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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Warrantless Arrest and Admissibility of Evidence: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless arrest is lawful and how evidence seized incident to that arrest remains admissible in drug cases.
Warrantless Searches Upholding Arrests AND Evidence Admissibility IN Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is lawful, a search incident to it is valid, and drugs seized are admissible in evidence.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: When Doubt Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused due to reasonable doubt, examining how courts must scrutinize child testimony and prosecution evidence.
Damaged Goods Liability: Arrastre Negligence and Insurer Subrogation Rights
Explaining when arrastre operators are liable for damaged cargo, how insurers gain subrogation rights, and what evidence suffices in Philippine law.
Circumstantial Evidence and Hearsay Rule: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, hearsay objections, and the credibility of a minor victim's testimony in rape convictions.
Defense of Insanity Requires Clear and Convincing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for the insanity defense, requiring proof of complete deprivation of intelligence at the time of the crime.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat drug evidence in buy-bust cases, and why chain of custody matters.
Upholding Due Process in Administrative Cases: Impartiality and Fair Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in administrative cases, emphasizing substantial evidence and the right to an impartial tribunal.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for homicide, and clarifies the rules on incomplete self-defense and voluntary surrender.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Lost Owner's Duplicates
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may grant reconstitution of lost titles and what evidence suffices under Republic Act No. 26.
Lost Evidence Lost Case: How Discovery Failures Impact Proof in Court
A Supreme Court ruling shows how losing original evidence and raising defenses late can sink a case, even when the accused claims innocence.
Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody—explaining marking, inventory, and photo requirements under RA 9165.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
The Vital Chain Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs, explained through People v. Yable.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Break the Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice When a Lawyer’s Error Affects Your Case
When police skip procedural steps in drug cases, courts weigh technical lapses against the integrity of evidence and the accused’s rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and when minor deviations do not break the prosecution's case.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why the Supreme Court Rejected It in People v. Dioquino
The Supreme Court affirms seven rape convictions, explaining why the sweetheart defense fails without corroborating evidence and how damages are computed.
Attorney Accountability: Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases Against Lawyers
Disbarment complaints require clear preponderant evidence, not mere assumptions. The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in lawyer discipline cases.
Judge Fined for Gross Misconduct Over Misuse of Seized Firearm Evidence
Supreme Court holds judge liable for gross misconduct for taking custody of a seized firearm and allowing his bodyguard to possess it.
Presumption of Regularity in Disbarment Cases Against Public Prosecutors
Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers face disbarment only on clear evidence, not mere allegations of misconduct.
Upholding Conviction In Drug Sale Ensuring Chain OF Custody IN Evidence Handling
A drug sale conviction reversed because broken chain of custody cast doubt on the identity of seized shabu.
Judicial Accountability: Balancing Efficiency and Due Process in Court Management
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability shows how administrative efficiency must yield to due process and evidence-based discipline.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.