This is the free edition. Objections 1–12 — the form of the question — are
included. The other 78 are listed so you can find the right ground.
Five steps, every time
- Object before the answer. At the formal offer, orally and immediately — Rule 132, Sec. 36.
- State the ground specifically. Name the provision and the missing element. “Objection” alone preserves nothing.
- Obtain a ruling. An objection never ruled upon preserves nothing.
- Take the consequence. Answered already? Move to strike — Rule 132, Sec. 39. Your evidence excluded? Tender — Rule 132, Sec. 40.
- Note it on the record, and check the transcript afterwards.
Cannot be repaired
- Failure to object at the formal offer. Rule 132, Sec. 36 — the last opportunity.
- Privilege, once disclosed. The protection is spent.
- Unlawfully obtained evidence. Art. III, Sec. 3(2) — inadmissible for any purpose.
- Recording without all parties’ consent. R.A. No. 4200.
- Residual exception without pre-trial notice. Rule 130, Sec. 50 — may not be admitted.
Bench trial, not jury trial
The objection creates a record; it does not shield a fact-finder.
The judge has already heard the question, and often the answer. There are no curative
instructions, because there is nobody to instruct.
Three objections that are wrong as a matter of law here.
“Beyond the scope of direct” on cross — Rule 132, Sec. 6 permits cross on any
relevant matter. “More prejudicial than probative” — no Philippine provision
supports it. “Self-serving” — not a ground; frame it as hearsay under
Rule 130, Sec. 27.
Continuing objection
“Your Honor, may we record a
continuing objection to this entire line of questioning on the ground that it is leading,
so that we need not interrupt counsel with each question.”
The words to say and when to say them. The reasoning behind each ground — what opposing counsel will argue, the effect of a ruling, and the authorities — is in Courtroom Objections Under Philippine Law. Not legal advice.