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.
Proving Adultery in the Philippines: The Valencia Case and the Burden of Proof
Understand the high standard of proof for adultery in the Philippines through the Valencia case, including evidence rules and practical implications.
Understanding Rape Conviction in the Philippines: Consent Evidence and the Role of Co-Conspirators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape conviction standards, consent evidence rules, and co-conspirator liability in criminal cases.
Proving Cargo Damage Claims: Evidence Rules and Res Ipsa Loquitur
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove cargo damage claims and when res ipsa loquitur applies.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Vehicular Accident Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur can overcome hearsay objections to traffic accident reports in insurance subrogation claims.
Proving Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: A Landmark Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving tolerance in unlawful detainer cases. Learn the key evidence rules for ejectment disputes.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with RA 9165 evidence rules.
Proving Filiation After Death: The Strict Rules on Inheritance Claims
Philippine law sets strict evidence rules for proving filiation after a parent's death. Learn what the Supreme Court requires in inheritance disputes.
Intellectual Disability and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying, provided her account is coherent and consistent.
Ensuring Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in Section 21 drug evidence rules and why preserving the chain of custody remains decisive in drug cases.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Rules in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition, damages, and evidence rules in homicide appeals under Rule 45.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Seclusion: People v. Nuyok
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on circumstantial evidence, ruling that seclusion is not an element of the crime.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Evidence Rules in Slight Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains self-defense burdens and when unoffered evidence may still be admitted in slight physical injuries cases.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
When Courts Can No Longer Enforce Agreements: The Difference Between Entrapment and Instigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when police buy-bust operations are legal entrapment versus illegal instigation, and why the distinction matters in drug cases.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles under RA 26, easing rigid evidence standards after disasters.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can establish rape beyond reasonable doubt, even when the victim was unconscious during the assault.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law: Affirmative Testimony vs Denial
How Philippine courts weigh affirmative testimony against bare denial in criminal and civil cases, with practical guidance.
When the Government Must Prove Its Case: Reversion, Free Patents, and the Regalian Doctrine
A Supreme Court ruling on when the government can cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain.
Upholding Land Titles When Government Reversion Claims Fail
When can the government cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain? The Supreme Court explains the limits of reversion actions.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, emphasizing that strict evidentiary standards must yield to practical realities.