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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Acquittal in Murder Case and Civil Liability: The Garces v. Hernandez Ruling
When an acquittal rests on weak prosecution evidence, the court may rule that no civil liability arises. Learn the rules.
Freedom of Expression vs Disruptive Mass Actions: Protecting Employee Rights in the Public Sector
The Supreme Court clarifies when public-sector employee gatherings are protected speech versus prohibited mass actions, and what evidence is needed.
Voluntary Inhibition of Judges: When School Ties Alone Do Not Compel Disqualification
The Supreme Court clarifies that voluntary inhibition requires clear and convincing evidence of bias, not mere school affiliations or procedural disagreements.
Beyond Labels: Substance Over Form in Appellate Procedure and Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations shows how courts prioritize substance over form in procedural compliance and evidence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Matters
The Supreme Court explains what prosecutors must prove to establish an unbroken chain of custody in drug cases under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Is Key
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why the chain of custody of seized drugs matters and when minor lapses will not acquit an accused.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165's evidence safeguards.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity for Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove the chain of custody, emphasizing evidence integrity.
In Rape Cases, Credible Victim Testimony Prevails Over Uncorroborated Alibis
In People v. Alegre, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction where the victim's credible testimony and the physical evidence outweighed an uncorroborated alibi.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the double jeopardy rule protects accused persons when courts grant demurrers to evidence, and why prosecutors cannot simply appeal acquittals.
Proving Land Ownership: Open, Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945 Required
Land registration requires proof of open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945, plus evidence the land is alienable and disposable.
Employer Liability: Proving Payment of Wages and Benefits in Employee Claims
Learn how Philippine courts weigh employer evidence in labor claims, and why DOLE certifications alone may not prove payment of wages and benefits.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Integrity OF Evidence Prevails Over Procedural Lapses
Challenging Drug Convictions: Credible Testimony and Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases
How Philippine courts weigh police testimony, chain of custody, and PDEA authority in drug cases.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to establish the chain of custody of seized shabu, underscoring strict evidence rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
Philippine Supreme Court explains when non-compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 is excused and why evidence integrity matters most.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How circumstantial evidence and conspiracy can sustain a robbery with homicide conviction, and why claims of duress failed in this case.
Navigating the Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies warrantless searches of moving vehicles and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs under RA 9165.
Oral Partition of Land: Proving Agreements and Challenging Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving oral partition of inherited land, parol evidence rule, and where to litigate ownership claims in expropriation.
Public Trust Dismissal for Grave Misconduct in Extortion Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of BIR examiner for grave misconduct in extortion, clarifying substantial evidence standard in administrative cases.
Establishing Illegal Dismissal: The Employee's Burden to Prove Dismissal First
Employees must first prove they were dismissed before employers must justify termination. A Supreme Court ruling explains the evidence required.
Abandonment Defense in Illegal Dismissal Cases Requires Proof and Notice
Employers claiming abandonment as a defense to illegal dismissal must prove it with clear evidence and serve two required notices.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity for a Fair Trial
How the Supreme Court in Balarbar v. People clarified that minor gaps in drug evidence handling do not automatically void a conviction.