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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intoxication AND THE Issue OF Consent
Lack of Treachery Evidence Reduces Murder Charge to Homicide: People v. Crisanto
When prosecution fails to prove treachery, a murder conviction may be reduced to homicide. Learn the rules from People v. Crisanto.
Bouncing Checks and Insufficient Notice: Protecting Individuals From Unjust Convictions
The Supreme Court acquits a check issuer because the prosecution failed to prove receipt of notice of dishonor, a key element under BP 22.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and SEC Jurisdiction Over Listed Banks
Supreme Court clarifies that listed banks must comply with SEC disclosure rules despite BSP supervision, explaining agency jurisdiction and administrative remedies.
Beyond the Warrant: Illegal Possession and the Limits of Search and Seizure
A licensed gun owner's acquittal clarifies what police may lawfully seize during a search and the strict rules on proving illegal firearm possession.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Intact Hymen: The Role of Corroborating Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction even with intact hymen, explaining why full penetration is not required for consummation.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Duty to Protect Children From Abuse Within the Family
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 9-year-old stepdaughter, underscoring the duty to protect children from abuse within the family.
Conspiracy and Murder by Hired Killers: When One Co-Accused's Acquittal Does Not Free Another
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld murder convictions based on conspiracy, positive identification, and circumstantial evidence in a hired killing.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Courts
How the Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for raping a four-year-old, reinforcing rules on child testimony and credibility.
Rape With Deadly Weapon: Victim's Testimony Stands Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction with scythe, holding victim's credible testimony sufficient despite absence of weapon or physical evidence.
Rape Conviction THE Importance OF Specificity IN Information AND Protection OF Minors
Quasi-Delict and Vehicular Accidents: When Overtaking Leads to Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Obstruction of Justice Cases: The "In Relation to Office" Requirement
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over obstruction of justice cases? The Soller ruling explains the "in relation to office" test.
Exhaustion Doctrine Prevails Jurisdiction Cannot BE Circumvented BY Direct Resort TO Courts
Direct court resort without exhausting administrative remedies is fatal, as Gonzales v. Court of Appeals shows.
Homicide Conviction Reversed: The Importance of Pleading Treachery in Criminal Informations
Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like treachery must be alleged in the Information, or the accused can only be convicted of the lesser crime.
Statutory Rape: Why Consent Is Irrelevant When the Victim Is Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is immaterial. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Ablaneda.
Tax Exemptions Are Strictly Construed: The Sea-Land Service Ruling
Philippine tax exemptions are strictly construed. Learn how the Supreme Court denied a US shipping firm's tax refund claim in Sea-Land Service, Inc. v. CIR.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
How Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, and why conspiracy requires more than mere presence at the crime scene.
Conflict of Interest and Informed Consent in Attorney Representation
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint against a lawyer who represented clients with potentially conflicting interests, clarifying the written-consent rule.
Rape AND Minor Victims Consummation Credibility AND THE Reach OF THE LAW
Rape Conviction and Venue: When Aggravating Circumstances Must Be Alleged
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why aggravating circumstances like dwelling and nighttime must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Rape Conviction Overturned: The Critical Need for Explicitly Stating Aggravating Circumstances in Criminal Inf
Why the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua when aggravating circumstances weren't alleged in the Information.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Lessons from People v. Gonzales-Flores
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, explaining what counts as recruitment and why convictions stand.