Group 1

6. c. Multiple Admissibility means. Give example.

When is there multiple admissibility?

There are times when a proffered evidence is admissible for two or more purposes. Thus,
depending upon the circumstances, the declaration of a declaration may be admissible for several
purposes. It may be offered as a dying declaration 1, part of the res gestae2, or a declaration
against interest.3 The statement by a bus driver immediately after the collision, that he dozed off
in the wheel while dancing, may be admissible as an admission under Sec. 26 of Rule 130 or as
part of the res gestate pursuant to Sec. 42 of Rule 130.

Sometimes, evidence is inadmissible for one purpose but admissible for another or vice
versa. For instance, evidence of a person’s bad general reputation for truth, honesty, or integrity
is objectionable if offered to prove that he committed the crime charged but it may admissible to
impeach the credibility of a witness under the authority of Sec. 11 of Rule 132.

Evidence may also be admissible against one party but not against another. An
extrajudicial statement of a robbery subject is not admissible against his co-accused under the
res inter alios acta rule but may be admissible against the declarant himself as an admission
pursuant to Sec. 26 of Rule 130.

NOTE: If the testimony is offered to prove that the subject was completed pursuant to the
contract, it cannot be offered to prove that the project was delayed.

It must be noted that the purposes for which evidence is offered must be specified
because such evidence may be admissible for several purposes under the doctrine of multiple
admissibility, otherwise the adverse party cannot interpose the proper objection.

Group 2

1 Sec. 37, Rule 130, Rules of Court

2 Sec. 42, Rule 130, Rules of Court
3 Sec. 38, Rule 130, Rules of Court
2. Liberal construction of the rules on evidence.

How should the rules of evidence be construed?

Like all other provisions under the Rules of Court, the rules of evidence must be liberally
construed.4 Rules of Procedure are merely tools intended to facilitate rather than to frustrate the
attainment of justice. A strict and rigid application of the rules must always be eschewed if it
would subvert their primary objective of enhancing substantial justice.

Although strict compliance with the rules of procedure is desired, liberal interpretation is
warranted in cases where a strict compliance of the rules will not serve the ends of justice. 5
However, the rule on liberal construction is not a license to disregard the evidence, or lack
thereof on record; or to misapply the laws.6

The Rules on Electronic Evidence shall, likewise, be construed liberally.7

What is the rule in the relaxation of the rules?

A satisfactory explanation and a subsequent fulfillment of the requirements

have always been required.8

4 Sec. 6, Rule 1, Rules of Court

5 Rubio v. Alabama, G.R. No. 203947, February 26, 2014
6 Inter Orient Maritime Enterprises, Inc. v. Creer III, G.R. No. 181921, September 17, 2014.
7 Sec. 2, Rule 2, Rules on Electronic Evidence
8 Barcenas v. Tomas, 454 SCRA 593