Senior High School

Philippine Politics and

Governance
Quarter 1 – Module 10
Roles and Responsibilities of the
Philippine Judiciary
 COPYRIGHT 2021

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 Senior High School

Philippine Politics and

Governance
Quarter 1 – Module 9
Roles and Responsibilities of the
Philippine Judiciary

ii
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance Self-Learning Module on
Roles and Responsibilities of the Philippine Judiciary.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by
educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum
while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the
module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will help

you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You
also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their
own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:

Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance Self-Learning Module on

Roles and Responsibilities of the Philippine Judiciary.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled
to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
CONTENT STANDARD
The learner demonstrates an understanding of the historical background of
Philippine democratic politics, the executive, the legislative, the judiciary, and
decentralization and the local governance

PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The learner explains the roles of different political institutions.

LEARNING COMPETENCY
The learners shall be able to:
1. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine judiciary.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. identify the functions of Philippine judiciary;
2. reflect on the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Judiciary; and
3. discuss how the judiciary exercises political neutrality and fairness and the
performance of the Philippine judiciary as a dispenser of justice and a protector
of constitutional rights and freedom.

INTRODUCTION

This module will discuss the functions of the judicial branch of the government
This lesson delves into the process by which legal issues are resolved. This
gives the students insights that will guide them in their decision-making not only on
matters regarding politics but also on everyday concerns.
As this lesson completes the series on the different branches of the
government, the students can then evaluate the functions of each branch of
government in a democratic setting.

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PRE-TEST

Directions: Read the questions carefully. Choose the best answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. It is the primary agency that handles matters concerning the settlement of issues
regarding the rights and interpretation of the law.
A. Executive branch C. Judiciary branch
B. Legislative branch D. No branch

2. The power of judiciary rests on the Supreme Court and the lower courts, which
includes the following, EXCEPT;
A. Court of Appeals C. Regional Trial Court
B. Sandiganbayan D. Basketball Court

3. The functions of the Supreme Court is stipulated in _____ Constitution.

A. 1987 B. 1986 C. 1985 D. 1984

4. Some of the functions of the Supreme Court are as follows, EXCEPT;

A. The Supreme Court primarily handles the cases of ambassadors, other
public ministers, and consuls.
B. Appointments of judges, officials, and employees of the Judiciary.
C. Create and disseminate rules and procedures concerning the processes in
legal courts as well as the membership to the Bar.
D. Propose a bill and amend a law.

5. The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and ____ Associate Justices.
A. 12 B. 14 C. 4 D. 10

6. Who are appointed by the President from a list of qualifiers from the screening
process done by the Judicial and Bar Council?
A. Chief Justice and Associate Justices
B. Chief Justice and Justices
C. Chief Justice and Admin Justices
D. Chief Justice and Assistant Justices

7. It is the second-highest tribunal or legal court in the country?

A. Court of Appeals
B. Regional Trial Court
C. Sandiganbayan
D. Basketball Court

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8. This is composed of a Presiding Justice and Associate Justices appointed by the
President.
A. Court of Appeals C. Regional Trial Court
B. Sandiganbayan D. Basketball Court

9. How many Associate Justices appointed by the president in the Court of Appeals?
A. 68 B. 70 C. 69 D. 71

10. It focuses on reviewing and resolving appeals of decisions from the Commissioner
of Internal Revenue, Commissioner of Customs, Department of Finance,
Department of Trade and Industry, and other legal courts concerning cases related
to tax, tariffs, and other monetary obligations to the government.
A. Supreme Court C. Korte Suprema
B. Court of Tax Appeals D. Court of Appeals

11. Lower courts such as city and municipal courts have original jurisdiction over cases
such as, but not limited to, EXCEPT;
A. Violations of municipal ordinances, gambling, assault
B. Estafa to a certain amount, malicious mischief
C. Trespassing and illegal possession of firearms
D. Impeachment Trial

12. Is it true that to further maintain objectivity in the system, the judicial branch
sometimes transfers one judge or even cases from one city to another?
A. True B. Not True C. Maybe D. None of the above

13. Under Section 15, Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution, the timetable for the
resolution of the cases brought to the judiciary is ______________.
A. five years for the Supreme Court, one year for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.
B. three years for the Supreme Court, two years for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.
C. two years for the Supreme Court, one year for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.
D. six years for the Supreme Court, two years for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.

14. This branch of the government gives the official and legal interpretation of the law.
A. Legislative B. Judicial C. Executive D. President

15. “Whenever the court finds that the other department has committed grave abuse
of discretion”. Who said this line?
A. Carpio-Morales C. Renato Corona
B. Defensor-Santiago D. Ponce Enrile

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REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MODULE

Direction. Rewrite the following paragraph to correct the information on the executive
branch of the government.

The executive branch of the government is divided into two clans – the bottom
clan and the higher clan. There are 47 senators in the higher clan and 300
representatives or congressmen in the bottom clan. This branch of the government is
responsible mainly for the crafting of laws. A law that is in the process of being
approved is called a beak. A beak then becomes a law after it is approved by both
clans and by the Office of the Ombudsman.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION OF THE NEW MODULE

ACTIVITY: LET ME KNOW

Direction: Write the different courts of the judicial branch from the highest to the lowest
and give a brief description of their functions.

Note to the Teacher

There are several possible answers based on the experiences of the
students. Consider answers that are relevant to the questions and could
have been a possible answer but not included in the answer key.

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ANALYSIS

WHAT DO I KNOW?

Direction: Answer and explain the following questions below. Rubric will be provided.
(5 points each)

1. What do you think is the greatest factor that can delay the resolution of cases in
the Philippine courts?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

2. Why is due process important?

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

3. What is your concept of justice? Will it work in our present legal system? Why or
why not?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Rubric

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ABSTRACTION

Functions of the Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of the government is the agency that handles matters
concerning the settlement of issues regarding the rights and interpretation of the law.
The power of the judiciary rests on the Supreme Court and the lower courts, which
include the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, down to the Regional Trial Court, the
Metropolitan Trial Court, and Municipal Trial Court.

The 1987 Constitution defines judicial power as follows:

Judicial power covers the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual
controversies which rights are legally demandable and enforceable, and determine
whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion which it amounts to lack or
excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch of our Government.

Meaning, the judicial branch of the government not only rules on legal issues
but also on the other two branches “whenever the court finds that the other department
has committed grave abuse of discretion” (Santiago, 2002)

Some of the functions of the Supreme Court under the 1987 Constitution are
as follows:

1. The Supreme Court handles the cases of ambassadors, other public ministers,
and consuls.
2. Review, affirm, reverse, or amend the decision of lower courts on certain cases
that concerns the constitutionality or validity of the international agreement and
presidential decrees, questionable decisions or processes of lower courts
cases which are punishable by lifetime imprisonment, error, or question of law
among others.
3. Appointments of judges, officials, and employees of the Judiciary branch.
4. Create and disseminate rules and procedures concerning processes in legal
courts as well as the membership to the Bar.

The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate

Justices appointed by the president from a list of qualifiers from the screening process
done by the Judicial and Bar Council.

The Court of Appeals, the second highest-tribunal or legal court in the country,
is composed of a Presiding Justice and sixty-nine Associate Justices who are
appointed by the president. Aside from having power over the issuance of certain legal
documents and orders, the Court of Appeals also mainly receives reviews and

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resolves appeals on decisions of Regional Trial Courts, as well as that of the Office of
Ombudsman in cases wherein one of the parties is not satisfied with the decision.

The Court of Tax Appeals, on the other hand, is focused on reviewing and
resolving appeals of decisions from the Commissioner of Internal Revenue,
Commissioner of Customs, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry,
and other legal courts with cases related to tax, tariffs, and other monetary obligations
to the government. The Court of Appeals is composed of a Presiding Justice and five
Associate Justices.

The Sandiganbayan has the following mandate:

SEC. 5. The Batasang Pambansa shall create a special court, to be known as

Sandiganbayan, must have jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases involving graft and
corrupt practices and other offenses committed by any public officers and employees,
including those in government-owned or controlled corporations, about their office, as
may be determined by law. (Art. XIII, 1973 Constitution)
SEC. 4. The present anti-graft court, known as the Sandiganbayan must continuously
function and exercise its jurisdiction as now or hereafter may be provided by the law.
(Art. XI, 1987 Constitution)

Lower courts such as city and municipal courts have original jurisdiction on
cases such as, but not limited to, violations of municipal ordinances, gambling, assault,
estafa, any malicious mischief, trespassing, and illegal possession of firearms.

To further maintain objectivity in the system, the judicial branch sometimes

transfers one judge or even cases from one city to another (Santiago, 2002) Section
15, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution provided a timetable for the resolution of the
cases brought to the judiciary: two years for the Supreme Court, one year for the lower
collegiate courts, and three (3) months for all other lower courts. In case the issue is
not resolved within those periods, a certification signed by Chief Justice or presiding
judge stating clearly as to why the case has not been resolved must be issued and
served to both parties.

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CHECK YOUR UNSERSTANDING

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Direction. Identify the following items. Rearrange the jumbled letters to come up with
the correct answer. Write your answer on the blank before each number.

___________1. The court that handles graft and corruption cases of government
employees. (NASANYDIABNGA)
___________2. This person appoints the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
(TEENSIRPD)
___________3. The court that handles the appointment of judges to various lower
courts. (PERMESU TURCO)
___________4. This court reviews decisions and orders of the Regional Trial Courts.
(TURCO FO PAEPALS)
___________5. The establishment of determination of rights according to the rules of
law, which the judicial branch tries to provide the people. (SICEUJT)

APPLICATION

BE THE SUPREME COURT

You are the Supreme Court!

Directions for Part One: Read the role-playing scenario below and familiarize
yourself with your branch of government’s goal. Then, brainstorm a list of actions/steps
that your branch has the power to take to accomplish your goal. An example is
provided for you.

Example:

Scenario/Goal: You and your fellow Supreme Court justices have decided that you
are sick and tired of how the president and members of Congress
abuse their authority. From now on, you have decided, if either the
president or members of Congress take actions that are not
specifically permitted by the Constitution, you will declare the actions
unconstitutional. For example, the president and any
congressperson can mail business-related correspondence free, a
privilege called “franking.” You believe it is time to stamp out this
abuse of authority and force them to adhere to the principles of the
Constitution.

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 Rubric

ENRICHMENT

Activity 1. SKILLS WORKOUT

Directions: Research two methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Give the

advantages and disadvantages of each method. Discuss how each method can help
in addressing the various complaints handled by the judiciary.

There are other means to resolve complaints in a faster, although informal, manner.
These are called Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods under the Republic
Act 9285 or the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004. The law allows the use
of the ADR methods in regular legal courts and other administrative agencies.

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POST - TEST

Direction. Read the questions carefully. Choose the best answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. It is the primary agency that handles matters concerning the settlement of issues
regarding the rights and interpretation of the law.
A. Executive branch C. Judiciary branch
B. Legislative branch D. No branch

2. The power of judiciary rests on the Supreme Court and the lower courts, which
includes the following, EXCEPT;
A. Court of Appeals C. Regional Trial Court
B. Sandiganbayan D. Basketball Court

3. The functions of the Supreme Court are stipulated in the _____ Constitution.
A. 1987 B. 1986 C. 1985 D. 1984

4. Some of the functions of the Supreme Court are as follows, EXCEPT;

A. The Supreme Court primarily handles the cases of ambassadors, other
public ministers, and consuls
B. Appointments of judges, officials, and employees of the Judiciary.
C. Create and disseminate rules and procedures concerning the processes in
legal courts as well as the membership to the Bar.
D. Propose a bill and amend a law.

5. The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and ______ Associate

Justices.
A. 12 B. 14 C. 4 D. 10

6. Who is appointed by the President from a list of qualifiers from the screening
process done by the Judicial and Bar Council?
A. Chief Justice and Associate Justices
B. Chief Justice and Justices
C. Chief Justice and Admin Justices
D. Chief Justice and Assistant Justices

7. It is the second-highest tribunal or legal court in the country.

C. Court of Appeals
D. Sandiganbayan
E. Regional Trial Court
F. Basketball Court

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8. It is composed of a Presiding Justice and Associate Justices appointed by the
President.
i. Court of Appeals C. Regional Trial Court
ii. Sandiganbayan D. Basketball Court

9. How many Associate Justices appointed by the president in the Court of Appeals?
A. 68 B. 70 C. 69 D. 71

10. It focuses on reviewing and resolving appeals of decisions from the Commissioner
of Internal Revenue, Commissioner of Customs, Department of Finance,
Department of Trade and Industry, and other legal courts concerning cases related
to tax, tariffs, and other monetary obligations to the government.
A. Supreme Court C. Korte Suprema
B. Court of Tax Appeals D. Court of Appeals

11. Lower courts such as city and municipal courts have original jurisdiction over cases
such as, but not limited to, EXCEPT;
A. Violations of municipal ordinances, gambling, assault
B. Estafa to a certain amount, malicious mischief
C. Trespassing and illegal possession of firearms
D. Impeachment Trial

12. Is it true that to further maintain objectivity in the system, the judicial branch
sometimes transfers one judge or even cases from one city to another?
A. True B. Not True C. Maybe D. None of the above

13. Under Section 15, Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution, the timetable for the
resolution of the cases brought to the judiciary is ______________.
A. five years for the Supreme Court, one year for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.
B. three years for the Supreme Court, two years for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.
C. two years for the Supreme Court, one year for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.
D. six years for the Supreme Court, two years for the lower collegiate courts,
and three months for all other lower courts.

14. This branch of government gives the official and legal interpretation of the law.
A. Legislative B. Judicial C. Executive D. President

15. “Whenever the court finds that the other department has committed grave abuse
of discretion”. Who said this line?
A. Carpio-Morales C. Renato Corona
B. Defensor-Santiago D. Ponce Enrile

11
 12
PRE-TEST REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS LESSON ABSTRACTION
1. C Answers may vary Checking your
2. D Understanding
3. A 1. Sandigan
PRESENTATION OF THE LESSON
4. D
Bayan
5. B
6. A Answers may vary 2. President
7. A 3. Supreme
8. A ACTIVITY Court
9. C Answers may vary 4. Court of
10. B Appeal
11. D ANALYSIS 5. Justice
12. A
13. C Answers may vary
14. B POST-TEST
15. B
1. C
2. D
APPLICATION 3. A
Answers may vary 4. D
5. B
6. A
ENRICHMENT
7. A
Activity 1. Answers may vary 8. A
Activity 2. Answers may vary 9. C
10. B
11. D
12. A
13. C
14. B
15. B
ANSWER KEY
REFERENCES

Book References
Rex Bookstore – Philippine Politics and Governance

Online References
https://www.philembassy.no/thephilippinegovernment#:~:text=The%20executi
ve%20branch%20is%20headed,a%20term%20of%20six%20years.
Pinterest.com

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Surigao del Norte

Peñaranda St., Surigao City
Surigao del Norte, Philippines 8400
Tel. No: (086) 826-8216
Email Address: surigao.delnorte@deped.gov.ph

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