NARRATIVE REPORT

MCLE Seminar for Sixth Compliance Period

(October 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2017)
Prepared by: Atty. Mayer B. Baladbad

INTRODUCTION
The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) is a program initiated by the Supreme Court
of the Philippines to mandate all members of the Bar to keep abreast of the current laws and
procedure, and prevailing jurisprudence. This is to ensure the proper administration of justice
and uphold the integrity of the legal profession. But most importantly, to protect the public
against miscarriage of justice.
DAY 1
It was discussed to us that, the courts role in arbitration is indispensable. This in line with the
mandate of the law to exhaust all possible means for settlement of legal disputes. We were also
told to be gender sensitive as this will eventually help us to communicate better with our present
and future clients. Also, we are reminded to always keep our oath as lawyers. We have to
maintain our moral standing at all times. Lastly, we were informed that a New Criminal Code will
replace the outdated Revised Penal Code. In the New Criminal Code, most of the crimes will be
amended to cope in this modern time.
DAY 2
The speaker stressed the importance of an effective legal writing. Making pleadings, contracts,
and other written instrument are part of the legal profession. We lawyers were requested to use
effective and simple words to better convey our thoughts to the general public rather than
legalese words and phrases. As regards trial techniques, conducting cross examination is
considered an art. Cross examination allows to illicit information from the other party or as a way
to discredit and impeach an adverse witness. Lawyers must be fully aware of what transpire
during the proceeding, as it may help him to conduct a proper cross examination. In writing
compromise agreement, it is better to be detailed on the terms and conditions, particularly the
remedies that may be availed.
DAY 3
Human Rights encompasses all rights that will protect human life, liberty, property, and dignity.
The Philippines has participated in every convention to assure that human rights will be respected
and protected by sovereign states. Proper court decorum is a must for every lawyer. Lawyers are
mandated to respect the court and its officers, hence it must act accordingly within its presence.
Violence against women and their children has been effective to deter and reduce cases of
domestic violence. The women of today are fully protected by law against all forms of abuses.
Arbitration is an efficient tool to settle legal disputes and it has evolved to apply to different
forms disputes. One of which the CIACC which concentrates on construction arbitration.
International Arbitration handles disputes involving multi-national disputes.
DAY 4
Complaint affidavit should only contain facts that would sufficiently establish all the elements of
the crime and attach all necessary evidence to prove your allegations. As previously stated,
lawyers should always adhere to the ethical standards otherwise it may be a ground for
disciplinary actions. On Political law, the executive department has control and supervision over
all employees under its department to ensure faithful compliance and enforcement of the law.