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 Weight of Testimony: Conviction on Credible Witness Accounts in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
Conflict of Interest: When Prior Judicial Roles Limit Future Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's prior judicial role creates a disqualifying conflict of interest in later practice.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining the strict rules police must follow under RA 9165.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Custody Protocols
When police break drug custody rules, the accused may walk free. The Supreme Court explains why procedure protects everyone.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Layag
The Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal liability and what happens to civil claims.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
Drug Possession, Custody, and the Indeterminate Sentence Law: Key Lessons from a Shabu Conviction
A conviction for possessing shabu is upheld, but the Supreme Court corrects the penalty to an indeterminate sentence without subsidiary imprisonment.
Fugitive Status and Election Victory: When a Disqualified Candidate's Votes Are Stray
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disqualified candidate's votes are stray and who truly wins the election.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Labor Rights Trump Corporate Fiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When a contractor is a labor-only scheme, the principal becomes the true employer. The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil to protect workers' rights.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: How Planning and Presence Establish Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for robbery with homicide based on conspiracy, explaining how planning, presence, and post-crime acts prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Evaluating Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony and circumstantial evidence, based on People v. Rusco (G.R. No. 212157).
Local Autonomy vs Central Control: Presidential Power in Hospital Devolution
The Supreme Court upholds Executive Order No. 567 devolving Taguig-Pateros District Hospital to the City of Taguig, clarifying presidential power.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Contextual Testimony Enough to Prove Carnal Knowledge
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a victim's contextual testimony can sufficiently establish carnal knowledge even without explicit anatomical detail.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Double-Dealing in Property Sale
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who converted client's loan proceeds, neglected title transfer duties, and represented conflicting interests.
Protecting Children Upholding Stiffer Penalties for Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for child abuse under R.A. 7610, clarifying that physical abuse of a child is penalized more heavily than ordinary physical injuries.
Eminent Domain Easements Just Compensation For Perpetual Restrictions ON Property USE
When a right-of-way easement for transmission lines permanently restricts property use, full just compensation, not a mere easement fee, is due.
When Testimony Fails the Test: Acquittal in Forcible Abduction with Rape
The Supreme Court acquits a man of forcible abduction with rape, showing how inconsistent victim testimony and the equipoise rule shape criminal convictions.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Termination for Misconduct
The Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing an employee, even without a criminal conviction.
Tenant Rights Under Urban Land Reform: Proving Legitimate Tenancy for Protection Against Eviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that only legitimate tenants with proof of tenancy, not mere occupants, receive protection under P.D. No. 1517.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations: Validating Drug Convictions Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling substantial compliance with chain of custody rules suffices when evidence integrity is preserved.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Possession Conviction Protecting Constitutional Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to an unlawful arrest and broken chain of custody in drug cases.