What are the consequence of the Presidential pardon?  Does it completely wipes away the criminal and civil liability of a person who committed a crime?

One of the prerogatives of the President is to grant pardon which may give a person a  leash on life and even regain his lost besmirched reputation.  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can very well exercise this prerogative on his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos who was convicted for graft and corruption by the Sandiganbayan last 2018.  Some observers think it should have been one of the first executive acts that President Marcos Junior should have done when he assume power.  

In our 41st episode, we will discuss the power of the President to exercise the power of pardon and its legal consequences.

The recent elections show discouraging numbers for the Opposition in Philippine politics.  Only 1 out of the 12 senatorial candidates fielded by the opponents of President Rodrigo Duterte, only 1 was able to win a Senate seat.  Instead, Filipinos voted based on popularity and supported candidates who are close to the outgoing President.

The implication of this development reveals the sad fate of qualified candidates like veteran legislator Richard "Dick" Gordon and legal luminaries like Attys. Chel Diokno and  Luke Espiritu.   Even though they have presented themselves as solution to the country's need for better legislation, Filipino voters seem not to mind and think that law making should rest on the hands of movie stars like Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and Lito Lapid.

Is there no hope for the Opposition and the likes of Attys Diokno, Espiritu and veteran Gordon?

Tonight's podcast will present alternative route but a better way for Opposition candidates to enter  the halls of Congress.  If explored, this could spell the revenge of the Opposition to outsmart its political rivals.

The insurmountable lead of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over his closest political opponent, Vice President Leni Robredo makes his trip back to the helm of power like a bed of roses.  However, there could be a pesky thorn that could make Marcos' impending proclamation  painful to swallow.   This are the twin petitions for the annulment of his certificate of candidacy and  disqualification which were recently lodged in the Supreme Court.   The highest court of the land which acts as the "last bulwark of democracy" would have the last say on the issues brought before it.

If the Supreme Court rules to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Marcos Junior, the second leading presidential candidate, Leni Robredo may have a legitimate crack at the Presidency.

The role of the Philippine Armed Forces during an electoral exercise is often misunderstood.  Are they under the control of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) when deputized to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful election?   This was the position taken by COMELEC Commissioner Rey Bulay which was criticized by election lawyer Atty. Emil Maranon.

Know what the law provides when it comes to the role of the Philippine  Armed Forces during an election.

Audio recording from Rappler and ABS-CBN Youtube Channel were used in this episode for educational purposes only. 

Some Filipinos scores anti-Marcos groups of their unending hatred of the late dictator's family and think that lack of forgiveness has prevented genuine reconciliation from happening.

The need for clemency for the Marcos family is more important nowadays when Ferdinand Jr. is seeking the Presidential seat in the upcoming elections.  The hounding questions about his eligibility especially that he was once adjudged guilty of violating the tax code threatens his presidential bid.  

The only way for the younger Marcos to proceed with his ambition to regain the Presidential palace is for President Rodrigo Duterte to pardon him.  Will this option still be possible?

Just as the world seemed to consider the Oscar Awards as a ho-hum event, veteran actor Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock has brought back controversy into it.

While doing a comedy routine that involved some of the nominees, Chris Rock made the unfortunate mention of Will Smith's wife, Jada who was bald.  While those who attended the awards ceremony and millions of viewers around the world thought that Chris Rock just came up with another antic, Will Smith came on the stage and slapped the comedian without warning.  

Now if this controversial slap happened in the Philippines, what will be its legal repercussions?

Basic knowledge of the Intellectual Property Law could have averted a rift between the Philippine showbiz's Megastar Sharon Cuneta and outspoken senatorial candidate Atty. Salvador "Sal" Panelo.  This pertains to who has the right to object to the public rendition of a classic OPM song composed by the late great Willy Cruz and popularized by the Megastar during her heyday.   Find out by downloading the 35th episode of the Legal Robot Podcast.

Under at least two Comelec resolutions,  media personalities who are running for public office are required to resign from their work during the election campaign period.  This is for the reason that continued media exposure gives them an unwarranted advantage over other candidates who are expected to abide with the COMELEC rules on air time  on TV and radio.  However, the dawn of advance technology in social media seemed to give way to the circumvention of the law wherein media personalities running for public office can take advantage of media exposure through social media.  

In this episode, COMELEC Resolution No. 10730 is placed on the spotlight.  Is it able to maintain equality among the candidates for the 2022 elections in terms of mass media campaigning?

Audio clip from ABS-CBN TV Patrol Youtube channel was used in this episode.

The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military was condemned by several nations and has led the United Nation Security Council to pass a resolution for Russian to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territories.

The invasion is not only a violation of the sovereignty of an independent nation but also a violation of the Budapest Memorandum which assured Ukraine that Russia will respect its borders in exchange for the decommissioning of its nuclear weapon arsenal.

In the meantime, the Philippine government  has not supported the condemnation of the Russian invasion.  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana even commented that Europe seems to be far away.   Is this reaction correct or short-sighted?

The COMELEC has initiated "Oplan Baklas" which aims to remove all illegal campaign posters and paraphernalia around the country in connection with the 2022 Presidential elections.  Scores of posters and tarpaulins posted at both public and private properties were removed which elicited mixed reactions from the public.

The burning question is can the COMELEC prohibit the posting and displaying of campaign posters and tarpaulins inside private properties?  Listen to tonight's episode and know what the law says about illegal campaign materials and how citizens can support their preferred candidates without violating the law.

Audio clips from ABS-CBN and Rappler youtube channels were used in this episode for educational purposes only.