lex prospicit, non respicit
• “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)
• “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. • Penal laws which are favorable to the accused are given retroactive effect. (Ortega v. People, G.R. No. 151085, August 20, 2008, Per Nachura, J.)

Latin maxim. • “No one should be allowed to enrich himself unjustly at the expense of another.” (Jenk Cent. Cas. 4; 10 Barb. [N.Y.] 626, 633, “Cyclopedic Law Dictionary,” 2nd Edition, p. 688, cited in Philippine National Bank v. CA, G.R. No. 97995m January 21, 1993)

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. • “Distinguish times and you will harmonize laws.” (Commissioner of Customs v. Superior Gas and Equipment Co., En Banc, G.R. No. L-14115, May 25, 1960)

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.

Latin maxim. • “to adhere to precedents and not to unsettle things which are established” (Lazatin v. Desierto, G.R. No. 147097, June 5, 2009)