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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Dying Declarations in Philippine Law: When Can a Victim’s Last Words Convict
Philippine law admits dying declarations as evidence. Learn the legal requirements and limits of this exception to hearsay.
Land Registration: Proving Possession for Imperfect Titles Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Public Land Act and Property Registration Decree.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies reconstitution of lost titles, ruling on evidence standards for owner's duplicate and ROD certifications under RA 26.
Unseen Crimes Unshakable Justice How Philippine Courts Use Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict of murder based on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn the rules and how the Supreme Court applies them.
When Alibi Fails: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine courts require positive identification to convict; alibi is weak defense. Learn how courts weigh witness credibility and alibi evidence.
When Courts Rule on Marriage Nullity First: The Yu v. Yu Doctrine on Ancillary Issues
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may resolve marriage nullity before hearing evidence on custody, support, and property.
Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Courts Require Clear and Convincing Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims in murder cases, and why credible prosecution evidence can outweigh an accused's uncorroborated testimony.
Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases: Why Proper Evidence Handling Matters
Learn the chain of custody rule in Philippine drug cases and why proper evidence handling is crucial for a conviction.
Circumstantial Evidence in Murder and Kidnapping Convictions: People v. Anticamara
How circumstantial evidence can prove murder and kidnapping beyond reasonable doubt, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: SC Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
SC reinstates reconstitution of lost TCT, clarifying evidence rules under RA 26 and the Bercede guidelines.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles under RA 26, easing rigid evidence standards after disasters.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Why Photocopies and Hearsay Don't Suffice
Learn how Philippine courts treat photocopies and hearsay in administrative cases, and why substantial evidence remains the standard.
Certiorari and Evidence: Court of Appeals Can Receive New Proof in Special Civil Actions
When may the Court of Appeals admit new evidence in a certiorari case? The Supreme Court clarifies in this foreclosure dispute.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drug Possession: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling shows why broken chain of custody can lead to acquittal in illegal drug possession cases under RA 9165.
Insurer's Subrogation Right Upheld Even Without Insurance Policy in Evidence
Supreme Court rules an insurer may recover as subrogee without presenting the insurance policy, as long as the loss and payment are established.
Positive Identification Beyond Eyewitnesses: How Philippine Courts Use Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn how positive identification works beyond eyewitness testimony in murder cases.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Credible Testimony Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence of penetration is not indispensable.
Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Justice for Child Rape Victims in the Philippines
A look at People v. Otos, where the Supreme Court affirmed a child rape conviction, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim testimony.
Loss of Trust Without Proof: Navigating Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Upholding Drug Sale Conviction: Integrity of Evidence and Due Process
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Soriaga
The Supreme Court explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically mean acquittal in People v. Soriaga.