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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When Alibi Becomes Strong: Why Weak Prosecution Evidence Means Acquittal
A Supreme Court ruling shows that alibi, though a weak defense, prevails when prosecution evidence is feeble and fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Extramarital Affairs and Judicial Employee Conduct
Supreme Court ruling on a court stenographer's extramarital affair shows judicial employees are held to strict moral standards in private life.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Individual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indirect contempt, fines versus indefinite incarceration, and the courts' coercive power to enforce orders.
The Weight of Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay identification cannot convict a person of murder, and why proof beyond reasonable doubt demands credible, positive testimony.
Lis Pendens and Judicial Authority: When Can a Court Cancel a Notice of Pending Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies which court has authority to cancel a notice of lis pendens and the procedural requirements that must be followed.
Mistaken Identity vs Positive Identification: When a Wrong Name Does Not Exonerate a Killer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a witness's wrong name for the accused destroys identification and exonerates the killer.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Killing: Homicide and Justification in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when killing is murder, not self-defense, and how treachery is proven in Philippine criminal law.
Public Sector Strikes: Balancing Employee Rights and Government Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public school teachers' mass actions, explaining why government employees cannot strike and the limits of constitutional rights.
Mandamus and Judicial Duty: Enforcing Court Orders in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on interlocutory orders, summary judgment, and the ministerial duty of courts to execute final judgments.
Lost Court Exhibits: When Court Personnel Are Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's liability for lost firearms held as court exhibits, explaining duties of clerks of court.
Tenant Redemption Rights: Time Limits and Land Ownership Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the two-year redemption period for agricultural tenants under RA 3844 and its effect on land transfers.
When Judges Delay Forcible Entry Cases: Gallego v. Judge Doronila
A Supreme Court ruling holds a judge liable for gross inefficiency after seven months of delay in a forcible entry case governed by the Rules on Summary Procedure.
Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the Rule on Summary Procedure exists to prevent delay, and that failing to decide cases on time carries real penalties.
Expropriation in the Philippines: When Can Land Be Sold During Proceedings
Learn when landowners can still sell property during expropriation proceedings and who gets just compensation, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Bail in Capital Offenses: The Mandatory Hearing Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must hold a hearing before granting bail in capital offenses like rape.
Unreliable Witness Identification When Does It Impact A Criminal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when witness identification and conspiracy evidence fail to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Incestuous Rape Relationship as a Qualifying Circumstance for the Death Penalty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the father-daughter relationship in rape must be alleged in the complaint to justify the death penalty.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Co-Ownership in Illicit Relationships
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property co-ownership for unmarried couples in adulterous relationships under Article 148 of the Family Code.
Conspiracy in Kidnapping Cases: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy requires overt acts, not mere presence, to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Employee Theft and Misconduct: Legal Consequences and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee theft, grave misconduct, and employer duties in administrative cases.
Non-Compete Clauses and Preliminary Injunctions: Time Limits and Mootness in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how non-compete clauses affect preliminary injunction validity, time limits, and mootness in employment disputes.
Wage Differentials and Employee Waivers: Labor Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on wage differentials, employee waivers, and the strict rules on appeals in Philippine labor cases.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, credibility of witnesses, and the requirement of proof beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Self-Defense and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Candare
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how conspiracy and physical evidence establish guilt in murder cases, even when self-defense is claimed.