Cases cited by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago during her Manifestation in the Impeachment Trial on 29 February 2012

People v. Padrigone

382 SCRA 74 (2002 )

Under Rule 131, Section 3(e) of the Rules of Court, the rule that "evidence willfully suppressed would be adverse if produced" does not apply if (a) the evidence is at the disposal of both parties; (b) the suppression was not willful; (c) it is merely corroborative or cumulative and (d) the suppression is an exercise of a privilege.

People v. Melosantos

245 SCRA 560 (1995)

The prosecution evidence must at all times be competent and admissible to sustain its stand. The prosecution can not rely for conviction on an imaginary person charging a serious offense without extending to the accused the benefit of confronting his accuser. Withal, in default of a satisfactory premise for the non-presentation of a crucial witness it ineluctably follows that the disputable presumption that evidence deliberately withheld would be adverse if produced remains undisturbed.

Prieto v. Corpuz

510 SCRA 1 (2006)

No person should be penalized for the exercise of the right to litigate. This right, however, must be exercised in good faith.

Phil. British Co. Inc. v. De Los Angeles

63 SCRA 60 (1975)

By failing to substantiate his serious charges when called upon to do so, a lawyer may not only show his dubious motive therefore but the falsity of the charges as well, which merits disciplinary action against him.

Pepsi Cola Products Phil. Inc. v. Court of Appeals

299 SCRA 518 (1998)

As officers of the court, lawyers have a responsibility to assist in the proper administration of justice. They do not discharge their duty by filing pointless petitions that only add to the workload of the judiciary, especially this Court, which is burdened enough as it is. A judicious study of the fact and the law should advise them when a case, such as this, should not be permitted to be filed to merely clutter the already congested judicial dockets. They do not advance the cause of law or their client by commencing litigations that, for sheer lack of merit, do not deserve the attention of the court.