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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Protecting Brand Identity: Jurisdiction Over Unfair Competition Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which court hears unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code, settling a jurisdictional question.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over City Councilors: The Inding Doctrine on Salary Grades
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not lower courts, has jurisdiction over local officials charged with graft — regardless of salary grade.
Gsis Survivorship Benefits Protecting Spouses From Discriminatory Pension Restrictions
Worthless Checks Valid Debt BP 22 Applies Despite Payee Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms BP 22 convictions for worthless checks, ruling that payee discrepancies do not negate liability for issuing bouncing checks.
Challenging Entrapment When Buy-Bust Operations Must Meet Strict Standards in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a buy-bust operation is valid and when an accused can challenge it as entrapment.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
Fencing Conviction Reversed: Proving Knowledge of Stolen Goods in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits jeweler of fencing, stressing the need for competent proof of value and knowledge that goods were stolen.
When Presence Implies Participation: Fencing Conviction Reversed for Lack of Proof
The Supreme Court acquits a jeweler of fencing stolen jewelry, ruling that inconsistent testimony and hearsay cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Incestuous Rape: Proving Minority and Relationship for the Proper Penalty
A stepfather's rape conviction reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because minority and relationship were not alleged and proved.
Serving Time Before Deportation: Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that convicted aliens must serve their prison sentence before deportation under the Immigration Act of 1940.
Child Witness Testimony and Statutory Rape: Competency in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why proper plea inquiry and qualifying circumstances matter in capital cases.
Fatal Stabbing Affirming Conviction Despite Questions of Superior Strength
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction for fatal stabbing, ruling treachery absorbed abuse of superior strength and rejecting alibi defenses.
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction, clarifying how force and lack of consent are established in Philippine law.
Doubt AND DUE Process Reassessing Convictions Based ON Inconsistent Testimony IN Rape Cases
Age and Relationship as Essential Proofs for Qualified Rape Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why minority and relationship must be both alleged and proven before the death penalty for qualified rape can be imposed.
Silence Is Not Consent: Rape by Intimidation and the Limits of a Guilty Plea
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a victim's silence and fear do not equal consent, and why a guilty plea in a capital case needs more than a warning.
When Public Service Meets Financial Benefit: Balancing Compensation for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits on compensation for water district board members under PD 198, balancing strict rules with good faith.
Shareholder Rights vs PCGG Authority: Jurisdiction in Corporate Disputes Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction limits in corporate disputes involving sequestered assets and stockholder pre-emptive rights.
Intimidation Over Resistance Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that intimidation can overcome the need to prove physical resistance or injury in a sexual assault case.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Based ON Credible Testimony Despite Defective Information
Conflict of Interest Upholding Ethical Standards for Court Sheriffs
Explaining how the Supreme Court disciplines court sheriffs for conflict of interest and misconduct, setting ethical standards.
Reasonable Doubt When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short in Murder Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence and treachery in murder convictions, using the Larry Cagas case as a guide.
Mental Capacity and Consent in Rape Cases: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
How Philippine courts treat consent when the victim has diminished mental capacity, based on People v. Mabonga.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.