.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

In order for you to pass this course, you must satisfy the following course requirements:

Course Requirement Weight

QUIZZES 20%
ASSIGNMENT 10%
MIDTERM EXAM 30%
FINAL EXAM 40%

Quizzes. In order to evaluate your learning on the respective topics discussed, there will be
quizzes that will be given to you. Hence, it is necessary that you are always prepared and have read
the topic intended for the day before the class/lecture starts.
Assignment. This course seeks to equip you with the basic skills and knowledge of the law
concerning evidence. As part of your academic requirement for this subject, you are required to
submit reports, tasks, activities while applying all the concepts and principles you have learned in
class. This will determine on whether you have understood the subject well.

Midterm Exam. The Midterm Exam covers all the topics and lessons discussed during the
lectures. The coverage of the exam is from the topics discussed from the start until the lessons
covered before the midterm exam schedule. There will be a mix of objective type questions such
as multiple choice and true or false. Furthermore, few simple problems which require an essay-
type of answer may be given to you so that your understanding of the law may be properly
measured.
Final Exam. The Final Exam will cover the entire topics of the course, meaning, from the
beginning of the class, with more questions coming from the topics discussed after the midterm
exam. Similarly, there will be a mix of objective type questions such as multiple choice and true or
false. In addition, few simple problems which require an essay-type of answer may be given to you
so that your understanding of the law may be properly measured.
 CLASS POLICIES

1. Since this is a law subject, you are expected by the instructor to have read the assigned topic
before attending the class. It is highly encouraged to read ahead so that your readings will
just be confirmed by the instructor in class. This way, you will definitely understand and
enjoy studying the course.

2. As criminology students, you are expected to be courteous to others, not only to your
instructor but also towards your classmates. Since the course demands an open discussion
in certain matters, avoid insulting remarks and demeaning words when defending your
stand. Be civil and professional always in your dealings.

3. When the lectures are on-going via online platform during offsite learning delivery schedule,
please always turn on your camera if possible, but it is highly encouraged to mute your
microphone in order not to disturb the class discussion, except when you are required to
speak by the instructor. In case of connectivity and internet signal issues, you may
turn off both your camera and microphone. Please observe proper decorum and demeanor
while in online meetings. In order not to disrupt the lecture, you may type your questions
in the chat box, if you have any. The instructor may answer them after the lecture has been
given.

4. For requirements that need to be submitted, please do so within the specified deadline.
Requests for extension of time to submit the same may not be allowed, subject however to
certain exceptions which depends on your reason provided.

5. In case you have urgent matters, please course them through email or text message to the
contact number provided by the instructor. Avoid making phone calls as the instructor may
be attending some important matters on that specific time.

6. For easy dispatch of class announcements and concerns, a class beadle may be assigned by
the instructor such that all notices may be sent to him/her. It is the responsibility of the
class beadle to disseminate the instructor’s announcements to the entire class.

7. Finally, you are criminology students who intend to serve as agents in the law enforcement
arm of the government. As such, you are given a stern warning that all forms of cheating,
whether in exams, quizzes, or all course submissions, are strictly prohibited being contrary
to what you will be upholding. Otherwise, you are at risk of failing the course and of being
reported to the appropriate college authorities for proper investigation and action.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR
ATTY. JOVANY A. DAMAYO
Partner, FRPAD-ABCD Law Office
Unit 5, Fil-India Arcade, Brgy. 59,
Picas-Sagkahan, Tacloban City
Email: damayojovany@gmail.com
Contact Number: (+63) 917 1477 135