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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Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Witness Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery with homicide despite delayed witness identification, explaining why silence does not destroy credibility.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Quijano
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for illegal drug possession stands despite chain of custody issues and claims of lack of knowledge.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding the POEA-SEC Claims Process
A look at how the Supreme Court applies the POEA-SEC's strict procedural rules in seafarer disability and monetary claims.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.
Private Individuals in Conspiracy with Public Officers Can Be Liable Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals conspiring with public officers may be indicted for violations of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Can Private Individuals Be Charged With Corruption Under Philippine Law? The Canlas Case Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals acting in conspiracy with public officers may be indicted for graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Understanding Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abuse of superior strength as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining how numbers and frailty establish it.
Understanding CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take over a homeowner's damage suit against a neighbor's construction project. Learn the limits.
When a Sleeping Victim Meets Treachery: Insights from People v. Dela Peña
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction where the victim was stabbed while asleep, explaining treachery and self-defense under Philippine law.
Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts should assess a rape victim's credibility, rejecting gender stereotypes while affirming that conviction can rest on credible testimony alone.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
Upholding Discretion When Appellate Procedure Meets Substantial Justice in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies RTC jurisdiction over injunction suits against government infrastructure projects despite procedural missteps.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police broke the chain of custody—a reminder that evidence integrity is paramount.
Understanding Robbery With Rape Legal Insights AND Victims Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn about robbery with rape in the Philippines, including legal definitions, penalties, and victims' rights under Philippine law.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Supreme Court Ruling on Illegal Sale and Possession
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in drug cases, affirming convictions for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Chain of Custody Upholding Drug Convictions Through Procedural Compliance
How strict adherence to Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule preserved the drug evidence and secured a conviction for illegal sale of shabu.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Safeguarding Evidence Matters
The Supreme Court explains why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is essential to preserve the integrity of seized drugs in every prosecution under RA 9165.
The Perils of Belated Filings: When Courts Relax Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court balances strict procedural rules against substantial justice in Latogan v. People, a case on belated appeals and defective motions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why It Determines Conviction or Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 secures drug convictions.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Eyewitness Testimony and Homicide Conviction: Proving Identity Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, ruling that denial cannot prevail over credible testimony.