Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Positive Identification and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases: Why Trial Court Assessment Matters
In People v. Bustamante, the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, ruling that delayed witness identification and minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Homicide Cases: Lessons from Lascano v. People
The Supreme Court reaffirms that credible eyewitness identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases, explaining why appellate courts respect trial court credibility findings.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with RA 9165 Is Not Fatal
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 custody rules won't invalidate drug evidence, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Dismissal for Failure to File Pre-Trial Brief: The Mandatory Nature of Procedural Rules in Civil Cases
Failure to file a pre-trial brief is a ground for dismissal with prejudice, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed in Vera v. Rigor.
Independent Assessment Prevails: Dismissal Based Solely on DOJ Resolution Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information, not merely adopt DOJ resolutions.
Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction Over Employee Claims: Incon Industrial Corp. Case
When do labor claims belong to the Labor Arbiter, not the RTC? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional boundaries in Incon Industrial Corp.
Contract Rescission and RTC Jurisdiction: Lessons from Villena v. Payoyo
When rescinding a contract is the primary remedy, the case belongs in the Regional Trial Court—even if the monetary claim is small.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Your Right TO Speedy Trial IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Protects You from Retrial
Understand when a case dismissal bars retrial under Philippine double jeopardy rules, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Benares v. Lim.
Missed Your Pre-Trial? Understanding When Philippine Courts Grant a Second Chance
Philippine courts rarely grant second chances after a pre-trial is missed. Learn the rules on when motions may be reconsidered and the limits of court discretion.
When a Judge’s Delay and Dishonesty Undermine the Right to Speedy Trial
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge’s 13-year case backlog and falsified certificates of service, and what it means for the constitutional right to speedy justice.
Permanent Injunctions Allowed Protecting Bcda Projects Without Hampering Judicial Power
Supreme Court rules RA 7227 bars only TROs and preliminary injunctions against BCDA projects, not permanent injunctions after full trial.
Customs Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Seized Vehicles, Not Replevin Courts
The Supreme Court ruled that regional trial courts cannot take custody of goods already seized by the Bureau of Customs through a replevin suit.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Does It Warrant a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence justifies a new trial and when it does not, in Elpidio S. Uy v. First Metro Integrated Steel Corp.
New Trial After Final Judgment: The Dinglasan Case on B.P. 22 and Procedural Remedies
When can a convicted accused seek a new trial based on newly discovered evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Ejectment Proceedings Ownership Disputes DO NOT Oust Metropolitan Trial Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising ownership issues in an ejectment case does not divest the Metropolitan Trial Court of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Supreme Court: Probable Cause for Libel Despite Fair Comment Defense
SC reinstates libel case over article on minor's underwear, ruling fair comment defense needs full trial.
Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal OF Criminal Charges DUE TO Prosecutorial Delay
Explore how prosecutorial delay impacts speedy trial rights and when criminal charges may be dismissed in the Philippines.
Default Judgments and Due Process: What Civil Litigants Must Know
A bus company was declared in default for missing trial. The Supreme Court clarified the rules on default, due process, and procedural rights.
Default Judgment Consequences of Missing Pretrial in Philippine Courts
Learn how skipping pretrial can lead to default judgment in Philippine courts, and what the Ramientas v. Reyala case says about procedural rules.
Preliminary Injunctions and Bank Deposits: Protecting Depositors' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions preserve the status quo and cannot be used to transfer bank deposits before trial.
Ensuring Fair Trials: Addressing Allegations of Bias and Partiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against a judge for alleged bias, clarifying when a judge's adverse rulings amount to partiality and when they do not.
Due Process in Philippine Courts: Postponements and Witness Testimony
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, illumination, and minor inconsistencies in criminal trials.