Legal Framework and Oath of Office in the Philippines

Chapter 1

Article two. Laws shall take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, unless it is otherwise provided.

Article three. Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith.

Article four. Laws shall have no retroactive effect, unless the contrary is provided.

Article eight. Judicial decisions applying or interpreting the laws or the Constitution shall form part of the legal system of the Philippines.

Article nine. No judge or court shall decline to render judgment by reason of the silence, obscurity or insufficiency of the laws.

I, Kyle Stephanie Binoya, do solemnly swear (affirm) that I accept the honor, privilege, duty, and responsibility of practicing law in the Philippines as an Officer of the Court in the interest of our people.

I declare fealty to the Constitution of the Republic of Philippines.

In doing so, I shall work towards promoting the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

I shall conscientiously and courageously work for justice, as well as safeguard the rights and meaningful freedoms of all persons, identities, and communities. I shall ensure greater and equitable access to justice. I shall do no falsehood nor shall I pervert the law to unjustly favor nor prejudice anyone. I shall faithfully discharge these duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability, with integrity, and utmost civility. I impose all these upon myself without mental reservation nor purpose of evasion.

[For oaths] So help me, God.

REVISE PENAL CODE

Article two. Application of its provisions. - Except as provided in the treaties and laws of preferential application, the provisions of this Code shall be enforced not only within the Philippine Archipelago, including its atmosphere, its interior waters and maritime zone, but also outside of its jurisdiction, against those who:

One. Should commit an offense while on a Philippine ship or airship;

Two. Should forge or counterfeit any coin or currency note of the Philippine Islands or obligations and securities issued by the Government of the Philippine Islands;

Three. Should be liable for acts connected with the introduction into these islands of the obligations and securities mentioned in the preceding number;

Four. While being public officers or employees, should commit an offense in the exercise of their functions; or

Five. Should commit any of the crimes against national security and the law of nations, defined in Title One of Book Two of this Code.

Article three. Definition. - Acts and omissions punishable by law are felonies, delitos.

Felonies are committed not only by means of deceit, dolo, but also by means of fault, culpa.

There is deceit when the act is performed with deliberate intent; and there is fault when the wrongful act results from imprudence, negligence, lack of foresight, or lack of skill.

Article four. Criminal liability. - Criminal liability shall be incurred:

One. By any person committing a felony, delito, although the wrongful act done be different from that which he intended.

Two. By any person performing an act which would be an offense against persons or property, were it not for the inherent impossibility of its accomplishment or on account of the employment of inadequate or ineffectual means.