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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Psychological Incapacity Proving Marital Nullity Beyond Expert Testimony
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 need not be proven by expert testimony alone, but the totality of evidence must still show grave, juridically antecedent, and
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Delayed Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession is key, and evidence first presented on appeal cannot be considered.
Illegal Dismissal of Pregnant Employee: SPID Corp. v. Ballesteros Explained
The Supreme Court affirmed that dismissing a pregnant employee without substantial evidence is illegal, reinforcing due process in Philippine labor law.
Defining Municipal Boundaries: The Weight of Evidence in Territorial Disputes
How courts resolve municipal boundary disputes: a look at Bakun v. Sugpon and the role of preponderant evidence.
Unfair Dismissal: Protecting Employees From Arbitrary Termination and Belated Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on belated evidence in labor cases and reaffirms protections against illegal dismissal under Philippine law.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Legal Insights and Practical Implications
A look at how Philippine courts handle qualified statutory rape cases, focusing on evidence, credibility, and penalties.
Deed of Sale Validity and the Presumption of Regularity in Notarized Property Transactions
The Supreme Court reaffirms that notarized deeds of sale enjoy the presumption of regularity, which only clear and convincing evidence can overturn.
Notarial Duty to Verify Identity: Lessons from Dionisio v. Padernal
Notarization is not a mechanical act. A notary must verify identity using competent evidence—not community tax certificates—or face sanctions.
Unreasonable Searches Evidence Inadmissible When Police Exceed Warrant Scope
When police exceed a search warrant's scope and violate Section 21, seized evidence becomes inadmissible, potentially leading to case dismissal.
Broken Chains: How Mishandling Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Unreasonable Search Evidence Obtained Illegally IS Inadmissible IN Drug Cases
Supreme Court rules evidence from an unreasonable search is inadmissible in drug cases, explaining why Section 21 compliance matters.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure the required witnesses during inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Broken Chains: Acquittal Due to Flawed Drug Evidence Handling
Why a buy-bust conviction was overturned when police failed to secure the required witnesses for the drug inventory.
Unlawful Marijuana Possession Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
A Supreme Court ruling shows how strict compliance with drug evidence rules protects the accused against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 matters.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: Protecting Private Individuals From Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals may be charged under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the need for evidence of conspiracy with public officers.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
Proving Cargo Damage Claims: Evidence Rules and Res Ipsa Loquitur
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove cargo damage claims and when res ipsa loquitur applies.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, showing how strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, preserves evidence integrity.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Hearsay and Reasonable Doubt: How Witness Testimony Impacts Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a homicide accused when prosecution evidence rests on hearsay and conflicting medical findings.
Hearsay, Dying Declarations, and Reasonable Doubt: Acquittal in Homicide Case
Supreme Court acquits homicide accused where prosecution relied on inadmissible hearsay, not direct evidence, and medical evidence conflicted.