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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Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Evidence Protecting Constitutional Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after warrantless arrest and search lacked probable cause, applying the exclusionary rule.
Upholding Duty Accountability for Court Personnel in Handling Evidence
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for delayed deposit of cash bond, affirming accountability standards for court personnel.
The Tangled Web of Entrapment: Evaluating Evidence in Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court weighs buy-bust evidence, police testimony, and the defense of frame-up in drug cases.
Safeguarding Due Process: Ensuring Informed Waiver of Rights in Capital Offenses
Trial courts must conduct a searching inquiry before accepting an accused's waiver of the right to present evidence in capital cases.
Workplace Misconduct and Immorality: Defining Acceptable Behavior in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that smoking or vaping inside court premises is a punishable offense, even when the photo evidence is unclear.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony and threats, showing that medical evidence is not required to prove the crime.
Surety Bonds and Deficiency Claims: Why Evidence of Demand and Computation Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on suretyship, deficiency claims, and the need for valid demand with clear computation of amounts owed.
Surety Bonds, Deficiency Claims, and the Burden of Proof in Collection Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for payment is valid and what evidence creditors must present to collect a deficiency after foreclosure.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: SC Clarifies Evidence Rules Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, applying Republic Act No. 26 and Bercede guidelines.
Encroachment and Land Ownership: How Philippine Courts Settle Property Boundary Disputes
Philippine law on encroachment and boundary disputes explained through Bernaldez v. Francia, including survey evidence rules and property rights.
Eyewitness Testimony VS Alibi When Does Doubtful Evidence Lead TO Acquittal
Clerks of Court Cannot Charge Fees for Receiving Ex Parte Evidence
Supreme Court rules clerks of court cannot collect commissioner's fees for receiving ex parte evidence; reprimand issued in A.M. No. P-02-1594.
Unlawful Arrest and Admissible Evidence: Key Lessons from a Robbery Case
How the Supreme Court protected constitutional rights by excluding evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest in a robbery case.
Identifying a Rapist by Voice and Smell: Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's testimony, medical findings, and identification of the accused.
Unlawful Arrests and Illegal Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
When police act on tips without warrants, arrests and drug evidence may be invalid. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
The Particularity Requirement Balancing Privacy and Law Enforcement in Search Warrants
Supreme Court acquits in credit card fraud case, ruling that items not listed in a search warrant and not in plain view cannot be seized or used as evidence.
Conspiracy Unmasked When Silence Implies Guilt IN Murder AND Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence and silence can establish conspiracy in murder and kidnapping cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Victim Credibility and Corroborating Evidence Matter
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, highlighting victim credibility, corroborating medical evidence, and mandatory civil indemnity in sexual assault cases.
Self-Defense in Philippine Law: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required
Learn what Philippine courts require to prove self-defense, why unlawful aggression is indispensable, and how this 2003 ruling applies.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Convictions: The People vs. Diaz Case
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence in People vs. Diaz, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.
Consent Is Key: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why proving lack of consent in rape cases requires credible evidence, not just allegations.
Weighing Evidence in Psychological Incapacity Cases Under Article 36
A Rule 45 petition questioning psychological incapacity findings raises questions of fact, not law, the Supreme Court rules.
Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Philippine Criminal Cases: People v. Lobrigas
When does running away or escaping detention prove guilt? The Supreme Court explains the legal weight of flight in criminal cases.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Based on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape-homicide accused where circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.