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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Evidentiary Burden in Robbery and Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Proof Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves robbery, rape, and aggravating circumstances in this 1999 ruling.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
How Philippine Courts Determine Witness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess witness credibility in criminal cases through the landmark incestuous rape ruling in People vs. Sevilla.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Why Witness Credibility Is Key in Philippine Murder Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in criminal cases, using the incestuous rape ruling in People v. Sevilla as a guide.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
Selling a Homestead Too Soon in the Philippines Can Cost You Everything
Philippine law bars selling homestead land within five years of the patent. Learn the rule and its consequences.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Delayed Reporting Does Not Mean Fabrication
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's delay in reporting, especially in incest cases, does not automatically mean the charge is fabricated.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Valid Waivers in C & A Construction v. NLRC
Understand illegal dismissal in the Philippines through C & A Construction v. NLRC: due process requirements, valid quitclaims, and limits on damages.
Comelec Jurisdiction in Election Protests: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Election Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC en banc cannot decide election protests at first instance; only divisions have that authority.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Notice and Hearing Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process in employee dismissal, appeal bonds, and finality of labor arbiter decisions.
Treachery as a Qualifying Circumstance in Murder: Lessons from People v. Pinca
Learn how Philippine courts determine treachery in murder cases and why the death penalty requires proof of qualifying circumstances.
Philippine Election Districting: Ensuring Fair Representation in Local Governance
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to divide provinces into Sangguniang Panlalawigan districts, and what "equitable apportionment" really means.
When Absence Is Not Abandonment: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's absences do not amount to abandonment, protecting workers from illegal dismissal.
Understanding Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Fair Compensation
Learn how Philippine courts determine attorney's fees through quantum meruit, ensuring fair compensation for legal services rendered.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent and qualifying circumstances distinguish homicide from murder, and explains cyber libel prescription rules.
NLRC Remand Orders and Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may remand labor cases for further proceedings without violating due process rights.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Mishandling Auction Proceeds in Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure
Sheriff and clerk of court dismissed for failing to turn over excess auction proceeds to mortgagor in chattel mortgage foreclosure.
Treachery and Passion: Understanding Murder and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when sudden attacks qualify as treachery and why passion and obfuscation may reduce criminal liability.
Proving Guilt Beyond Doubt: How Circumstantial Evidence Works in Philippine Robbery with Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why alibi fails.
Rape Conviction on Credible Testimony: The Tabion Case and the Requirement of Alleging Minority
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, but reduces the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua because the Information failed to allege the vic
Safeguarding Due Process: TRO Issuance and Judicial Misconduct in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's improper TRO issuance and failure to resolve incidents, highlighting due process duties.
Second Chances in Court: Motions for Reconsideration and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the strict 15-day period for motions for reconsideration and the distinction between appeal and certiorari.