Philippine Politics and Governance

Chapter 8: The judiciary

Descalzota, Hezekiah. Selwyn Jade B. Villarezco
Francisco, Rolyn. PPG TEACHER
Malayo, Mark Errol
Dayrit, Rhon Ashly

 Judiciary- The judicial branch of government refers to a country’s court system. Judiciaries are
responsible for interpreting and applying a country’s laws in particular cases, and can also be
invested with the power to strike down laws that it deems unconstitutional.
 Judicial Power- The power to resolve legal disputes vested in Supreme Court and the lower
courts under its supervision.

The Courts referred to in the first paragraph of Section 1 of Article Vll: Supreme Court, Court of Appeals,
Sandiganbayan, Court ofTax appeals, Regional Trial Courts and Metropolitan Circuit, Municipal and Municipal
Circuit Trial Courts.

Quasi- judicial proceedings involves (a) Taking and Evaluating Evidences (b) Determining facts and based upon the
evidence presented (c) Rendering an order or decision supported by the facts proved.

Well known quasi-judicial bodies:

 Civil Service Commission (CSC)

 Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
 Commission on Audit (COA)
 Office of the Ombudsman
 National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
 Social Security Commission (SSC)
 Housing Land Use and Regulatory Board (HLURB)
 Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
 National Police Commission (NPC)
 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Grave abuse of discretion has been described as “such capricious and whimsical exercise of judgment as is equivalent to
lack of jurisdiction. The term “abuse of discretion” refers to the standard applied by the Supreme Court in
reviewing a government office’s or official’s decision which is claimed to be grossly unsound, unreasonable, or
illegal.
Jurisdiction is defined as the power of the courts to take cognizance of and decide cases.

POLITICAL NEUTRALITY AND FAIRNESS:

Judicial Virtues
It is a challenge for judges to be politically neutral and fair. These are the virtues required for the even-handed
administration of justice. Realistically speaking, politics is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.

The Judiciary: Dispenser of Justice and Vanguard of individual Rights

The Supreme Court and the lower courts perform a crucial role in dispensing justice and protecting individual
rights. Not only do they settle legal disputes and controversies; they also champion the cause of individual
liberties and shield the people from official abuse and indiscretion.