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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Positive Identification Prevails Upholding Convictions IN Highway Robbery Based ON Witness Credibility
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: The Teves Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conviction for a prohibited interest involves moral turpitude, using the Teves cockpit case as guide.
Abuse OF Parental Authority Upholding Justice FOR Victims OF Incestuous Rape
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Conditions Precedent in Construction Arbitration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CIAC retains jurisdiction over construction disputes even when parties fail to comply with contractual conditions precedent like DAB referral.
Deportation and Drug Convictions: Broadening the Scope of Philippine Immigration Law
The Supreme Court rules that foreign drug convictions justify deportation under Philippine immigration law, rejecting a narrow reading of Section 37(a)(4).
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Drug Sale Conviction Overturned for Procedural Lapses and Insufficient Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits Cesar Cantalejo in a drug sale case, ruling that procedural lapses and weak evidence failed to overcome the presumption of innocence.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Sheriffs Accountability Receiving Unauthorized Payments AND Neglecting Duty
Supreme Court rules on sheriff's liability for receiving unauthorized payments and dereliction of duty in implementing writs of execution.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Unprovoked Attacks
How Philippine courts apply treachery to qualify killings as murder, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Gidoc.
Marital Discord and Deadly Conspiracy: Establishing Parricide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Explore how Philippine courts convict parricide when a spouse conspires with a lover to kill, relying on circumstantial evidence.
Homestead Patent Validity Prevails Clarifying Land Ownership Rights And Restrictions
Supreme Court ruling on homestead patents, quitclaims, and land ownership rights under the Public Land Act.
Voice Identification in Rape Cases: Ensuring Justice Through Reliable Testimony
How Philippine courts accept voice identification in rape cases, and why a victim's long familiarity with the accused makes it credible.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Delayed Witness Testimony and the Pursuit of Justice in Murder Cases
A delayed eyewitness affidavit doesn't automatically destroy credibility, the Supreme Court rules in People v. Cawaling, affirming a murder conviction.
Proxy Validation vs Solicitation: SEC and RTC Jurisdiction in Corporate Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when proxy disputes in corporate elections belong to the RTC, not the SEC, under the Securities Regulation Code.
DNA Evidence and Paternity: Establishing Paternity Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court first applied the DNA Rules to confirm paternity and uphold a rape conviction.
CARP Coverage Disputes: DAR Secretary Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Registered CLOAs
Supreme Court clarifies that CARP coverage disputes belong to the DAR Secretary, not DARAB, even when a CLOA is already registered.
Victim Identification Trumps Alibi: The Eduarte Robbery Case
When a victim positively identifies a robber and chases him down, a mere denial and alibi cannot overcome credible testimony.
Possession Is Key: Upholding Convictions Despite Warrantless Searches in Forestry Code Violations
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless seizures of lumber are valid and why mere possession without documents is a crime.
Guardianship Betrayal: How the Supreme Court Views Rape Within Foster Family Structures
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a foster father and foster brother for raping an 11-year-old girl, clarifying key rules on qualified rape, medical evidence, and the credibility of child v
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Supreme Court Upholds Drug Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, rejecting frame-up defense and clarifying warrantless arrest rules in buy-bust operations.
Corporate Officer Status Determines Jurisdiction Illegal Dismissal Claims Must BE Filed IN Regular Courts
When a dismissed employee is a corporate officer, jurisdiction over illegal dismissal claims lies with regular courts, not the NLRC.
Murder Conviction Upheld: Treachery, Voluntary Surrender, and Damages Rules Clarified
SC clarifies treachery, voluntary surrender, and damages in murder cases, affirming reclusion perpetua for a bolo attack.
Membership Termination in Non-Stock Corporations: Safeguarding Property Rights
The Calatagan Golf Club case clarifies that non-stock corporations must strictly follow their own by-laws before terminating membership or selling shares.
Sweetheart Defense Fails: Rape Conviction Upheld Without Proof of Consent
Philippine Supreme Court rejects the "sweetheart theory" in rape cases, affirming that love affairs do not justify sexual violence without consent.