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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Negligence and Evidence: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Quasi-Delict Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh evidence in quasi-delict cases, using Supreme Transliner v. Brazal to explain negligence and liability rules.
Circumstantial Evidence and Res Gestae in Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence and res gestae to convict in homicide cases, even without direct eyewitness testimony.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: Protecting Minor Victims Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess intimidation, delay in reporting, and child testimony in rape cases involving minors.
Lone Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts assess a lone witness's credibility in criminal cases, and why positive identification defeats alibi.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Case Resolution and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed case decisions underscores the duty of Philippine judges to resolve cases within reglementary periods.
Extradition in the Philippines: Balancing Due Process and International Cooperation
Philippine courts can provisionally rule on a plaintiff's death in ejectment cases, balancing due process with the need for swift resolution.
Voice Identification in Rape Cases: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts treat voice recognition as valid identification in rape cases, and why unpleaded aggravating circumstances reduce the penalty.
Reinstating Appeals Balancing Justice AND Procedural Rules IN Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts balance strict procedural rules with the pursuit of justice in appeals and jurisdiction.
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Navigating the Perils of Drug Sale Convictions in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts assess drug sale cases, the burden of proof, and why credible evidence matters in convictions.
Protecting Vulnerable Witnesses Upholding THE Testimony OF Deaf Mute Rape Victims IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the sign-language testimony of a deaf-mute victim, clarifying rules on witness competence and alibi.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Philippine Courts Weigh Witness Testimony
In the Sanchez rape-with-homicide case, the Supreme Court explains why trial court findings on witness credibility are rarely overturned on appeal.
Deceptive Sales The High Cost of Confidence Scams Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat confidence scams, the elements of estafa, and the penalties for deceptive sales practices.
Appeal Deadlines When Is a Delay Fatal to Your Case
Learn when late appeals are allowed in Philippine courts and when delays prove fatal to a case.
Divorce Recognition Proving Legal Capacity To Remarry After A Foreign Divorce
Philippine courts do not take judicial notice of foreign laws and divorce decrees. Both must be proven, or a second marriage may be void.
The Testimony of a Rape Victim: Credibility and the Burden of Proof in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony against an alibi defense, and why credibility is key.
Credibility Is Key: How Philippine Courts Decide Rape Cases on Witness Testimony
Philippine courts weigh victim credibility heavily in rape cases. This article explains the rules from People v. Galvez, including alibi and damages.
Incestuous Rape: Why Philippine Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for incestuous rape, explaining why a child victim's testimony is credible evidence.
Interlocutory VS Final Orders Understanding Enforceability IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts explain the difference between interlocutory and final orders, and when each can be enforced or appealed.
Docket Fees vs Filing Brief: Understanding Grounds for Appeal Dismissal in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file an appellant's brief is not the same as non-payment of docket fees for appeal dismissal.
Homicide vs Murder: Proving Intent and Circumstances in Criminal Cases
How Philippine courts distinguish murder from homicide through qualifying circumstances like treachery, and why intent alone is not enough.
Witness Testimony and Positive Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and positive identification in robbery with homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
The Boundaries of Conspiracy: Examining Intent in Frustrated Homicide Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts determine conspiracy in frustrated homicide, using the Salvatierra case to explain shared intent and liability.