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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Child Witness Credibility in Statutory Rape Cases: People v. Perez
How the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, despite the presumption against rape accusations.
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Treachery Defined: Absence of Frontal Attack Does Not Preclude Murder Finding
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can qualify a killing as murder even without a frontal attack, as long as the victim was defenseless and the mode of attack was consciously adopted.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
Consummated Rape: Degree of Penetration and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape penetration, victim testimony, and proof of qualifying circumstances for proper conviction.
Rape and Reasonable Doubt: Why the Supreme Court Spared an Incestuous Father from Death
The Supreme Court explains why a father convicted of raping his daughter was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, not death, for lack of proof of qualifying circumstances.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, stressing strict proof of the seized drug's identity.
Final Judgments and Set-Off Claims: Manila Banking Corp. v. Rabina
Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, set-off claims, and HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision mortgage disputes.
Title Reconstitution Requires Strict Adherence to Procedure: Republic v. Castro
The Supreme Court nullifies a title reconstitution for failure to comply with the mandatory requirements of Republic Act No. 26.
The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
Prior Physical Possession in Ejectment Cases: Sales v. Barro
Why owners must allege prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, and how jurisdiction depends on the complaint's allegations.
Default Judgments: When a Bank's Procedural Lapses Lead to Default
The Supreme Court upheld a default declaration against PNB for filing a late answer and misleading the court, clarifying strict rules on extensions.
Construction Arbitration: CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Forum Choices
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes, even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
Legislative Apportionment vs Local Autonomy: When a Plebiscite Is Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative reapportionment of a city into two districts does not require a plebiscite, distinguishing it from dividing a local government unit.
Victory Liner v. Race: Good Faith Can Limit Backwages in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When an employer acts in good faith, an illegally dismissed employee may receive limited backwages instead of full backwages.
Rape and Parental Betrayal: Upholding Convictions in Incestuous Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of a father, explaining how clear testimony and flight from detention support guilt.
Reconstitution of Lost Title After Fire: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost title can be reconstituted after a fire, easing strict documentary requirements.
Reinstatement vs Retirement: Resolving Conflicting Employment Rights After Illegal Dismissal
When an illegally dismissed employee reaches retirement age, the right to reinstatement yields to the employer's valid retirement plan, the Supreme Court rules.
Perfecting Appeals: Understanding Timeliness and Exceptions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal deadlines are mandatory and jurisdictional, and when exceptions may apply.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction in the Philippines
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict, explained through a murder case where no one saw the killing.
Perfecting Land Titles: Resolving Conflicting Government Certifications in Land Registration
The Supreme Court rules that clerical errors in government certifications should not defeat a land registration application when other evidence supports the claim.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Upholding Public Trust: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
A judge's extramarital affair led to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the bench.