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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The Weight of Testimony in Rape Convictions: Credible Witness Accounts Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's credible testimony against bare denials, and why medical evidence is not always required for conviction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Dalawis Teaches
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 drug evidence rules do not void a conviction.
Demurrer to Evidence Dismissal Upheld for Insufficient Proof of Installment Sale and Insurable Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a demurrer to evidence works and why a plaintiff who fails to prove his case can lose even before the defense presents evidence.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Conviction: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for murder, applying the Rules of Court standard.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Integrity OF Evidence Prevails Over Procedural Lapses 2
Upholding Land Title Security: The Burden of Proof in Free Patent Fraud Cases
A free patent title stands unless fraud is proven with clear and convincing evidence. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reversion and burden of proof.
When a Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Convict: The Carrera Case
The Supreme Court affirms that a credible rape victim's testimony, even without corroborating physical evidence, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Unlawful Arrests and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is invalid, evidence seized from the accused becomes inadmissible. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Establishing Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Need for Concrete Evidence
Unlawful detainer requires proof of initial lawful possession by tolerance. Learn what evidence courts require and how to avoid dismissal.
Attorney Suspension Case Dismissed: Res Judicata and Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against lawyer, applying res judicata and the clear preponderance of evidence standard in disciplinary proceedings.
Land Registration: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for a Clear Title
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove possession for land registration under PD 1529, and when the tracing cloth plan requirement may be relaxed.
Navigating Land Title Disputes When A Torrens Title Fails TO Guarantee Ownership IN THE Philippines
A Torrens title is strong evidence of ownership but not absolute. This case shows how courts look beyond titles to determine true ownership.
Obstructing Justice When Removing Evidence Leads to Criminal Liability
Learn when removing evidence becomes obstruction of justice in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on tampering and misconduct.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Sale Convictions: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains what makes a buy-bust operation valid and how the chain of custody of seized drugs must be preserved.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Chain of Custody and Evidence Preservation in Drug Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction by applying the chain of custody rule and substantial compliance under RA 9165.
Bail and Treachery: Reassessing Provisional Liberty in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be granted in murder cases and how treachery must be proven by strong evidence.
AGE Verification IN Rape Cases Ensuring Justice Through Evidence
Dismissal of Administrative Complaint Against Justice for Lack of Substantiated Evidence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against CA Justice Marilyn Lagura-Yap, ruling that unsubstantiated allegations of judicial fraud cannot prosper without clear and convincing evidence.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Directors Face Personal Liability for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors may be held personally liable for corporate debts, requiring clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
Land Registration: Proving Alienability Beyond Survey Plan Annotations
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves a land is alienable and disposable for registration, examining survey plan annotations and certifications.
Insurance Claim Denied for Drunk Driver: Proving Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers may deny claims due to driver intoxication and the evidence required.
Intoxication and Insurance Claims: Proving Driver Intoxication to Avoid Liability
The Supreme Court held that an insurer cannot deny an insurance claim by merely alleging driver intoxication without clear, credible, and convincing evidence.
Uncorroborated Testimony and Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Baseless Accusations
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in rape-with-homicide cases while protecting the accused from baseless accusations.