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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Navigating the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why preserving evidence integrity is vital for conviction.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Cases: Evidence Rules and Interest Lessons from Land Bank v. Macaraeg
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts value agrarian land, weigh evidence, and compute interest on delayed just compensation.
Evident Partiality in Philippine Arbitration: When Courts Can Vacate an Award
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "evident partiality" standard for vacating arbitration awards, distinguishing it from mere errors in weighing evidence.
Infanticide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts convict in infanticide cases using circumstantial evidence, as shown in People v. Adalia.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Adoma v. People Teaches Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody of seized evidence.
Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: The Quilpan Ruling and the Totality of Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, emphasizing totality of evidence over psychiatric examination requirements.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.
Intellectual Disability in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when intellectual disability must be proven by clinical evidence in rape prosecutions, and why it matters.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct: Consequences of Breaching Professional Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in administrative cases against court employees, explaining the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: When Illegal Searches Taint Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that evidence from an illegal search cannot be used in administrative proceedings, reinforcing the exclusionary rule's reach.
Proving Land Ownership Since 1945: What Philippine Courts Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945 for land registration under PD 1529.
Crossed Checks as Proof of Debt: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that crossed checks issued to a named payee are strong evidence of debt, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Guide to Ensuring Evidence Integrity
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using People v. Somira as a guide.
The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
Redefining Psychological Incapacity: Supreme Court Updates Guidelines for Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court's Tan-Andal ruling relaxes the strict Molina guidelines on psychological incapacity, making marriage nullity petitions more humane and evidence-based.
Unlocking Overtime and Night Shift Pay: A Landmark Ruling for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court clarifies when security guards and other workers can claim overtime and night shift differential pay, and what evidence suffices.
Understanding the Limits of Presumptions in Fencing Cases: A Guide to Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh presumptions and evidence in criminal cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling on trafficking and child abuse.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases
A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.
When a Demurrer to Evidence Means Acquittal: Double Jeopardy in Graft Cases
A look at People v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 233437) on double jeopardy, demurrer to evidence, and proof of graft charges.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Vehicular Accident Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur can overcome hearsay objections to traffic accident reports in insurance subrogation claims.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases: The Crucial Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, underscoring why every link matters in preserving evidence integrity.