UST Law Review

EVIDENCE: BASIC PRINCIPLES AND SELECTED PROBLEMS
By: Solicitor General Alfredo Benipayo

Abstract

The mastery of the rules of evidence is a very important weapon for a lawyer. After all, the court
will render a favorable or adverse decision founded not only on the strong arguments the lawyer has advanced but more importantly, on the evidence he has presented and offered to support his cause or causes of action.

This article by Sol. Gen. Benipayo gives us an overview of the basic rules and principles and
selected doctrinal jurisprudence concerning evidence and how these are applied in Philippine judicial system. It tackles rules on admissibility and presentation of evidence; objections to evidence offered and ruling thereon; and examination of witnesses. In addition, the article also makes a discussion on the principles and doctrines of Parole Evidence Rule; Best Evidence Rule and Admissions and Confessions of Witnesses, and their respective consequences in the resolving of the case.

The study of evidence requires the understanding of its intricacies and effective use as means
in one's case; and this article gives us the first hand approach of the subject matter.