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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Text Messages as Evidence in Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts treat text messages as evidence in homicide cases and what it takes to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Objections Are Waived
The Supreme Court affirmed a drug conviction despite police lapses in handling evidence, ruling that chain-of-custody objections cannot be raised for the first time on appeal.
Murder with Direct Assault: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in People v. Estonilo
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder with Direct Assault in People v. Estonilo, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence and the weakness of alibi.
Validity OF BUY Bust Operations Upholding Warrantless Arrests AND Drug Evidence Integrity
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.
Retrenchment Requisites: Employers Bear the Burden of Proving Valid Grounds for Termination
In Am-Phil Food Concepts v. Padilla, the Supreme Court reiterates that retrenchment requires serious, actual, and real losses proven by clear and convincing evidence.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW 12
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Subrogation and Proof of Negligence: Lessons from Standard Insurance v. Cuaresma
A subrogee insurer cannot recover damages without proving the insured's claim by preponderance of evidence, including the negligent party's fault.
Subrogation in Vehicle Accidents: Proving Negligence Before an Insurer Can Recover
Insurers subrogated to an insured's rights must still prove the other party's negligence by preponderance of evidence to recover repair costs.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Philippine Law Guards Against Evidence Tampering
In People v. Bontuyan, the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction and explained how the chain of custody preserves the integrity of seized drugs.
Rape Conviction Based on Circumstantial Evidence: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict for rape, even if the victim was unconscious during the act.
Upholding THE Integrity OF Drug Evidence Chain OF Custody AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Illegal Sale Cases
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over broken chain of custody, stressing Section 21 compliance for seized evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Cerdon Teaches About Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs will and will not invalidate a conviction under RA 9165.
Failure to Prove Monetary Obligation Justifies Dismissal With Prejudice in Small Claims Case
Supreme Court rules that failure to prove a claim by preponderance of evidence warrants dismissal with prejudice in small claims cases.
Upholding Drug Sale Conviction: Integrity of Evidence Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that procedural lapses under Section 21 do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible if chain of custody remains intact.
Bank Officials' Fiduciary Duty and Estafa Through Falsification of Documents
Supreme Court clarifies when a demurrer to evidence in estafa cases involving bank officials may be reviewed despite double jeopardy.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Chain of Custody and Regular Performance of Duty in Narcotics Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, clarifying that minor lapses in Section 21 procedure do not automatically invalidate seizures when evidence integrity is preserved.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Admissibility of Evidence in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence admissibility, and chain of custody in drug cases under RA 9165.
Broken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects accused persons from unlawful drug testing and safeguards their constitutional rights in criminal cases.
Accidental Shooting Defense in Parricide: Proving Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts rejected an accidental shooting defense in parricide, analyzing circumstantial evidence and criminal intent.
Challenging Evidence in IP Cases: When Can You Question a Search?
Learn when courts allow motions to suppress evidence in intellectual property cases, and the procedural traps that can sink a challenge.