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.
Right to Information: Accused Cannot Be Convicted of a Crime Not Clearly Charged
The Supreme Court reinstates a rape case, ruling an information need only state the essential elements, not every detail.
Consent Is Key: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why proving lack of consent in rape cases requires credible evidence, not just allegations.
Why Precise Rape Charges Matter: The Right to Be Informed of the Accusation
The Supreme Court nullified rape convictions where complaints said only "sexual abuse," upholding the accused's constitutional right to know the charge.
Airport Security vs Individual Rights: The Fine Line in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when airport security searches are valid and when they violate constitutional rights in drug possession cases.
The Right to Confrontation: Why Live Testimony Matters in Philippine Criminal Trials
The Supreme Court vacated a rape conviction because prosecutors used transcripts from another trial instead of presenting live witnesses, violating the accused's right to confrontation.
Rape and the Burden of Proof: Consent and Minority in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, clarifying that mental retardation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not presumed.
Rape and Mental Capacity: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court acquittal clarifies when mental retardation must be proven to convict in rape cases, and why the prosecution's burden matters.
Reclamation Rights Private Property VS Public Domain IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court ruling on SRA's liability as trustee clarifies how government agencies assume obligations of abolished entities.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: Lack of Consent and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court rules sexual intercourse with a mental retardate is rape even without force, as she cannot validly consent.
Conditional Sales of Co-Owned Property: Understanding Consent and Obligations
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on reconveyance actions, prescription periods, and the rights of buyers in conditional sales of co-owned property.
Upholding Property Rights The Prescriptive Period For Reconveyance Actions
When does an action for reconveyance prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule and its exceptions in this important ruling.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Are Crimes
The Supreme Court affirms that demeaning Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Weighing Evidence in Psychological Incapacity Cases Under Article 36
A Rule 45 petition questioning psychological incapacity findings raises questions of fact, not law, the Supreme Court rules.
False Credentials Lost Promotion Integrity IN Public Service
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for falsifying educational credentials in Personal Data Sheet, affirming public office as a public trust.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Prescription of Penalties: Why Actual Imprisonment Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when prescription of penalties begins—only after a convict actually escapes from imprisonment.
Prescription of Penalties: Evasion of Sentence Requires Prior Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: prescription of penalty starts only when a convicted person escapes from actual imprisonment, not from hiding.
Treachery Defined: How Philippine Courts Determine Unfair Advantage in Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hammer.
Administrative Complaints Against Judges Must Wait for Judicial Remedies to Be Exhausted
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that administrative complaints against judges cannot substitute for available judicial remedies like appeal or certiorari.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Based on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape-homicide accused where circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Procedural Rules Meet Substantive Justice
Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification requirements in corporate cases.
Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Philippine Criminal Cases: People v. Lobrigas
When does running away or escaping detention prove guilt? The Supreme Court explains the legal weight of flight in criminal cases.
Eyewitness Identification vs. Alibi: The Weight of Positive Testimony in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi defenses, explained through a 2002 Supreme Court ruling on murder.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.