ALFARO, RENNETTE JOY G.

STUDENT NO. L-150XXX

LEGAL COUNSELING - ATTY. EDNA BATACAN
SECTION – 3C (1ST SEMESTER, AY 2017-2018)

JUDICIAL BODY (SANDIGANBAYAN)

PART I. REPORT

Every law student’s dream is to witness a one or two court proceedings in the
Court which handles most of the controversial cases in the country, Sandiganbayan. I
was lucky enough to fulfill that dream. As we entered the vicinity, we were halted for
about 10 minutes or so to undergo with the very strict security measures. Our photos
were taken and also our thumb marks, which I never witnessed in the other Courts I
visited years ago. Guards and security personnels were all over the place. Taking into
matters that Sandiganbayan is a court which mainly tries administrative cases, hence, a
scrutinized security examinations shall be conducted indeed. Upon entering the Third
Division Court, we were mesmerized because we were able to go to the court and it is
looks the same in how it appears in the television.

After a few minutes, the counsels, prosecutors and the court personnels
arrived together with their clients and witnesses while carrying voluminous documents
hand in hand. Subsequently, the three justices, presided by Justice Hernandez arrived
as well taking their respective seats. The proceeding started with a prayer, after such,
the clerk of court immediately announced the title of the case which would be decided
first. Most of the cases we witnessed were unfortunately, with regard to the motions and
pleadings asking the court to change the trial dates as their clients and witnesses
cannot be taken grasp of.

Luckily, there is this one case which showcased cross examination in an

intense manner. The case pertains to the alleged bribery committed by the official of a

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financial company to gain permission from the official being bribed of to erect a cell site
of a certain Telecommunications company in lieu of their expansion project, to which the
latter agreed to. A witness was presented by the prosecution to recount the substantial
events that transpired at the time of the commission of the crime. Interestingly, this case
has been going for about 3 years already. It was alleged that the official penned a board
resolution in favor of the telecom without the approval of the other Sanggunian
members. After the verification by the witness of her testimonies, she was then asked
by the counsels of the respondent. I can say that being a witness is really a tough and
brave act because it might cost your life as well as the life of the family, most especially,
if you are against an influential person. Upon my observation, the witness was quite
intimidated to the manner of the respondent’s counsels way of delivering their
questions.

I suppose that what I have seen was the reality amongst the cross
examinations as well, since the life of the innocent persons are at stake. After the trial,
we pondered about what we witnessed and discuss with each other our observations
about the visit. In a nutshell, it is a fruitful visit, and I wish to work there someday as a
prosecutor to fight for what is just and right.

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PART II. PHOTOS

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PART III. CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

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 QUASI-JUDICIAL (NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS
COMMISSION)
PART I. REPORT

We were able to grasp the reality of the situation between some employees and

employer n different industries. The NLRC is known for handling cases with regard to

labor dispute with the primary aim of settling such disputes amicably. Upon entering the

NLRC building, there are a lot of anxious faces whom I guess were waiting for their turn

to be called in their respective courts where their cases are lodged. Most of them were

accompanied by a well-dressed individual who had with them voluminous documents

and I submit that they are their corresponding counsels. However, they are also some

employees who are without their counsels but they are together with the employer’s

representative which could mean that they already arrived at a settlement.

Minutes later, we were already allowed to enter the NLRC Court presided by

Labor Arbiter Irene De Quiros and was assisted with the certification and verification of

our attendance for that day. Hon. De Quijiros arrived and then she immediately greeted

us with a smile and talked to us for a few seconds. Then, the assistant called for the

disputing parties to enter in the court and start the trial. The Labor Arbiter tried her very

best to convince the parties to settle amicably to prevent further proceedings which

would take a long time and to prevent incurring further costs. Most of parties in the

cases heard during that day did not arrive at a settlement because the aggrieved parties

wanted to request for the increase of the employer’s offer, hence, their hearing were

scheduled for another day. Some were successful in arriving at a settlement and only

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appeared to court to drop the cases they have filed against their employees. I commend

the Labor Arbiter Irene for handling the case in calm and understanding manner despite

the fact that some of the parties seems to be uninformed about the limited jurisdiction of

the NLRC.

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Part II Photos

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Certification:

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PRIVATE FIRM ( CRUZ MARCELO & TENANFRANCA)
PART. I

I could say that this is the most artistic firm I have visited in my entire law school life.
Paintings and sculptures were aesthetically displayed all over the firm. The conference
rooms were named after our great heroes which is an unusual concept. We were
warmly welcomes by the staffs at reception are and was directed to the designated
conference room. Few minutes later, Senior Partner Atty. John Balismono welcomed us
to their firm together with the two associate partners, Atty. Claire and Atty. Enrique. We
moved to a bigger conference room as te designated room could only accommodate
few persons. After a while, we asked several questions

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PART II.

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CERTIFICATION:

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