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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IN Pari Delicto NO Relief FOR Parties IN Illegal Banking Schemes
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Misconduct and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on judge and clerk misconduct underscores the strict standards of propriety required of all court personnel.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorneys Accountability for Misappropriating Client Funds
A look at Mercedes Nava v. Atty. Sorongon, where the Supreme Court addressed conflict of interest and the mandatory requirement of formal investigation in disbarment cases.
Who Decides Plebiscite Disputes? COMELEC's Power to Annul Results
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC has jurisdiction over plebiscite result disputes, not the RTC, in Buac v. COMELEC.
COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Mental Capacity Challenges
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Provocation and Homicide: When a Victim's Actions Reduce Criminal Liability
Explore how a victim's provocative act can reduce murder to homicide, as ruled in People v. Tigle.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Victims Testimony AND USE OF A Deadly Weapon
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy, Identification, and Fair Sentencing Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld robbery with homicide convictions on conspiracy evidence but reduced death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Upholding Conviction Despite Minor Inconsistencies A Look Into Drug Trafficking AND THE Burden OF Proof
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony Matters in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's credible testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies, delay, and alibi.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Properly Alleging Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why the death penalty cannot rest on a victim's age or kinship with the offender unless both are alleged in the Information.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Balancing Corporate Independence and Labor Rights
When can courts disregard corporate fiction to hold officers liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Tenant Rights vs Ejectment: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts in Agrarian Disputes
When ejectment and agrarian claims collide, which court prevails? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in David v. Rivera.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Calculated Attacks
Understanding treachery under Philippine criminal law—what it means, how courts determine it, and why it matters for victims of calculated attacks.
Treachery AND Witness Credibility Ensuring Justice FOR Victims OF Intentional Killings
Circumstantial Evidence in Parricide: How People v. Baño Established Guilt
In People v. Baño, the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction built entirely on circumstantial evidence, showing how an unbroken chain of events can prove guilt.
Banks' Fiduciary Duty to Protect Depositors' Funds: What the Law Requires
Philippine law imposes a strict fiduciary duty on banks to protect depositors' funds. This article explains the legal standards and consequences of breach.
Strict Compliance With Bill of Lading Clauses Upholding Carrier Protection in Cargo Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with bill of lading notice requirements in cargo damage claims against carriers.
COA Audit Authority Over Water Districts: Protecting Public Funds
The Supreme Court affirms COA's audit jurisdiction over local water districts, declaring PD 198's private audit provision unconstitutional.
Incestuous Rape and Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Philippine Law
In People v. Lou, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction on moral ascendancy, not force, and clarified when the death penalty may be imposed.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.