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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Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Liberty In Rape With Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Still Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Witness Requirements and Evidentiary Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court raises penalty for psychological abuse committed via Facebook, ruling ICT use qualifies for one-degree higher punishment under RA 10175.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and what a defendant must prove to claim self-defense.
Land Registration: Overcoming the State's Presumptive Ownership of Public Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers and heirs of land must prove it is alienable and disposable—not just show a deed or inheritance—to register title.
Local Tax Refunds: Protest vs. Claim — What the Supreme Court Says
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between protesting a local tax assessment and claiming a refund, and the deadlines that apply.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Cutting Off Water Supply Without Notice Becomes a Legal Wrong
Supreme Court rules that cutting off a water connection without notice violates Article 19 of the Civil Code, entitling the affected party to damages.
Protecting Seafarers: Employers Must Uphold Medical Obligations and Timely Pay Sickness Allowances
The Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot use a seafarer's missed check-up as an excuse to deny disability benefits when the employer failed to pay sickness allowance and approve treatment.
Diminished Treachery: When Sudden Attacks Do Not Qualify as Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide, and explains self-defense standards.
HRET Quorum Rules on Justices and Jurisdiction Upheld as Constitutional
The Supreme Court upholds HRET rules requiring a Justice for quorum and clarifies jurisdiction over House members' election contests.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: When Courts Cannot Order Withdrawal
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts cannot order release of foreign currency deposits and when co-depositor consent is required.
Defective Information and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to properly document seized items, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
When Investment Turns Criminal: Reassessing Estafa in Corporate Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies that failed investments and unmet expectations do not automatically constitute estafa under Philippine law.
Upholding Attorney Conduct Dismissal OF Disbarment Suit FOR Lack OF Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disbarment suit fails for lack of evidence and how due process protects lawyers.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: Consent Requirements in Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on consent requirements for withdrawing from joint foreign currency deposit accounts during estate settlement.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Drug Itself Must Be Proven
Philippine Supreme Court acquits in drug sale case over broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules on evidence integrity under RA 9165.
When Military and Civilian Tribunals Collide: Jurisdiction in AFP Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how concurrent jurisdiction works between the Ombudsman and military courts in administrative cases against AFP personnel.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Witness Presence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Insanity Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Bacolot Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense and treachery in homicide cases, explaining what must be proven for each.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring strict chain of custody rules.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Sexual Assault: Protecting Child Victims Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against children are punished as acts of lasciviousness under RA 7610, not rape by sexual assault.
Judicial Accountability: Dismissal of Charges Absent Bad Faith or Corruption
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable, dismissing charges against a judge who issued a TRO without bad faith.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Indefinite TRO and Delay in Resolving Case
SC penalizes judge for issuing an indefinite TRO and for undue delay, clarifying rules on multiple administrative offenses.