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 of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Mariano
Philippine courts give significant weight to a child's credible testimony in rape cases. Learn the key principles from People v. Mariano.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: When Philippine Courts Can Decide Without Full Trial
Philippine courts can render summary judgment without full trial when defenses are sham or fictitious. Narra v. CA explains the rule.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Understanding Large-Scale Fraud and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal recruitment in large scale from estafa, the penalties involved, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Indirect Proof Leads to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict, and why the Supreme Court reduced murder to homicide in People v. Moyong.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding the Villarba Case
The Villarba case clarifies how Philippine courts treat treachery and conspiracy in murder prosecutions, shaping criminal liability.
Maintaining Impartiality: Why a Judge's Demeanor Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's private talks with a litigant can create an appearance of bias. The Supreme Court explains why demeanor and perceived impartiality matter.
Robbery With Homicide in the Philippines: Treachery, Intoxication, and the Penalty
Understand how Philippine courts treat treachery and intoxication in robbery with homicide cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cando.
Proving Rape: Why Corroborating Testimony and Victim Behavior Matter in Philippine Courts
A child rape victim's candid testimony and medical evidence secured conviction, but the Supreme Court reduced the death penalty because the information failed to allege the qualifying circumstance of
Customs Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Why Courts Cannot Interfere with Seizure and Forfeiture
Philippine courts cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases: Why Corroborating Evidence Isn't Always Necessary
Philippine courts can convict on credible lone testimony in rape cases; corroboration isn't always required. Learn the rules.
Unmasking Simulated Sales: Why a Notarized Deed Doesnt Guarantee a Valid Property Transfer in the Philippines
A notarized deed of sale is not always proof of a valid transfer. Learn how Philippine courts look beyond documents to determine true ownership.
Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Sworn Statements Are Admissible
Sworn statements can be admitted in Philippine courts not to prove their truth, but to show they were made. Learn the hearsay rule's limits.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Barro Jr.
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases and why alibi fails against positive identification, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Forum Non Conveniens: When Philippine Courts Decline Jurisdiction in Overseas Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when Philippine labor tribunals may decline jurisdiction over overseas employment disputes under the doctrine of forum non conveniens.
Judicial Bias Understanding When A Judge Must Step Down IN Philippine Courts
Learn when Philippine judges must inhibit or step down from a case due to bias, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Holding Judges Accountable Ensuring Timely Justice IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court fined a Manila RTC judge for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, reaffirming judicial accountability.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: Examining Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh evidence in rape cases, and why proving the victim's age is crucial for the death penalty.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: What Businesses Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts treat foreign judgments, the grounds to challenge them, and key lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attacks and the Crime of Murder
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lopez as a guide.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Standing Position and Credibility in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling carnal knowledge can occur in any position and a credible victim's testimony suffices for conviction.
Demurrer to Evidence in the Philippines: When Can a Criminal Case Be Dismissed for Insufficient Proof
Learn when Philippine courts grant a demurrer to evidence, the certiorari exception, and how inadmissible prosecution evidence can lead to acquittal.
Documentary Evidence vs Verbal Agreements: Why Written Contracts Prevail in Philippine Courts
When a verbal claim of discount conflicts with written invoices, Philippine courts rely on documentary evidence. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Group Crimes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat conspiracy in group crimes, when each member is equally liable, and what this means for criminal defense.