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.

Showing 114 of 14 articles for rules of evidence

Case-Fixing in the Ombudsman: When Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal from Service

The Supreme Court affirms that case-fixing in the Ombudsman warrants dismissal, clarifying the standards of conduct for public servants.

Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People

Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.

Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.

Judicial Admission Can Prove Lack of Firearm License in Illegal Possession Cases

Supreme Court ruling: an accused's own admission in court can prove lack of a firearm license, without needing a PNP certification.

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.

Hearsay, Dying Declarations, and Reasonable Doubt: Acquittal in Homicide Case

Supreme Court acquits homicide accused where prosecution relied on inadmissible hearsay, not direct evidence, and medical evidence conflicted.

Indispensable Parties in Labor Cases: Lessons from TESDA v. Abragar

Learn why impleading all indispensable parties is critical in labor disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in TESDA v. Abragar.

Arson with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secured a Conviction

The Supreme Court affirmed an arson-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence. Learn the legal standard and key lessons.

Plagiarism in Academia: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of UE Professors for Misrepresentation

Supreme Court upholds dismissal of professors for plagiarism, misrepresentation, and breach of trust, clarifying stare decisis and waiver rules.

Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion

The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.

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.

Medical Certificate Authentication: Proving Physical Injuries in Philippine Courts

Learn how Philippine courts treat medical certificates as evidence, why authentication matters, and what Postanes v. People teaches litigants.

Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases

How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.

Vote Buying and Disqualification: Nolasco vs. COMELEC Explained

What happens when a winning candidate is disqualified for vote buying? The Nolasco case clarifies succession and election law.