Doctrine of independently relevant statements

Doctrine of independently relevant statements "Two years ago, my friend told me that his life was in danger and that he was going to be killed by a certain person whom he dealt with in his business. After a week, my friend was gunned down. I want to become a witness for my late friend, but I am afraid that the statement he gave me a week before he died may be considered hearsay.Eric Dear Eric,Please be informed that your friend’s statement, which he gave you a week before he died, is not hearsay. In People of the Philippines vs. Frank Lobrigas, et al. (GR 148649, Dec. 17, 2002, citing People vs. Velasquez), the Supreme Court, through Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, explained the doctrine of independently relevant statements, viz:“Under the doctrine of independently relevant statements, only the fact that such statements were made is relevant, and the truth or falsity thereof is immaterial. The hearsay rule does not apply hence, the statements are admissible as evidence. Evidence as to the making of such statement is not secondary but primary, for the statement itself may constitute a fact in issue or be circumstantially relevant as to the existence of such a fact.” Clearly, under the said doctrine, only the fact that such statements were made is relevant and the truth or falsity thereof is immaterial. Independently relevant statements are admissible in evidence and outside the purview of the hearsay rule. In your situation, the statement of your friend is relevant considering that the same involves the identity of the person who allegedly killed him a week after. The truth or falsity of your late friend’s statement is immaterial as what is important in said doctrine is the fact that such statements were made.We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated. Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/