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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Navigating Disability Claims: Timely Reporting and Evidence in Maritime Employment
A seafarer's disability claim failed for missing the 3-day reporting rule and lacking proof of work-related illness. Learn the procedural traps.
Sexual Assault vs Rape in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and Legal Consequences
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between sexual assault and rape by carnal knowledge, and what evidence is needed to prove each crime.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Lawyer Disbarment Cases: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A disbarment complaint dismissed for lack of substantial evidence—what this Supreme Court ruling teaches about the burden of proof in lawyer discipline cases.
Proving Forgery in Disbarment Cases: The Burden of Clear Evidence
Disbarment complaints require clear preponderant evidence; bare allegations of forgery without expert proof will not suffice.
Understanding Treachery and Evidence in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decisi
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, circumstantial evidence, and CCTV authentication in murder convictions under Philippine law.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence, clarifying the burden of proof in administrative cases against lawyers.
Plain View Doctrine: When Can Police Seize Evidence Without a Warrant
The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine's limits in warrantless seizures, using an illegal explosives case as a guide.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid rules.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Nullity: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid Molina guidelines.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
Redundancy and Union Busting Claims: What Aboitiz v. Unions Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court upholds a valid redundancy program and clarifies what evidence is needed to prove union busting as unfair labor practice.
Administrative Misconduct, Transparency, and Due Process in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be liable for simple misconduct, emphasizing transparency, due process, and the importance of sworn evidence in administrative cases.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal in OFW Rape and Harassment Cases: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal for OFWs facing sexual harassment and abuse, emphasizing totality of evidence over waivers.
The Best Evidence Rule in Disciplinary Proceedings: Lessons from Basagan v. Espina
A disbarment complaint fails when complainants submit only photocopies. The Supreme Court explains why the Best Evidence Rule applies to lawyer discipline cases.
Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases: Insights From Philippine Supreme Court R
Learn how Philippine courts treat circumstantial evidence in robbery with homicide cases, and what the Supreme Court requires for conviction.
Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery with Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Lignes
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in robbery with homicide, explained through the 2020 Lignes ruling.
Probable Cause in Estafa Cases: Insights from Favis-Velasco v. Gonzales
Learn how the Supreme Court defined probable cause in estafa cases and why solid evidence matters in fraud complaints.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: Lessons from Calingo v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves psychological incapacity in marriage nullity cases under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Understanding Employee Dismissal: The Role of Substantial Evidence in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in labor dismissals, ruling on a nursing attendant's termination for serious misconduct.
Proving Debt With Delivery Receipts: Preponderance of Evidence in Commercial Cases
Learn how delivery receipts and bills of lading can prove unpaid commercial debts under the preponderance of evidence rule.
Substantial Evidence in Labor Dismissals: When the Supreme Court Steps In
Explore when the Supreme Court reviews factual findings in labor cases, and how substantial evidence supports valid employee dismissal.
Understanding Gross Neglect of Duty: Losing Court Evidence in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court penalized court employees for gross neglect of duty after losing drug evidence in custody.