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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Frame-Up Defense in Drug Cases: When Courts Uphold Police Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the frame-up defense rarely succeeds in drug possession cases and how courts assess police credibility.
Resolving Conflicting Supreme Court Decisions: The Doctrine of Law of the Case
When two Supreme Court divisions issue conflicting final rulings, the en banc resolves the impasse. Learn the law of the case doctrine.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and the Credibility of the Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how force and intimidation satisfy the elements of the crime under the Revised Penal Code.
Theft Conviction Affirmed: Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on theft conviction, eyewitness credibility, conspiracy, and alibi defenses explained in plain language.
Untangling Behest Loans, Prescription, and the Ombudsman's Discretion in PCGG v. Desierto
The Supreme Court clarifies when behest loan cases prescribe and limits the Ombudsman's dismissal power in PCGG v. Desierto.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Reviving the Pursuit of Justice: Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules for anti-graft cases and the Ombudsman's duty to investigate, not dismiss, based on valid laws.
Estafa Conspiracy, Acquittal, and Civil Liability: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court treated conspiracy in estafa, the effect of acquittal on civil liability, and the strict deadlines for appeals.
When Compadre Ties Cant Rewrite A Mortgage Upholding Contractual Agreements IN Foreclosure Cases
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Date Discrepancy Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction despite a date discrepancy in the information, protecting victims and ensuring justice.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
Interest Rate Clarity Ensuring Written Agreements Govern Loan Terms
The Supreme Court held that absent a written stipulation, a loan’s agreed interest rate stops at maturity, and 12% legal interest applies thereafter.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: How Philippine Courts Establish Guilt in Murder Cases
In a 2002 murder ruling, the Supreme Court explained why positive identification prevails over alibi and denial, and how damages for loss of earning capacity are computed.
Execution Pending Appeal and Jurisdiction: Lessons from Cordero v. Go
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal and how appeals affect jurisdiction.
Uncounseled Confessions and the Right to Silence: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncounseled confessions are inadmissible and why timely objections matter in Philippine criminal procedure.
Self-Defense Claims and Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from People v. Tadeo
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how intoxication, provocation, and surrender affect criminal liability in homicide cases.
Intoxication as a Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases: Reassessing Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies how intoxication and voluntary surrender affect criminal liability, downgrading murder to homicide in a landmark 2002 ruling.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in Philippine murder cases, and when abuse of superior strength qualifies the crime.
Judicial Accountability in Case Disposal: Lessons from an MCTC Audit
A Supreme Court audit of a Rizal court shows how delays in deciding cases lead to administrative liability for judges and court personnel.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attack
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, affirming conviction where a victim was attacked without warning or chance to defend.
Breach of Charter Agreement: Contractual Obligations and Remedies in Shipping Law
A Supreme Court ruling on charter party breach, ambiguous contract terms, and the right to rescind under Philippine law.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Falsification: Where the Crime Occurs Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue in falsification cases is determined by where the falsified documents were made, not where they were later used.
Treachery and Criminal Liability: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, the rules on warrantless arrests, and the consequences of failing to object to inadmissible evidence.