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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Civil Liability After Acquittal: When Acquittal Does Not Erase Damages in Reckless Imprudence Cases
Acquittal on reasonable doubt does not extinguish civil liability. Learn the rules from Manantan v. Court of Appeals.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of statutory rape, the need to prove the victim's age, and the rules on force and damages.
In Rape Cases, a Child's Testimony Can Be Enough: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A child's testimony alone can convict in rape cases. Learn key rules from People v. Segui on credibility, alibi, and damages.
Murder Conviction and Damages: Lessons from People v. Villarba
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and damages computation in a tricycle driver's killing.
Malicious Prosecution: Protecting Reputation and Business Interests From Unfounded Legal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing a baseless lawsuit becomes malicious prosecution, entitling victims to moral, exemplary, and compensatory damages.
Premature Filing of Malicious Prosecution Suits: When Can You Claim Damages?
Learn when a malicious prosecution suit can prosper under Philippine law—the key element of final acquittal or dismissal explained.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: Key Lessons From a Philippine Murder Case
The Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi in this Philippine murder case involving treachery and damages.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Key Lessons from People v. Cabigting
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape victim credibility, minor inconsistencies, medical evidence, and damages in People v. Cabigting.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Unreliable Defense: The Decisive Weight of Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
Credible testimony of a minor rape victim can outweigh the sweetheart theory, and moral damages now follow automatically upon conviction.
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.
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.
Motion to Dismiss Trap: Why Filing One Can Waive Your Right to Claim Damages in Philippine Courts
Learn how filing a motion to dismiss in Philippine courts can waive your right to claim damages, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery Defined: Sudden Attacks and Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden tricycle stabbing, clarifying evident premeditation and damages.
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape, Credible Testimony, and the Weight of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining evidentiary rules, alibi, and damages.
Circumstantial Evidence in Carnapping with Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a carnapping conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining the rules on identification, alibi, and damages.
Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Murder Conviction, SC Rules
SC affirms murder conviction based on eyewitness identification over alibi, and increases damages awarded to the victim's heirs.
The Right to Litigate Must Be Exercised in Good Faith: Lessons from a Baseless Insurance Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a baseless lawsuit can expose a party to damages for bad faith litigation.
Bad Faith Litigation: When Filing Suit Leads to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when filing an unfounded lawsuit constitutes bad faith, exposing litigants to moral and exemplary damages.
Default and Damages: Clarifying Rights in Chattel Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules, damages, and replevin in chattel mortgage disputes—key lessons for creditors and borrowers.
Step-Parent Rape and the Death Penalty: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 11-year-old stepdaughter, clarifying the rules on qualifying circumstances and damages.