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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Confessions and the Death Penalty: Ensuring Voluntariness in Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for rape-homicide, explaining the required "searching inquiry" into guilty pleas and the weight of voluntary confessions.
Intimidation Over Resistance Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that intimidation can overcome the need to prove physical resistance or injury in a sexual assault case.
Shareholder Rights vs PCGG Authority: Jurisdiction in Corporate Disputes Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction limits in corporate disputes involving sequestered assets and stockholder pre-emptive rights.
Intent to Kill, Conspiracy, and Premeditation in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill, conspiracy, and evident premeditation are proven in murder cases, using a 2004 Bacolod double-attack case.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended from Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, imposing a three-year suspension from law practice.
Conflict of Interest Upholding Ethical Standards for Court Sheriffs
Explaining how the Supreme Court disciplines court sheriffs for conflict of interest and misconduct, setting ethical standards.
When Can a Local Government Close a Business? Due Process Limits on Municipal Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that municipalities may regulate businesses through closure only with due process, even when taxes are unpaid.
VAT Exemption for Subic Bay Freeport Enterprises: Direct vs Indirect Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court clarifies that Subic Bay Freeport enterprises cannot claim VAT refunds on purchases since VAT is an indirect tax.
Perils of Independent Action: Why Government Agencies Must Heed Legal Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling reminds government agencies that the Solicitor General is their counsel of record, and that ignoring counsel can cost them their case entirely.
Discourtesy in Public Service: Court Employee Reprimanded for Sarcastic Remarks
Supreme Court reprimands court employee for discourtesy, reminding all public servants to remain courteous even when faced with rude behavior.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries in a Homicide Case
A Supreme Court ruling in a 1995 stabbing case clarifies how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims and the qualifying circumstance of treachery.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
When Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains how a father figure's moral ascendancy can substitute for force and intimidation in rape convictions.
Breach of Trust: When Negligence Justifies Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
When does an employee's negligence justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine labor case.
Incestuous Rape: Credibility of a Victim's Testimony in Cases of Parental Abuse
When a mentally disabled minor is raped, her testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Mabonga.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Breach of Contract and Preliminary Attachment: D.M. Wenceslao v. Readycon
Supreme Court clarifies when a wrongful attachment claim succeeds and when a contract balance becomes due, in a construction supply dispute.
When a Criminal Case Is Acquitted, the Bail Issue Becomes Moot: Lessons from Poblete v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains why an acquittal renders a pending bail dispute moot and academic, with practical lessons for litigants and counsel.
Deficiency Judgments in Foreclosure: When a Lender Can Still Collect After the Auction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling confirms that lenders may recover any shortfall after an extrajudicial foreclosure sale — the debtor remains liable for the unpaid balance.
Ombudsmans Discretion Investigating Complaints Against Public Officials IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's discretionary power to investigate complaints against public officials and the limits of judicial review.
Standby Letters of Credit Stand Outside Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why standby letters of credit are not covered by rehabilitation stay orders and remain enforceable against issuing banks.
Double Sale Doctrine: Prior Registration and Good Faith in Land Ownership Disputes
When two buyers claim the same land, who wins? The Supreme Court explains the double sale rule under Article 1544 and the crucial role of good faith and Torrens registration.