Learning Activity Sheet: The Judiciary in Philippine Politics and Governance

Grade Level: 12
Subject: Philippine Politics and Governance
Topic: The Judiciary
Objectives:
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
1. Identify the roles and functions of the judiciary in the Philippine political system.
2. Understand the structure of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court and lower courts.
3. Discuss the independence and powers of the judiciary in relation to the executive and
legislative branches.
4. Analyze the impact of the judiciary on governance and the rule of law in the Philippines.
Part 1: Introduction to the Judiciary
Instructions: Read the following brief overview of the Philippine judiciary, then answer the
questions below.
The Judiciary is one of the three branches of government in the Philippines. It is tasked
with interpreting the laws and administering justice. Its main role is to ensure that laws are
applied fairly, resolve disputes, and protect constitutional rights.
Key Features of the Judiciary:
 Independence: The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches.
 Judicial Review: The power of the judiciary to review the constitutionality of laws and
executive actions.
 Supreme Court: The highest court in the Philippines, which has both original and appellate
jurisdiction.
1.1 Questions:
Answer the following questions based on the information above.
1. What is the primary role of the judiciary in the Philippines?
2. Explain the concept of "judicial review."
3. Why is the independence of the judiciary important in a democracy?
Part 2: Structure of the Judiciary
Instructions: Match the terms from Column A to their correct descriptions in Column B.
Write the letter of the correct answer beside each number.
Column A
1. Supreme Court
2. Court of Appeals
3. Regional Trial Courts (RTCs)
4. Shari’a Courts
5. Sandiganbayan
Column B
A. A special court that handles cases involving government officials and public employees,
particularly those related to graft and corruption.
B. The highest judicial body in the Philippines, composed of the Chief Justice and 14
Associate Justices.
C. Courts that hear cases involving Muslims, under the jurisdiction of the Shari’a law.
D. Courts that have jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and other general cases at the regional
level.
E. A court that handles appeals from lower courts and cases that involve questions of law or
facts.
2.1 Matching Exercise Answer Key:
Write your answers here (example: 1 - B).
Part 3: Role of the Judiciary in Checks and Balances
Instructions: Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.
Scenario:
The President of the Philippines signs an executive order that limits the rights of workers to
organize and form unions, claiming it is necessary for national security. The law is
controversial, and many labor groups believe it violates the Philippine Constitution,
particularly the workers’ right to association.
Question:
1. What role can the judiciary play in this situation?
2. If a case is filed challenging the executive order, which court has the authority to declare it
unconstitutional?
3. How does judicial review contribute to the system of checks and balances in the Philippine
government?
3.1 Write your answers below:
1.

2.

3.
 Part 4: The Independence of the Judiciary
Instructions: Read the statements below about the independence of the judiciary and
decide whether they are TRUE or FALSE. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. The judiciary is financially dependent on the executive branch for its budget. ___
2. The President has the power to remove justices of the Supreme Court. ___
3. Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President, but they serve until the age
of 70. ___
4. The judiciary cannot be influenced by any political party or politician in its decisions. ___
Part 5: Discussion & Reflection
Instructions: Choose one of the following discussion topics and write a short reflection (3-5
sentences). Share your thoughts on the role of the judiciary in promoting democracy,
justice, and the rule of law in the Philippines.
1. Judicial Independence and Its Impact on Governance
How does the independence of the judiciary contribute to the protection of citizens' rights
and the fair implementation of laws in the Philippines?
2. Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint
Should the judiciary take an active role in shaping public policy, or should it strictly interpret
the law as written? Explain your position.
Part 6: Assessment (Quiz)
Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each of the following questions.
1. Which of the following is the highest court in the Philippines?
a) Court of Appeals
b) Regional Trial Courts
c) Sandiganbayan
d) Supreme Court
2. The power of the judiciary to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional is known
as:
a) Judicial Review
b) Judicial Independence
c) Judicial Activism
d) Judicial Restraint
3. How many justices compose the Supreme Court of the Philippines?
a) 10
b) 12
c) 14
d) 15
4. Which of the following courts has jurisdiction over corruption cases involving public
officials?
a) Regional Trial Courts
b) Shari’a Courts
c) Sandiganbayan
d) Court of Appeals