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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Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and Prior Abuse Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and prior sexual abuse as evidence.
Proving Rape Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Lessons from People v. Abalde
A look at People v. Abalde on how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony, force, intimidation, and the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
When a Guilty Plea Fails: Why Rape Convictions Were Remanded for Rearraignment
The Supreme Court set aside death sentences for rape because the trial court failed to conduct a proper searching inquiry into the guilty plea.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa
How the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa based on deceptive recruitment schemes.
Protecting the Credibility of Testimony From Persons With Mental Disabilities in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess rape testimony from mentally disabled victims, and why mental deficiency does not diminish credibility.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the credible testimony of a mentally disabled minor, clarifying rules on evidence and procedure.
Citizenship Denied: Strict Scrutiny of Naturalization Requirements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms strict compliance with naturalization requirements in Ong Chia v. Republic, denying citizenship for procedural lapses.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Conspiracy in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, medical evidence, and proof of conspiracy among three accused.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Courts Defer to Anti-Graft Investigations
Philippine courts defer to Ombudsman findings in anti-graft cases absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn from Morong Water District.
Bouncing Checks Law: When a Valid Cause to Stop Payment Defeats a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer who stopped payment on postdated checks due to a developer's failure to complete a townhouse project.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Justice In Highway Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms a highway robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that positive identification prevails over a weak alibi defense.
Unraveling Circumstantial Evidence Conviction Despite Lack OF Direct Proof IN Murder Cases
Guarantee OF Refund Prevents Graft Conviction Protecting Government Interests IN Procurement
Union Dues and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees can be charged to union members and the strict rules on check-off deductions.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Insufficient Identification in Drug Sale Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug sale convicts when police cannot identify who sold marijuana, applying reasonable doubt standard.
Abuse of Superior Strength and Treachery in Murder: Key Lessons from People v. Pirame
Explaining how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from abuse of superior strength in a murder conviction, with practical lessons for criminal cases.
Treachery, Self-Defense, and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, clarifying treachery, abuse of superior strength, and the credibility of an eyewitness who is the victim's son.
Protecting Innocence: The Supreme Court's Stance on Child Rape and Child Witness Testimony
A five-year-old rape victim's testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains child witness credibility and the death penalty for child rape.
Interpleader Actions: Procedure, Jurisdiction, and the Proper Remedy for Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interpleader procedure, jurisdiction, and why dismissal orders must be appealed, not challenged via certiorari.
Interlocking Confessions and Kidnap Conviction: People v. Dela Torre
Explaining the interlocking confessions rule and how it secured a kidnap-for-ransom conviction in People v. Dela Torre.
Sequestration vs. Attachment: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts Over Corporate Assets
When a sequestered company faces a collection suit, which court prevails? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries between PCGG sequestration and RTC attachment.
Clerks of Court Must Strictly Follow Rules on Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court reminds clerks of court and judges of strict rules on handling court funds, citing a case of suspension and fine for violations.
Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide: When Conviction Stands Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why flight and unexplained absence signal guilt.