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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Rape Conviction Affirmed: Medical Exam Not Indispensable in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling medical examination is not indispensable and clarifying damages for multiple counts of rape.
Exclusive Distributorship Breach: Key Lessons from Bayer vs. Bompat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exclusive distributorships: breach, compulsory counterclaims, storage fees, and damages explained for businesses.
Breach of Trust When a Father's Authority Masks Sexual Abuse in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape by a father, moral ascendancy as intimidation, and proper penalties.
Homicide vs Robbery With Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Proving the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide stands, when it falls to homicide, and how intent to gain is proven in carnapping.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery Homicide Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, alibi, and treachery in murder cases, using People v. Bergonio.
Indispensable Parties in Philippine Property Disputes: Why Mortgagees Aren't Always Necessary
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mortgagee is not an indispensable party in property disputes, explained in plain language.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough for a Conviction in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction, using an estafa case against a judge as the backdrop.
Equity vs Right of Redemption: Key Lessons From Huerta Alba Resort on Philippine Foreclosure Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between equity of redemption and statutory right of redemption in foreclosure cases.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court guidance on assessing child witness credibility in rape cases, emphasizing trial court discretion and minor inconsistencies.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Who Is Bound Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue stipulations in contracts and who is bound, including assignees and privies.
Employer Liability in Philippine Negligence Cases: Independent Civil Actions for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the right to file independent civil actions for damages.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Enforcing Court Orders: Why Sheriffs and Judicial Restraint Matter in Philippine Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease rescission, execution pending appeal, and the limits of a sheriff's power to enforce court orders.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Understanding Docket Fees AND Counsels Duty IN Philippine Courts
Learn how unpaid docket fees and counsel's negligence can get an appeal dismissed, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Mental Capacity and Witness Testimony: Protecting Vulnerable Victims in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mental retardates as credible witnesses in rape cases, with practical guidance for prosecutors and defenders.
Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service: When Reassignment Becomes Illegal Removal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a government employee's indefinite reassignment violates security of tenure and constitutes constructive removal.
Independent Judgment Prevails: Why Acquittal of Co-Accused Doesn't Guarantee Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a judge's acquittal of one co-accused does not bind another judge in separate trials. Learn the rule.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Judicial Efficiency IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for failing to decide a case within the 90-day constitutional period.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
Precision in Charges: How a Flaw in a Rape Indictment Spared a Defendant from Death Penalty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. San Juan clarifies how a defective rape indictment affects penalties and due process.
Rape of a Person With Schizophrenia: Consent and Legal Capacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a schizophrenia patient, consent, and legal capacity under Article 335.
Treachery and Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how credible eyewitness testimony, not treachery, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.