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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Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duties: The Consequences of Negligence
Notaries must strictly comply with their duties under the Notarial Law; negligence can lead to administrative liability and loss of commission.
Broken Chain of Custody: When Drug Evidence Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing witnesses during evidence handling, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Forfeiture of Seafarers Disability Claim: Strict Adherence to Post-Employment Medical Examination
Learn the strict rule on post-employment medical exams for seafarers and how failing to comply can forfeit disability claims.
Drug Use Conviction Requires Arrest Protecting Rights Under R A 9165
The Supreme Court rules that a conviction for drug use under Section 15, R.A. 9165 requires an arrest or apprehension, safeguarding constitutional rights.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Force: Victim Testimony and Rights in Child Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction clarifies victim testimony standards, force requirements, and damages in child abuse cases.
Ejectment Proceedings Jurisdiction OF Courts AND Forum Shopping IN Lease Disputes
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Integrity IN Anti Drug Operations
When police fumble the chain of custody, drug convictions fail. A 2018 Supreme Court ruling shows why procedure matters.
Statutory Rape and the Burden of Proof: Lessons from People v. Ramirez
A look at People v. Ramirez on statutory rape, the burden of proof, and why hearsay cannot support a conviction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity vs. Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule do not automatically acquit an accused in drug cases.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof Required
A foreign divorce decree does not automatically dissolve a marriage in the Philippines. Learn what proof is required to avoid bigamy conviction.
Mootness in Corporate Disputes: When Supervening Events Impact Jurisdiction
Explore how the Supreme Court handled mootness claims in a corporate dispute, clarifying when supervening events affect jurisdiction and remand.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Parricide and Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains why a husband's self-defense claim failed after he killed his wife and mother-in-law, affirming conviction for parricide and homicide.
When Courts Can Hear Damage Claims in Labor Disputes: The PAL v. ALPAP Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when labor tribunals—not regular courts—have jurisdiction over damage claims arising from illegal strikes.
Breach of Trust: Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for representing opposing parties in violation of Rule 15.03, Canon 15 of the CPR.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Importance of Positive Identification and Credible Testimony in Sexual Assault C
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and denial in sexual assault cases.
Protecting Minors: Rape Conviction Upheld Based on Credible Testimony and Corroborating Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction built on a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings, stressing that hymenal laceration is not an element of rape.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Examining the Conviction in People v. Condino
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how treachery is established and why trial court findings on witness credibility are given high respect.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Corroborating Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a minor victim's credible testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, suffices for conviction.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Attorney Sanctioned FOR Representing Conflicting Interests
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that lawyers cannot buy client property or represent conflicting interests, voiding a transfer under Article 1491.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Victim Testimony Prevails Over Resistance Myths in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that lack of physical resistance does not negate rape and victim testimony suffices.