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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Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Circumstantial Evidence and the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
A father's rape conviction was reversed when circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, reaffirming the prosecution's burden in criminal cases.
Corporate Rehabilitation Tax Waivers and CTA Jurisdiction: Key Insights from Steel Corporation of the Philippi
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified CTA jurisdiction over tax waiver disputes arising from corporate rehabilitation under R.A. 10142.
Corporate Rehabilitation Tax Waiver: CTA Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Customs Duty Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax and customs duty disputes during corporate rehabilitation belong exclusively to the Court of Tax Appeals, not regular courts.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Seized Drugs and Fair Conviction
Why the chain of custody rule in drug cases matters, and how lapses affect the integrity of evidence and the accused's conviction.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery in murder cases, and why evident premeditation requires more proof.
Corporate Officer Status and Jurisdiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases: North Star v. Balagtas
When is a dismissed executive a corporate officer whose case belongs to regular courts, not the Labor Arbiter? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Dismissal for Defiance: Upholding the Court's Authority in Administrative Duties
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a branch clerk of court for notarizing documents without the required certification, underscoring strict compliance with court rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
A drug conviction requires an unbroken chain of custody. Learn what gaps in evidence handling can lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody over seized marijuana, explaining the strict rules under RA 9165.
Philippine Piracy Law: Jurisdiction and Positive Identification in Maritime Crimes
A look at how Philippine courts establish jurisdiction and rely on positive identification in piracy cases under PD 532.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Familial Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that a child rape victim's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, can sustain a conviction even when relatives are the accused.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Upholding Protection for Victims of Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Safeguarding Migrant Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting Filipino migrant workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Unjustified Chain of Custody Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming strict compliance standards.
Court Employee Dismissed for Habitual Absenteeism and Insubordination
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses court utility worker for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination, affirming strict standards for judiciary employees.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule: People v. Villahermoso
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite lapses in the chain of custody, explaining when substantial compliance suffices.
Court Employee Suspended for Misconduct and Solicitation: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court suspended a clerk of court for soliciting bail money and mishandling property, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court personnel.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations When Minor Deviations Don't Nullify Drug Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that minor deviations in buy-bust operations, like delayed marking, do not automatically invalidate drug convictions.
Treachery and the Sanctity of the Home: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and dwelling in murder cases, ruling on a fatal stabbing inside the victim's home.
Upholding a Drug Sale Conviction: Witness Credibility and Chain of Custody
In People v. Flor, the Supreme Court affirmed a drug sale conviction, showing how courts weigh witness credibility and substantial compliance with chain of custody.
When Courts Cannot Stop Agrarian Reform: The Antig v. Antipuesto Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Special Agrarian Court jurisdiction and the absolute ban on injunctions against DAR in CARP implementation.
Defective Summons When Improper Service Nullifies Court Jurisdiction
When service of summons misses the persons listed in Rule 14, Section 11, the court never gains jurisdiction—even if a secretary accepts the papers.