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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Notarial Will Philippines Requirements: How to Make a Valid Will
Learn the notarial will Philippines requirements under the Civil Code, including the attestation clause, witnesses, and signing rules for validity.
Failure to Ensure Witness Presence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases Protecting Rights
The Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a drug case because insulating witnesses were absent during arrest, protecting the accused's rights.
When Eyewitness Identification Is Not Enough to Convict: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
The Supreme Court acquits a homicide convict, ruling that a suggestive out-of-court identification through a cartographic sketch is unreliable evidence.
Eyewitness Identification: When Photo Lineups Pass Due Process Scrutiny
The Supreme Court clarifies when out-of-court photographic identification passes due process, citing the totality of circumstances test.
Competency of Witnesses With Intellectual Disabilities: Safeguarding Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a witness, provided they can perceive and communicate their perceptions.
When Can a Judge Be Disciplined for Rulings in a Criminal Case? Lessons from Bloomberry v. Luna
A look at when judges face discipline for trial rulings, witness disqualification, and courtroom conduct, citing the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: When Flawed Identification Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable. Learn the totality of circumstances test and key safeguards.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Witness Credentials Matter
The Supreme Court acquits three drug suspects, stressing that insulating witnesses' identities and credentials must be proven, not just presumed.
Chain of Custody and Buy-Bust Operations: A Guide from a Recent Drug Case Ruling
A 2023 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the chain of custody rule and witness requirements in buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
When Media Interviews Can Lead to Indirect Contempt: The ABS-CBN v. Ampatuan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the sub judice rule and when media interviews of witnesses may constitute indirect contempt.
Eyewitness Credibility and Social Media Evidence in Psychological Abuse Convictions
How the Supreme Court affirmed a psychological abuse conviction and set guidelines for proving social media authorship beyond reasonable doubt.
People v. Achay: When Denial and Alibi Fail Against Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for murder and attempted homicide, explaining why denial and alibi cannot beat positive identification by credible witnesses.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Upheld: Witness Credibility and Positive Identification
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping for ransom convictions, explaining why victim's positive identification outweighs alibis and minor testimonial inconsistencies.
Custody Chain Integrity: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Tamundi clarified the chain of custody rule and witness requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: Proving Guilt Without Eyewitnesses
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in murder and arson cases, explained through the Camarse ruling.
Beyond that makes it impossible for the spouse to understand and comply with essential marital obligations.
The Court emphasized that ordinary witnesses who observed the spouse's behavior before and during the marriage may testify. The judge then determines whether th
Supreme Court Upholds Murder Conviction Despite Eyewitness Recantation
SC affirms murder conviction of man who stabbed victim with double-edged knife, ruling recanted testimony deserves scant weight.
Recanted Testimony: When Prior Statements Overrule a Witness's Change of Heart
The Supreme Court explains when a recanted testimony deserves scant consideration and why prior statements can convict.
Navigating Search Warrants, Witness Presence, and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying rules on search warrant implementation, witness presence, and chain of custody under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Doubt in Drug Cases Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution fails to prove every link in the chain of custody, stressing the need for complete witness testimony.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Resolving Conflicts in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial in homicide cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When a Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from Gumawid v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, denial, and penalty computation under the Revised Penal Code.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure the required witnesses during inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Broken Chains: Acquittal Due to Flawed Drug Evidence Handling
Why a buy-bust conviction was overturned when police failed to secure the required witnesses for the drug inventory.