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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Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: Lessons from Arcilla v. People
The Supreme Court upholds buy-bust operations as valid arrests, explaining how courts weigh police testimony against claims of planted evidence.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lost certificate of title may be reconstituted, ruling on the sufficiency of evidence under Republic Act No. 26.
Failure of Election Petitions: COMELEC Discretion and the Evidentiary Bar
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure of election may be declared, and why mere allegations without evidence will not suffice.
Credibility of Testimony in Rape Cases: The Importance of Consistent and Believable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, force, intimidation, and proof of qualifying circumstances in rape cases.
Immorality and Judicial Conduct: Substantiation of Charges in Administrative Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability, the need for substantial evidence, and the duty to avoid impropriety.
Navigating Doubt When A Rape Charge Becomes Acts of Lasciviousness
When rape evidence falters, Philippine courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness. A guide to the rules on doubt, admissions, and included offenses.
Voice Recognition as Evidence Identifying the Accused in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voice recognition evidence in rape cases, admissibility standards, and the importance of credible victim testimony.
Statutory Rape: Why Physical Injury Is Irrelevant for Victims Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate statutory rape of a child under twelve, and what evidence matters.
Eyewitness Reliability AND Circumstantial Evidence IN Philippine Murder Cases
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Robbery With Homicide Due to Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery-homicide case, ruling circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies evidence required to reconstitute lost land titles, balancing strict rules with practical realities in property disputes.
Documentary Stamp Tax: When Unstamped Documents Are Still Admissible in Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unstamped documents like letters of credit and surety agreements can be admitted as evidence in court.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims, the burden to prove unlawful aggression, and why credible evidence matters.
From Rape to Lewdness When Evidence Casts Doubt on the Crime Lesser Offenses Prevail
When rape evidence fails, courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness. Learn the rules from People v. Aquino.
Kidnapping for Ransom: False Inducement and the Role of Circumstantial Evidence
When a victim initially consents to go with an accused, kidnapping can still occur if force is later used to detain them.
When Doubt Shadows Evidence: Reversal of Drug Conviction Due to Witness Credibility
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects after prosecution witness found to have history of framing accused in buy-bust operations.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Conspiracy and Eyewitness Testimony in People v. Pelopero
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on eyewitness testimony, delayed reporting, and circumstantial evidence of conspiracy.
Upholding Termination: The Standard of Proof in Labor Cases Involving Employee Misconduct
Philippine Airlines vs. Tongson clarifies the substantial evidence standard employers must meet when dismissing employees for misconduct.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Can Sustain Conviction Without Corroborating Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict, even without corroborating medical evidence.
Incestuous Rape and the Death Penalty: Protecting Child Victims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his minor daughter, clarifying the rules on incestuous rape, evidence, and damages.
Unlawful Search in Drug Cases: When Evidence Becomes Inadmissible
Learn when warrantless searches in Philippine drug cases violate constitutional rights and render seized evidence inadmissible in court.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence on Civil Liability After Acquittal
When an accused is acquitted via demurrer to evidence, the court cannot decide civil liability without first allowing the accused to present evidence.
Solicitation of Gifts: Upholding Ethical Standards in Customs Operations
Customs officers found guilty of soliciting gifts under RA 6713. The Supreme Court affirms that substantial evidence suffices in administrative cases.
Disciplinary Action vs Social Justice: When Does a Company's Code Overshadow an Employee's Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when procedural lapses yield to substantial evidence in administrative disciplinary cases against public employees.