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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The Power of Corroborating Evidence: How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness testimony against physical evidence and corroboration. Learn the rules from the Larrañaga (Chiong sisters) case.
Online Abuse Conviction Upheld: SC Rules on VAWC and Social Media Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a VAWC conviction for a public Facebook post, ruling that social media use raises the penalty by one degree.
Bias Claims Against Judges: What Evidence Philippine Courts Require
Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for proving judicial bias and partiality in administrative complaints against Philippine judges.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Substantiation Required for Valid Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove breach of trust with substantial evidence before terminating employees for loss of confidence.
Possession vs Ownership: How Tax Declarations and Evidence Resolve Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains how tax declarations and evidence of possession resolve land disputes, and why paper title alone may not win the case.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Charges Based on Insufficient Evidence of Collusion
Supreme Court denies surety's petition, ruling that procedural lapses and failure to timely challenge bail bond forfeitures bar relief.
DNA Evidence Establishing Paternity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms DNA paternity testing as admissible evidence, setting standards for probative value and the right against self-incrimination.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, clarifying the hierarchy of evidence under RA 26.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
Reconstitution Denied: Insufficient Evidence Fails to Restore Lost Land Title
Philippine Supreme Court denies reconstitution of lost land title due to insufficient evidence, clarifying strict requirements under RA 26.
Judicial Misconduct AND Evidence Preservation Judges Suspension FOR Negligence AND Ignorance OF LAW
Insufficient Evidence and Due Process When Accusations Fail to Convict
A corporate officer's conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof of written notice of dishonor actually received by the accused.
When Financial Statements Don't Tell the Whole Story: Retrenchment Must Be Justified by Clear Evidence of Loss
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that financial statements alone don't justify retrenchment. Employers must prove substantial, actual losses with convincing evidence.
Tax Refunds Timing and Proof of Entitlement Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide tax refund claims, focusing on prescriptive periods, documentary evidence, and the burden of proving entitlement.
Witness Credibility vs Forensic Evidence: When Supreme Court Defers to Trial Court Findings
Philippine Supreme Court explains why witness credibility often outweighs forensic gaps in criminal convictions, citing Siccuan v. People.
Handwriting Analysis and Contract Validity: Proving Genuineness Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh handwriting evidence in contract disputes, and why expert reports alone do not decide the validity of a deed.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal Proving Fault by Preponderance of Evidence in Philippine Courts
Explains how Philippine courts can impose civil liability even after acquittal, using preponderance of evidence standard.
Hearsay Evidence AND Search Warrants Protecting Against Unlawful Seizures IN Copyright Cases
Reopening Closed Cases: The Strict Standards for Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine courts rarely reopen final convictions. This article explains the strict rules for newly discovered evidence under Rule 121.
Upholding Integrity Accountability FOR Negligence IN Handling Court Documents
When fraud is alleged against a notarized deed, clear and convincing evidence is required. This case explains the burden of proof.
Accountability AND Neglect Court Personnels Duty TO Safeguard Evidence
Self-Defense Claims Fail When Evidence Shows Accused Was the Aggressor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when incomplete self-defense applies in homicide cases and why the accused's version must be credible.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Attempted Murder Based on Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a school principal of attempted murder, ruling that hearsay and unverified confessions cannot support a conviction based on circumstantial evidence.