actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea

Latin maxim. • “the interpretation placed upon the written law by a competent court has the force of law” (Co v. CA, En Banc, G.R. No. 100776, October 28, 1993, citing Peo. v. Jabinal, 55 SCRA 607, 611) the interpretation placed upon the written law by a competent court has the force of law.

Spanish maxim • “It is better that ten presumed criminals remain unpunished than an innocent one be punished.” (Google Translate; See People v. Cunanan, En Banc, G.R. No. L-17599, April 24, 1967)

Latin maxim. • “from the words of a statute there should be no departure” (Chavez v. JBC, En Banc, G.R. No. 202242, July 17, 2012)

Latin maxim. • “To interpret and harmonize laws is the best method of interpretation.” (DTI v. Enriquez, En Banc, G.R. No. 225301, June 2, 2020, citing Civil Service Commission v. Court of Appeals, 696 Phil. 230, 259 [2012])

• “the law looks forward not backward” (Co v. CA, En Banc, G.R. No. 100776, October 28, 1993, citing Development Bank of the Philippines v. Court of Appeals, et al, G.R. No 97998, Jan. 27, 1992)

Latin maxim. • “that a delegated power may not be further delegated by the person to whom such power is delegated, and that in all cases of delegated authority, where personal trust or confidence is reposed in the agent and especially where the exercise and application of the power is made subject to his judgment…