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.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Upholding Child Testimony IN Sexual Assault Cases
Superior Strength and Criminal Intent: The Oscar Mat-an Murder Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of superior strength qualifies killing as murder and why intent to kill matters for attempted crimes.
Disallowance of Separation Benefits When Contractual Status Impacts Entitlement
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of separation pay for period when employee was contractual, but excuses good-faith refund.
Dismissal for Conduct Unbecoming a Court Employee: The Vasquez Case
Sheriff dismissed for slapping a complainant and threatening her while drunk. The Court explains why private misconduct can end a judicial career.
Unraveling Conspiracy Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Homicide Cases
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Corroborating Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a minor victim's credible testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, suffices for conviction.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Attorney Sanctioned FOR Representing Conflicting Interests
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that lawyers cannot buy client property or represent conflicting interests, voiding a transfer under Article 1491.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Victim Testimony Prevails Over Resistance Myths in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that lack of physical resistance does not negate rape and victim testimony suffices.
Upholding Party Autonomy: Court Intervention in Arbitration Proceedings Under the ADR Act
Explore how the Supreme Court protects party autonomy in arbitration, limiting court intervention under the ADR Act of 2004.
Challenging Forged Documents and Implied Admissions in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to respond to a request for admission does not result in implied admission, protecting property owners from forged documents.
The Delicate Balance: Upholding Employee Rights in Loss of Trust Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence cannot justify dismissal without proof of the employee's actual accountability.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence and conspiracy to establish guilt in homicide cases beyond reasonable doubt.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Examining the Conviction in People v. Condino
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how treachery is established and why trial court findings on witness credibility are given high respect.
When Land Disputes Require Concrete Proof Tenant Status AND Agrarian Reform
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Election LAW Carrying Deadly Weapons AND Reasonable Doubt
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Neglect and Failure to Inform Leads to Six-Month Suspension
A lawyer who failed to inform a client about an adverse NLRC ruling and did not appeal was suspended for six months for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Trademark Infringement and Contempt: When Corporate Names and Court Orders Collide
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance with an injunction order cannot be punished as indirect contempt, even if a corporate name contains a challenged mark.
When Doubt Benefits the Accused: Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on reasonable doubt, witness credibility, and the prosecution's burden in election-period weapon possession cases.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Circumstantial Evidence and the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
A father's rape conviction was reversed when circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, reaffirming the prosecution's burden in criminal cases.
Judicial Affidavit Rule and Contempt: Good Faith in Complying with Court Orders
When does using a corporate name violate an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance defeats indirect contempt.
Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders: What They Mean for Property Claims
The Supreme Court explains how a stay order in corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including demands for specific performance of property sales.
Economic Abuse and Deprivation of Support as a Continuing Offense Under RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies that depriving a child of financial support is a continuing offense and economic abuse under RA 9262.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.