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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Credible Witness Testimony IN Rape Cases Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Appealing a Criminal Case in the Philippines: Understanding the Risk of Increased Penalties
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how appealing a criminal conviction can lead to increased penalties, not just a chance at acquittal.
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.
Lost Cargo Claims in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule for Arrastre Operators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day claim period for lost cargo against arrastre operators and the shipper's load and count rule.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between constructive dismissal and abandonment of work, and what employees must prove.
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.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi, and when treachery applies in criminal cases.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Unconscionable Quitclaims: When Employee Waivers Are Void in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are unconscionable, void, and contrary to public policy.
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.
Unmasking Treachery: How Eyewitness Accounts Cement Murder Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why positive eyewitness identification defeats alibi and proves treachery in murder cases.
Trademark Re-Registration and Res Judicata: When Prior Decisions Don't Bar New Trademark Disputes in the Phili
Philippine Supreme Court explains when res judicata bars trademark oppositions and how the Paris Convention protects well-known marks.
Protecting Well-Known Foreign Trademarks: The Barbizon Case and the Paris Convention
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a foreign trademark owner may claim protection under the Paris Convention despite a prior local registration.
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.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Why Delay in Reporting Does Not Undermine Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape victim credibility, delayed reporting, and why a paraplegic victim's testimony prevailed.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When an Anonymous Letter Leads to Reinstatement and Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal based on an anonymous letter, and the awards of back wages and separation pay.
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.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Landowners' Right to Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landowners' right to just compensation in agrarian reform, valuation standards, and the jurisdiction of Special Agrarian Courts.
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.
When a Spousal Sale Is Void: Buyer Beware in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when sales between spouses are void, why in pari delicto does not apply, and what buyers must check.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can Killing Be Justified?
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of self-defense in murder cases. Learn the three elements required to justify killing.