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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Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Give It Great Weight
Philippine courts often convict based on the victim's testimony alone in rape cases. This article explains why, citing People v. Ranido.
Why Affidavits of Desistance Often Fail in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine courts frown on affidavits of desistance in rape cases. This article explains why recantations rarely overturn convictions.
Cross-Examination Essentials: Why Properly Impeaching a Witness Testimony Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Learn the proper way to impeach a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Guzman.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Why Forged Deeds Can't Stand in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat forged deeds and protect property owners. A guide to reconveyance actions, prescription, and buyer's good faith.
Lost IN Translation WHY Perfecting Your Appeal ON Time AND With Proper Documentation IS NON Negotiable IN Philippine Courts
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why child witnesses are often deemed credible in incest cases.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in murder cases, and why affidavits of desistance rarely defeat solid prosecution testimony.
Eyewitness Testimony WHY IT Reigns Supreme IN Philippine Courts Bautista V Court OF Appeals
Motion to Dismiss Denied: Courts Must First Examine the Merits, Not Just Allegations, in Philippine Property D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion to dismiss for lack of cause of action requires courts to examine the merits of a property dispute, not just the allegations.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Proving Impossibility
Understand the alibi defense in Philippine criminal law, its legal basis, and why courts require proof of physical impossibility.
Unraveling Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: The Gungon Case and Its Implications
The Gungon case clarifies how Philippine courts prove conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and how complex crimes are penalized.
When "Independent Contractor" Labels Fail: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine employer-employee relationships. Learn the four-fold test from Insular Life v. NLRC.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
Dismissal by Sandiganbayan: Proper Legal Remedy and Mootness in Philippine Courts
Learn when a Sandiganbayan dismissal is appealable via Rule 45, not certiorari, and when cases become moot.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Eyewitness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on murder.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
When Can Self Defense Claims Be Denied Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Explore when Philippine courts deny self-defense claims, using People v. Molas to illustrate how weak defenses fail against strong prosecution evidence.
Rape by a Stepfather: Overcoming the Presumption of Innocence
How Philippine courts weigh a young rape victim's testimony against a stepfather's denial, and why minor inconsistencies do not defeat a conviction.
Dying Declarations: When Can a Victim's Statement Be Used in Court?
Learn when a dying victim's statement is admissible in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court ruling in People v. Viovicente.
When Can You Recover Damages and Attorney's Fees for a Lawsuit? A Philippine Guide
Learn when Philippine courts award damages and attorney's fees, using the British Airways v. Mahtani case as a practical guide.
Rape Conviction on Victim's Testimony: Credibility Standards in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible lone victim testimony, clarifies damages and reclusion perpetua rules.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore when extrajudicial confessions are admissible in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Jerez.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Intent and Its Impact on Criminal Liability
Explore how Philippine courts weigh intent, treachery, and confessions in robbery with homicide cases, as shown in People v. Jerez.
Discovery in Philippine Litigation: Timing, Scope, and Court Discretion
Philippine discovery rules have no strict time limit. Courts enjoy wide discretion, as shown in Producers Bank v. Court of Appeals.