Friday

Land Title and Deeds - Finals

Hindi ito ang exam question ko under Justice Oswaldo D. Agcaoili, mas mahirap ang p*tang ina! Pinaghalo halo yung mga questions, meron pang draft ng adverse claim. But this samplex really helped. Some of the questions are virtual reproductions. Thus, it deserves a lot of thanks to Atty. Gapasin and Ordo Luminis Legis of UST.

From the Library of Carillo and Tapales of Antipolo City.

1.

AB filed his answer in a cadastral proceeding claiming private ownership of Lot. I. However, the court declared the lot as public land. Can AB subsequently file an application for judicial confirmation of title for the same land? [10%]

2.

In a registration case, the OSG requested the Provincial Prosecutor to represent it during the trial. The court granted the application for registration.

(a) On what grounds may the government file a motion for reconsideration? [7%] (b) Within what period may the government file the motion? [3%]

3.

AB is an applicant for registration. As present possessor, CD files his opposition. The court renders judgment in favor of AB, which becomes final.

(a) What is the remedy of AB in case CD refuses to vacate? (5%]
(b) In case CD refuses to comply with the order to vacate, can he be cited for contempt? [5%)

4.

(a) What are the contents of a decree of registration? [5%]
(b) What are the essential requisites for the review of a decree? [5%]

5.

Explain. Registration does not vest title [10%]

6.

AB is the registered owner of land. In 1993, he migrated to the US and obtained a green card. When he came back to the Philippines in 2003, he found CD occupying the land with his house thereon, claiming ownership thereof on the basis of possession.

(a) As counsel to AB what action will you take against CD? [5%]
(b) As counsel for CD, how would you respond to the action of AB? [5%]

7.

AB filed a complaint to nullify CD’s title alleging that the same was obtained through Fraud. CD’s defense is that he acquired his title in regular registration proceedings. He also set up a counterclaim praying that All’s title should instead be canceled since he is an absentee applicant. AB answered back that CD’s counterclaim amounts to a collateral attack on his title and should be dismissed. Decide [10%)

8.

What is the rule in case of double sale of immovable property? [10%]

9.

(a) What is the policy behind the prohibition against the sale of public lands acquired under the homestead and free patent provisions of the Public Land Act? [2%]
(b) AB was issued a flee patent in 1995; He sold one-half of the land to CD with the understanding that the salt shall not be effective until after 10 years. Is the sale valid? [4%] lf your answer is no, what are the sanctions if any? [4%]

10.

(a) What is an innocent purchaser for value? [3%]
(b) Illustrate the principle that a forged deed may he the root of a valid title [7%]

GOOD LUCK!


From the Library of Ordo Luminis Legis, UST Law.

1.

(a) The registration court adjudicates the land applied for to Pedro. The decision having become final, Pedro applies for a writ of possession. Against whom may the writ be issued? (4%)
(b) A writ of possession is served by the sheriff upon Jose, the occupant, but the latter refuses to vacate. Is Jose liable for contempt for non-compliance with the writ? (3%)
(c) Ten years after the finality of the judgment, Pedro applies for a writ of possession. Jose against whom the writ is served says the writ is not enforceable since it is already barred by prescription. Is Jose correct? (3%)

2.

(a) May land already covered by a homestead patent be the subject of subsequent cadastral proceedings? (4%)
(b) On August 5, 2002, Pedro obtained a homestead patent for land covering 1000 square meters. Pedro sold 1/2 of the land to Jose under a deed of absolute sale dated August 5, 2003 but it was stipulated that the sale shall not take effect until August 6, 2007. Is the sale valid? (3%)
(c) If only a portion of the homestead is sold within the prohibitory period, can the government file an action for the reversion of the whole lot to the State? (3%)

3.

(a) What is the evidentiary value of a certificate of title? (5%)
(b) The registration court issues an order for the issuance of a decree in favor of Pedro. The LRA refuses to issue the decree since, upon verification the land had already been titled in the name of Jose. Can Pedro compel the LRA to issue the decree in his name on the ground that the duty of the LRA is ministerial? (5%)

4.

(a) Pedro lost his title and other papers when he was held UP in a bus. Meantime, Pedro went to the US and spent sometime with his family there. When he returned to the country he found out that his land was already occupied by Jose with his house and other improvements thereon. Pedro wants to eject Jose but he no longer has his title as proof of ownership. Pedro seeks your advice. What will you tell him? (5%)
(b) In the event a court action is filed by Pedro against Jose, can Jose set up the defense that he has already acquired ownership of the land through acquisitive prescription? (5%)

5.

(a) Pedro files an action for ejectment against Jose and attaches to his complaint a copy of his title as proof of ownership. Jose’s defense is that Pedro’s title was obtained through fraud and hence Pedro has no cause of action against him. Is Jose’s defense valid? (5%)
(b) In the same case, Jose also alleges, as additional defense, that Pedro cannot sue without being joined by his wife because the property, according to him, is “conjugal” as shown by the fact that the title is in the name of Pedro, married to Maria.” Is Jose correct? (5%)

6.

(a) What are the requisites for the review of a decree? (5%)
(b) Cite five (5) specific instances of extrinsic fraud as a ground for the review of a decree (5%)

7.

(a) Pedro is in actual possession of land and has for a long time been exercising acts of ownership thereon. He discovers later that the land was already titled in the name of Jose in 1990. Pedro files an action for reconveyance alleging that Jose’s title was obtained through fraud. Jose retorts that Pedro’s action is already barred by prescription and should be dismissed outright. Is Jose correct? (5%)
(b) Pedro files an action for reconveyance against Jose. Jose alleges that reconveyance is no longer proper since he (Jose) had already sold the land to Juan who, in turn, had sold it to Mario. What is the remedy of Pedro if any? (5%)

8.

(a) In what instances may a contract con pacto de retro be presumed to be an equitable mortgage? (5%)
(b) Where the mortgagor defaults in the payment of his obligation, what are the options open to the mortgagee? (2%)
(c) What shall the purchaser at a foreclosure sale do so that he may be placed in possession of the property mortgaged (3%)

9.

(a) Pedro sells land to Jose who obtained a transfer Certificate of title for the land. In an action filed by Juan, as the true owner, Jose’s title is cancelled since Pedro, the vendor, is proven to be a mere impostor. Can Jose claim damages against the Assurance Fund? (5%)
(b) Explain and illustrate the principle that “a forged deed may be the root of a valid title.” (5%)

10.

(a) What is the purpose of an adverse claim? (2%)
(b) When may a claim or interest be registered as an adverse claim? (3%)
(c) What is the purpose of a notice of lis pendens? (2%)
(d) In what cased is the notice of lis pendens proper? (3%)

GOOD LUCK!

Thursday

Constitutional Law

I wasn’t able to secure a copy of Atty. Yan’s examinations again. But I know I got my answers right. A useful tip, read the Albano reviewer. It is good reading before taking his examinations.

But one good thing about the exams, I finished first. No frills, no beating ‘round the bush. I answered straightforwardly, with no complexities. But still, I hope I did well. It was a great honor when Atty. Yan congratulated me before. He is one of the law professors I idolize. Medyo radical pa siya. Tibak ata si sir nung nag-aaral ng Law.

Pareho pala kami... Hehehe!

Monday

Criminal Law 2 - Finals

These are the questions asked in my final exams in CRIM2 under Atty. RLM.

I.

Distinguish the following
1. Grave Threats from Grave Coercion
2. Direct Bribery from Indirect Bribery
3. Concubinage from Adultery
4. Rebellion from Sedition
5. Recidivism from Quasi-Recidivism
6. Threatening to Publish Libel from Threat to Extort Money
7. Evasion of Service of Sentence from Delivering Prisoner’s from Jail
8. Falsification from Perjury
9. Estafa from Malversation of Public Funds
10. Brigandage from Robbery in Band

II.

1. What is Libel? Discuss its requisites.

2. A, police officer, chanced upon B littering in the public place in violation of the city ordinance. A put B under arrest. B retorted that he could not be arrested because the penalty for littering is only fine and not imprisonment. A told B that he would not be bringing B to the authorities if the latter would give him P2,000. the amount of the fine. B, in disgust, gave him P200.00 instead. What crime was committed? Explain fully.

III.

1. Pedro deposited imported products in Juan’s warehouse under a Storage Agreement. Two weeks after, he inspected the warehouse and found out that he sustained losses because of pilferage. He confronted Juan who denied that he has a hand in the pilferage. Pedro filed a case against Juan for the loss of his products. What crime should he charged in this case?
Explain fully.

2. What are the acts punishable under Batas Pambansa Big. 22?

IV.

1. Paris invited Hector into a business venture. According to him, certain European company is interested in buying Jathropa seeds for their biofuels project. They have agreed to invest on the project with Hector providing almost all the funds. Paris, on the other hand, took care of the planting and cultivation. A year after, and when harvest is due, no European company showed up to buy the seeds. Hector demanded his money back. Paris refused to make any refund saying that it was a business venture and, hence, they both suffered the loss. Hector filed Estafa against Paris. Discuss whether or not Estafa was committed.

2. Jules is the company driver of Vandoom Research Inc. As a driver, he is provided gasoline coupons which he can use in asking for gasoline for his truck at any Shell gasoline station. An audit was made by the company’s account manager and it was found out that he had been selling away gas coupons. He was dismissed from work and the company was mulling to file a criminal case against him. Discuss whether Jules committed any crime.

V.

1. What are the different forms of repetition under the RPC? Discuss each.

2. Are good faith and lack of damage proper defenses in the crime of falsification?

VI.

1. When is proof of truth a defense in the crime of Libel?

2. What are the four ways of committing quasi-offenses under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code?

Sunday

The Finals Week

Here it goes.

My finals week is just around the bend. Having gone through OBLICON (a 5-unit major subject in law) just last week, I feel I am going to be crushed in the huge pile of readings that I still have to browse upon. I think I am to be a regular visitor of McDonalds, and its refillable coffee. And for a fact, it was the first time that I studied that way. I have to ace my OBLICON, because anything less than a perfect score is a failing mark for me.

My exam in Criminal Law is tomorrow. From Crimes against National Security and the Law of Nations up to Quasi-Offenses, I have to memorize more than 150 articles of Book II of the Revised Penal Code, not to mention re-browsing Book I for the rules on penalties to be imposed, and the circumstances that affect criminal liability. I have been through 2 books of the Revised Penal Code, and still I feel that I am unprepared in Criminal Law. I find the saying quite true, “the more you know, the lesser you think you know.” Well, just as Uncle Freddie always says, “it takes a criminal to catch one.” I’ll have to think like a criminal in order to understand and answer the questions extensively.

This Thursday, I’ll have my Final Exam in Constitutional Law. Although I’ll rely mostly on stock knowledge, I still have to reread celebrated cases in the subject of constitutional law. It is not enough for me to simply pass the subject, knowing that I have already made a benchmark on Atty. Yan. I have to strike it with flying colors.

On Friday, I will take my test on Land Titles and Deeds under the eminent land registration scholar, Justice Oswaldo Agcaoili. I am very fortunate to have him as my professor. LTD is a civil law subject, not to mention that it is a very relevant field of law in real practice. If I am to be very marketable in practice, I have to memorize LTD by heart. And I owe it all to Justice Agcaoili.

On Saturday, Dr. Tony Reboza shall give us the Legal Medicine Finals. I fear not of a failing mark in his subject. What I fear is that I may not be able to get a high mark because of my absences. Pang-QPI ang LegMed e, saying naman if I don’t ace it.

Next week, I shall take Legal Ethics and Labor Standards. I hope for a good grade on those two subjects. Well, kilala na naman ako ni Atty. Zeny Mendiola. Idol ko yun, she was the class valedictorian during her time in FEU. She was doing that while she was working, and consequently a mother. The dedication, patience and perseverance of that person is a virtue worth emulating. As for Atty. Iris, I have to work harder on Labor Law. I know the subject, but I am not giving her the 100% dedication that I can. I am very disappointed with my standing in her class. I think I have failed her. I have to work harder in this examination.

Generally speaking, getting high marks in law school exams in both that of utmost dedication and sheer luck. We are not expected to know all the law, but the least we are asked is to have a working knowledge of its tenets. In the end, it is always the most persevering that survives, that which have dedicated ones self to studying the law, not only for personal gains but also for societal change. We are not law students for nothing. We, the select few, are the disciples of justice. We vowed to uphold the law to its fullest implementation, lest its letters be fettered by unscrupulous individuals who seek to hide their crooked ways.

Good luck sa exams. May God bless us all! We need it!

Saturday

Nearing the End of my Freshman Year

As I look back a year ago, I am filled with nostalgia. I reminisce the experiences I had as I First Year Law student, and say to myself, “Ayos ah”. Going to law school is a life long dream. Now that I am here, let me re-evaluate the things I have done and rethink the options I have as I move on to the next step in my chosen field of endeavor.

Academically, though I may have landed in the Dean’s List, I haven’t actually studied as I should have. If I would rate myself, I would give myself a 74%. I have not given all needed effort to learn the important principles in law, landmark cases, the related Supreme Court decisions, and worthy opinion of eminent authors in the field. What I have today is just a basic working knowledge of the law, not a thorough understanding of it. I don’t blame other people for my haphazard manner of learning, it’s just me. I have been used to this system since I was young. At first, I test the waters – finding out how to do things. Once I learn how to get things going, I tend to be lax. I am inclined to go easy on things, relax and enjoy the ride. I don’t think it is wrong to enjoy the ride through law school. But if I want to push through with my dream of being a bar topnotchers, I have correct my style, otherwise, it would be a vital defect in my study.

Socio-politically, I started early this time. Unlike my high school and college experience where I opened my doors to politics later in my course of study, the opposite is true in law school. During the first week of classes, I joined the only and exclusive fraternity in FEU Law, the TAU KAPPA PHI. From then on, I have been in daily contact with other law students. It prompted my fraternity brods to make me run as First Year Batch Representative. Although I lost, I made various contact with different sections. I became friends with most of them. Study buddies, yosi buddies, drinking buddies, war buddies, and fu-bu’s, name it, may nagsabi pa nga sakin, “crush” ng bayan daw ako. Wahehehe! Shucks, nakaka-flatter! Ang hangin ko na ah, hehehe! But seriously speaking, I am disputed to be one of the most familiar faces in FEU Law. Kaw ba naman ang KULOT! That’s why, when I run for Second Year Batch Representative, although one of my toughest fights, I won handedly. I thank my brods and batchmates, my sis from the Portia Sorority, my classmates in section LLB4101, section LLB4102, and some friends in section LLB4103 and LLB0104. Thanks also to the RPM. Batch Niño is a big help politically. Sanay na talaga kami sa school politics ni batch. But this does not stop here. If God wills it, I’ll be SC President.

Physically, this year is one of the unhealthier years for me. I gained almost 10 kilos, from 67 kilos in March 2007, today I’m almost 76 kilos. I eat a lot and drink a lot, but I exercise less. Ask anyone, most notices that I am bulkier than before. I lost my abs, I got a beer belly, and I am almost way over the BMI index for my height and weight. I have not forgotten my heart sickness, which is why in summer; I’ll schedule myself for a check-up. Better be sure than sorry. I have to remain fit, otherwise I would not enjoy the benefits of being a lawyer. True still is the saying, mens sana in corpore sano.

Mentally, I am prepared. I know I can go through this challenge as I have conditioned myself specifically for this day. As I have said, my goal is to be a bar topnotchers, not just a plain and simple lawyer. If you’re going to aim, go for the higher stone. Mediocrity is not in my vocabulary. I’ll make my mark, and I’ll make it sure that it stays there. I have already set my standards; I hope and pray that I have the tenacity and proficiency to maintain it.

Financially, I need some standing up to do. Although I fear not that I won’t finish my studies, thanks to Tita-Ninang Mae, there are a lot of expenses that is part and parcel of law school. First and foremost, the prohibitive cost of books. To date, I have spent P13,885 in law books, not to mention almost a thousand pesos in library fines, for books that I borrowed and failed to return on time. I have nearly P5,000 in photocopies of cases and reading materials, which when compared, amounts to the entire reading materials I photocopied during my college days. And that is just a year into law school. I am still dependent on my parents for allowance which makes it quite uneasy for me, because some if not most of my co-graduates are already earning on their own. Plus the fact that I have practically doubled my extra-curricular activities, it’s very unethical of me to be wasting a lot of my time without doing anything to fend off for myself. Although I have several sidelines, government contracting, plus those who are indebted to me, dami kasi may utang sakin, I don’t make it a habit of lending money art an interest. Thus, I shall make it a resolution – I have to find a work. I’ll be a working law student. It is primarily the reason why I entered FEU Law; their schedule was intended for working professionals. But I still am part of the largely unemployed majority of our countrymen. Thus, again, I have to work.

Socially, I am still the same social animal – my network of friends is growing. From my family, tropa, barkada, and former classmates to brods, sis, classmates, fellow law students and so on, I have made new acquaintances every single moment. Perhaps it is already my second nature to be friendly. But I’m really a home body, tamad ako umalis at hindi ako mahilig maglalalabas, so that is a major hindrance in my social life. Well, I have to live my life as I have for the past 22 years. Just minor adjustments, like if there is an exam, from 10 bottles of beer to just 4-5 bottles, or from going home at 5-6 AM, try going home by 1-2 AM. Hehehe!

Spiritually, I am closer to God than before. I now have a deeper understanding of my faith. I have grown in it. I have accepted my Savior; I have professed in Him my faith. I have weathered the tempest that shook the foundations of my belief in God. Now I dare not question the infinite goodness of God that He allows us to look for answers to questions that bother us. He even allows us to question His very existence. But because of His great love for us, He gave us Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin and death. There is this text message circulating in cell phones, stating that God in His immense wisdom allowed sin, evil and suffering to pervade our society, but because of His great love for us, He gave us His only Son. I have already accepted Christ as my redeemer. There is nothing more to ask for.

Emotionally, well, eto single pa rin. Too long a story to tell, perhaps, I’ll make a separate blog for it. But I do miss hugging the girl of my dreams. Nevertheless, it has not affected my studies. Pero, nakaka-miss ang feeling ng may serious girlfriend, yung feeling na secure kayo sa isa’t isa, yung alam mong may nag-mamahal sayo pagka-gising mo hanggang sa pagtulog, yung alam mong may nagdadasal na safe ka pagnagbibiyahe ka, yung may kasabay kang mangarap ng bukas, yung may kasabay kang managinip ng gising na ipinapanalangin mong hindi na sana matapos ang araw kapag kayo ang magkasama, yung may kasabay kang tumitingin sa kalangitan, at marami pang iba. I miss those moments. You may say I’m too cheesy about it, but I do miss those times. If I could only turn back the time, I would not have done the stupid things I did. But I know its God’s plan, and He when He makes a plan, He has a very good reason. Siguro eto yun, turuan ako ng lesson.

Now that I have rated myself, what would be next?

I can’t wait until I go to Second Year. I’ll learn property laws and torts, commercial and transactional laws. I am going to have my first elective subjects. Procedural laws shall be next, Civil and Criminal Procedure, which are very essential in practice. When people ask me about what remedies are available to them, I can answer them substantially and with authority.

After that, Junior Year would be a round-up of the next set of laws. Most of them involve commercial laws. Taxation would be there; tangina! It is one of the most dreaded subjects in law. Most say that half of law students stumble on taxation for obvious reasons. Hello!? Kaya nga kami nag-LAW eh! Walang math! Tapos may TAX. And its not just Tax1, there is Tax2. Pahirap diba? But with strong faith and strong will, I can do it! May the Force be with us!

Thus if all goes as planned, I can cross through Senior Year already. Puro review subjects na dun! Thus if I have studied well during my first to third year, there is no doubt that passing my review subjects would be easy. By that time, it would only be a year or so to graduation, to review classes, and eventually, the Bar Examinations. Therefore, I’ll be graduating from law school in March 2011, I’ll be taking the Bar in September 2011, and I’ll be addressed as ATTY. IAN DC ENCARNACION in April 2012, God willing among the Hall of Bar Topnotchers in Philippine Law History.

With my dreams finally true, I hope I'll have the time to roam the world and change the society. But perhaps I shall be settling down with a family by that time with my princess! It won’t be long! Time flies! But before everything else, I have to take my final exams next week and finish the Tinga Cases for this year’s bar examinations. Hehehe! God bless to one and all!
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