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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Eyewitness Testimony and the Defense of Alibi: Assessing Credibility in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on how courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in murder prosecutions, with practical guidance.
Independent Civil Actions and Criminal Liability: Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When does a civil case suspend a criminal prosecution? The Supreme Court clarifies the prejudicial question rule in estafa cases.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Criminal Prosecution
Supreme Court affirms conviction based on credible eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in murder case.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Necessity of an Unbroken Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, underscoring the strict evidentiary standard.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Against Unjust Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms a trial judge's dismissal of murder cases for lack of probable cause, clarifying judicial discretion in warrant issuance.
Proof of Notice in B.P. 22 Cases: Registry Receipt Alone Insufficient
In B.P. 22 cases, a registry return receipt alone cannot prove notice of dishonor. Learn what evidence the prosecution must present.
Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in robbery with homicide, and what the prosecution must prove.
Demolition Without Due Notice: The Limits of Official Action and Graft Prosecution
A look at when demolition without notice crosses the line into criminal liability, and the legal safeguards against official overreach.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
Bigamy Defenses, Double Jeopardy, and Private Prosecution: Key Lessons from Bangayan v. Bangayan
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on bigamy, double jeopardy, and why only the Solicitor General can appeal an acquittal.
Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Courts Require Clear and Convincing Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims in murder cases, and why credible prosecution evidence can outweigh an accused's uncorroborated testimony.
Prosecutors Discretion Prevails Understanding The Limits OF Bureau OF Customs Authority IN Smuggling Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Customs cannot control criminal prosecutions—that power belongs to public prosecutors.
Broken Chains, Broken Cases: Why Chain of Custody Is King in Philippine Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring the prosecution's burden to prove the drug's identity beyond doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Under RA 9165
Explaining People v. Presas on the chain of custody rule in drug cases—when lapses in procedure do not automatically break the prosecution's case.
When Courts Overturn Convictions: Lessons on Evidence and Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a rape convict, explaining when appellate courts may disregard trial court credibility findings and why prosecution evidence must stand on its own.
When Delaying Tactics Backfire: The Right to Present Defense Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts must allow accused persons to present defense evidence, even after prosecution rests.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave contradictory testimonies, casting doubt on the identity of the seized drugs.
Confessions and Corpus Delicti: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh confessions and corpus delicti to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder prosecutions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 Warrants Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove integrity of seized shabu, emphasizing chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Alibi Defense: Scrutinizing Identification in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi defense, and the burden of proof in murder prosecutions.
Acquittal in Murder Case and Civil Liability: The Garces v. Hernandez Ruling
When an acquittal rests on weak prosecution evidence, the court may rule that no civil liability arises. Learn the rules.