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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Reservation of Rights in Quasi-Delict Cases: Protecting Your Civil Claim in the Philippines
Learn when you must reserve your right to file an independent civil action for quasi-delict under Article 2176 of the Civil Code.
Credibility IS KEY WHY A Rape Victims Testimony Often Decides THE Case IN Philippine Courts
Rape Conviction Upheld: Medical Report Not Essential When Victim's Testimony Is Clear
Explaining People v. Auxtero: why a rape conviction can stand without a medico-legal certificate and how courts weigh victim testimony.
Unwavering Testimony: How Philippine Courts Decide Rape Cases Based on Victim Credibility
Philippine courts rely on victim credibility in rape cases. Learn the legal principles from People v. Auxtero.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When Partial Promulgation of a Decision Does Not Count
When a trial court promulgates only the civil liability part of a conviction, the accused cannot claim double jeopardy to block the later promulgation of the criminal penalty.
Credibility of Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Auxtero
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in rape cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Auxtero.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony and Victim Protection Matter
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, explaining why minor inconsistencies don't destroy a young victim's case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Minor Inconsistencies in a Child Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a triple rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in a young victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
Why Affidavits of Desistance Often Fail in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine courts frown on affidavits of desistance in rape cases. This article explains why recantations rarely overturn convictions.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Give It Great Weight
Philippine courts often convict based on the victim's testimony alone in rape cases. This article explains why, citing People v. Ranido.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why child witnesses are often deemed credible in incest cases.
Motion for Reconsideration in NLRC Cases: A Jurisdictional Requirement, Not a Mere Technicality
Filing a Motion for Reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari. Missing this step can be fatal to an otherwise meritorious case.
Election Disqualification Cases: COMELEC's Continuing Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC must continue hearing disqualification cases even after a candidate's proclamation, citing Section 6 of RA 6646.
Rent-a-Car Liability in the Philippines: When Is the Owner Liable for Lessee’s Negligence?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when rent-a-car companies are liable for lessee negligence under quasi-delict and vicarious liability rules.
Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
When an Affidavit of Desistance Cannot Dismiss a Rape Case: Due Process Lessons
A rape conviction was voided for lack of due process; an affidavit of desistance filed after case institution does not warrant dismissal.
Navigating Property Disputes: Understanding Litis Pendentia in Ejectment Cases
Learn when litis pendentia applies in ejectment cases and why ownership disputes don't automatically stop eviction suits in the Philippines.
Breach of Trust and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Unethical Conduct in Estate Settlement
A CPA-lawyer's suspension for breach of trust, conflict of interest, and unethical conduct in settling a client's estate.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Forensic Evidence: When Reasonable Doubt Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where eyewitness accounts conflicted with forensic findings, explaining when reasonable doubt prevails.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility: Key Elements in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations, witness credibility, and conspiracy in murder convictions of three brothers.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.
Rape by a Stepfather: Overcoming the Presumption of Innocence
How Philippine courts weigh a young rape victim's testimony against a stepfather's denial, and why minor inconsistencies do not defeat a conviction.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when public social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.