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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When Copies Count: Admissibility of Duplicate Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when photocopies and duplicates are admissible as evidence under the 2019 Revised Rules on Evidence.
Void Search Warrants and the Right Against Unreasonable Searches: Mendoza v. People
A void search warrant taints the arrest and evidence seized; waiver of arrest defects does not waive evidence inadmissibility.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Admissibility of Delayed Identification in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that delayed reporting and identification do not weaken a victim's credible testimony.
Understanding THE Admissibility OF Evidence IN Vehicular Accident Claims A Comprehensive Guide
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Admissibility
Constitutional Rights vs Preliminary Investigation: When Evidence Admissibility Matters
Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary investigations cannot be suspended on prejudicial question grounds, and evidence admissibility is for trial, not preliminary inquiry.
When Confessions Collide: Admissibility and Guilt in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on when extrajudicial confessions are admissible and how circumstantial evidence can prove guilt in murder cases.
Safeguarding the Chain of Custody: Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 is essential to preserve drug evidence integrity and secure convictions.
Chain of Custody and Admissibility of Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165 on chain of custody.
Chain of Custody and Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases: The Dominguez Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over an invalid warrantless arrest, clarifying that waiving an arrest defect does not waive evidence admissibility.
Deposition Notice Timeliness and Waiver in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition notice requirements, waiver of defects, and the distinction between admissibility and weight of evidence.
Statements After Trauma RES Gestae AND THE Admissibility OF Hearsay IN Rape Cases
Custodial Investigation and Confessions in Qualified Theft: People v. Cabanada
When does a police interview become custodial investigation? People v. Cabanada clarifies Miranda rights and confession admissibility in theft cases.
Admissibility of Evidence and Witness Credibility in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at People v. Opiniano, where the Supreme Court weighed an inadmissible confession against circumstantial evidence and witness credibility.
Proving Loss of Earning Capacity: Admissibility of Evidence in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts prove loss of earning capacity, and why unobjected documentary evidence can establish damages for a deceased's unrealized income.
Overcoming Silence THE Admissibility OF Delayed Rape Reports IN Incestuous Abuse Cases
Incestuous Rape: The Unwavering Credibility of the Victim and the Inadmissibility of Weak Defenses
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for five counts of incestuous rape, underscoring the weight given to a victim's credible testimony over denial and alibi.
Unlawful Arrests and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is invalid, evidence seized from the accused becomes inadmissible. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Admissibility of Evidence in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence admissibility, and chain of custody in drug cases under RA 9165.
Warrantless Arrest and Admissibility of Evidence: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless arrest is lawful and how evidence seized incident to that arrest remains admissible in drug cases.
Warrantless Searches Upholding Arrests AND Evidence Admissibility IN Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is lawful, a search incident to it is valid, and drugs seized are admissible in evidence.
Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody—explaining marking, inventory, and photo requirements under RA 9165.
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Admissibility of Testimony From Persons With Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that persons with mental retardation can be credible witnesses in rape cases, provided they understand questions and testify clearly.
Expert Testimony Admissibility and the Courts' Discretion in Evidence
When can courts disqualify an expert witness? The Supreme Court clarifies that only specific grounds under the Rules of Court justify exclusion.