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.
Good Faith No Defense: Falsifying PDS Justifies Dismissal of Court Employee
The Supreme Court rules that a court employee's false PDS entry warrants dismissal for dishonesty and falsification, rejecting good faith defenses.
Parental Betrayal and Rape: When a Stepfather's Crime Redefines Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape, qualifying circumstances, and why a stepfather's conviction for simple rape, not death, underscores due process.
Breach of Trust Justifies Dismissal: Employers' Right to Terminate Probationary Employment
Supreme Court rules dishonesty and breach of trust justify terminating a probationary employee before the six-month period ends.
IBP Elections SC Clarifies Scope OF Supervision AND Membership Rights
Lawyer Suspended for Neglect and Absconding with Client Records
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for neglecting client cases, absconding with records, and keeping fees without rendering service.
Navigating Libel and Free Speech in Corporate Communications
When is a corporate letter defamatory? The Supreme Court clarifies libel elements and privileged communication in Novicio v. Aggabao.
Finality of Judgment: Why Late Payment of Appeal Docket Fees Is Fatal
The Supreme Court explains why failing to pay appellate docket fees on time makes a judgment final and executory, even if a notice of appeal was filed.
Novation in Philippine Law: Can a Restructuring Agreement Extinguish Promissory Note Obligations?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a restructuring agreement novates promissory notes, and when it merely modifies payment terms without extinguishing the debt.
Conspiracy and Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for qualified rape, clarifying how witness credibility and conspiracy establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Employer Liability: Proving Due Diligence in Employee Negligence Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability under Article 2180 and the burden of proving due diligence in employee negligence cases.
Mistake of Law vs Mistake of Fact: Grounds for Relief from Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only mistakes of fact, not errors of law, justify relief from judgment under Rule 38.
Attorney's Duty of Fidelity: Neglect and Abandonment in Legal Representation
When a lawyer takes a client's money and disappears with case records, the Supreme Court draws a firm line on professional responsibility.
When Corporate Notices Are Not Libel: The Novicio Case on Privileged Communication
A look at Novicio v. Aggabao, where the Supreme Court ruled that a corporate officer's notice to banks about changed signatories was not libel.
Father's Conviction for Incestuous Rape Stands Despite Alibi Defense
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father convicted of twice raping his minor daughter, rejecting alibi and upholding victim testimony.
Statutory Rape and the Need for Specific Allegations in Criminal Informations
The Supreme Court explains why precise dates and specific allegations in rape informations are crucial for due process and conviction.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conspiracy and the Grave Consequences of Extortion
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for kidnappers who conspired to extort ransom, explaining conspiracy and ransom under Philippine law.
Rape and Consent: The Supreme Court's Stance on Sweetheart Defense and Weapon Use
Learn how the Supreme Court treats date and relationship allegations in rape cases, and why precise time is not essential for conviction.
Upholding the Electorate's Will When Technicalities Give Way to True Representation
When a proclamation rests on an incomplete canvass, it is null and void. The Court explains why.
Robbery With Homicide Liability Extends to All Participants, Even Without Intent to Kill
The Supreme Court clarifies that all robbery participants are liable for robbery with homicide, even if they did not personally kill.
Sheriff's Duty of Diligence Over Personal Property During Demolition
The Supreme Court fined a deputy sheriff P5,000 for failing to safeguard a occupant's belongings hauled away during a court-ordered demolition.
Recounting Votes in Fraudulent Election Returns: Safeguarding the Electorate's Will
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when COMELEC must recount votes instead of excluding fraudulent election returns, protecting voter enfranchisement.
Workplace Boundaries: Defining Acts of Lasciviousness and Consensual Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sexual acts are rape, not consensual, and why workplace familiarity does not imply consent.
Protecting Property Rights: The Absolute Right to Possess Foreclosed Property After Redemption Period
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property rights, redemption, and the right to possess foreclosed property after the redemption period.
From Murder to Homicide: Understanding the Absence of Treachery in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven, a killing is homicide, not murder. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.