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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Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Substantiate Theft Allegations
In illegal dismissal cases, employers bear the burden of proving just cause with clear and convincing evidence, not relying on weak employee defenses.
Reconstitution of Title: Proving Ownership and Loss Under RA 26
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is required to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment Case Dismissed Despite Forum Shopping Finding
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final forum shopping finding does not automatically warrant disbarment without clear evidence of deceitful intent.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: What Velasquez v. Hernandez Teaches About Fair Hearing and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies due process and substantial evidence rules in administrative cases, reversing a Court of Appeals ruling that had nullified a CSC dismissal order.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Is the Evidence Sufficient?
Supreme Court clarifies the standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: The Imperative of Primary Evidence and Due Diligence in Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing primary evidence requirements and due diligence in land registration cases.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Proving Continuous Employment for Retirement Benefits Under RA 7641
The Supreme Court clarifies when retirement benefits under RA 7641 apply and what evidence proves continuous employment.
Silence Isnt Always Golden: Admissibility of Confessions in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial admissions, hearsay, and circumstantial evidence in homicide prosecutions.
Reasonable Doubt When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short in Murder Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence and treachery in murder convictions, using the Larry Cagas case as a guide.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Proving Age and Relationship to Justify the Death Penalty
In People v. Ibarrientos, the Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to convict for qualified rape and when the death penalty may be imposed.
When Circumstantial Evidence Fails: The Ador Case and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Ador shows how weak circumstantial evidence, flawed identification, and uncounseled admissions cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short of Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction in estafa cases, examining the limits of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict chain of custody for drug evidence. Learn the rules and practical implications from recent jurisprudence.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails A Rape Conviction Overturned DUE TO Insufficient Prosecution Evidence
Due Process and the Duty to Object Timely in Presenting Evidence
Learn when a court may admit evidence without your comment, and why silence can waive the right to object.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence: Lessons from People v. Oga
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, showing how the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Bail AND Burden Assessing Prosecution Evidence IN Capital Offenses IN THE Philippines
Accountability IN Robbery With Homicide THE Crucial Role OF Witness Testimony AND Circumstantial Evidence
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal Based on Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and when reasonable doubt requires acquittal in robbery cases.
Right to Defense: Conviction Reversed for Denial of Opportunity to Present Evidence
Supreme Court reverses murder conviction when trial court denied the accused his right to present defense evidence after a demurrer.