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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Rape Conviction Stands but Death Penalty Falls: Proving the Victim's Age
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua, clarifying the burden of proving the victim's age.
When a Gunshot Is Not Murder: Conspiracy, Intent, and the Equipoise Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies when simultaneous gunfire is not conspiracy and how the equipoise rule can lead to acquittal.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Falsifying DTRs and Pocketing Colleague's Salary
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for forging DTRs and special powers of attorney to steal a colleague's salary for nearly two years.
Punctuality and Public Trust: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Service
The Supreme Court ruled that personal hardships do not excuse habitual tardiness in public office, reaffirming punctuality as a core duty of government employees.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: The Balance Between Law Enforcement and Individual Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a buy-bust operation justifies a warrantless arrest and seizure of drugs, balancing police work and constitutional rights.
When Courts Decide Rate Cases: Income Tax and Property Valuation in Public Utility Regulation
The Supreme Court ruled on how income tax and property valuation methods affect electricity rate determinations by the Energy Regulatory Board.
Treachery and Positive Identification: Conviction Upheld in Murder Case
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on positive identification by two eyewitnesses and treachery, despite the accused's alibi and denial.
Meralco Rate Hike Ruling: Consumers Win as Supreme Court Shields Public From Utility's Income Tax
Supreme Court rules Meralco cannot pass income tax to consumers as operating expense, ordering refund of excess rate collections.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: Credibility in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness positive identification, rejecting alibi and affirming treachery in People v. Estrada.
Co-Owner's Right of Redemption Does Not Apply to Sales to Another Co-Owner
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners may redeem property sold to third persons, and when the right does not arise.
Parental Authority vs. Abuse: How Philippine Law Protects Children in Rape Cases
In People v. Abellano, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's death sentence for raping his 14-year-old daughter, ruling that parental authority substitutes for force.
Shifting Sands of Evidence: Drug Sale Convictions and the Weight of Testimony
A look at how the Supreme Court weighs conflicting police testimonies in drug busts, and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape in Philippine Law
A father raped his two daughters. The Supreme Court affirmed conviction but reduced the death penalty to reclusion perpetua for failure to allege the victim's age.
Proving Treachery and Evident Premeditation: People v. Loterono on Homicide vs. Murder
The Supreme Court explains why treachery and evident premeditation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt to convict for murder, not homicide.
Regular Employment Status and the Limits of Prior Judgments in Labor Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a prior money claim judgment bars a later case for confirmation of regular employment status.
Reinstatement vs Abandonment: Computing Backwages in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When an illegally dismissed employee refuses reinstatement, does abandonment cut off backwages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Rape Conviction Reversed: When Doubt Outweighs a Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite the victim's testimony, showing when reasonable doubt prevails over credibility findings.
Independent Civil Actions: Enforcing Contract Obligations Separate From Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil collection case can proceed independently of dismissed criminal estafa cases, and why res judicata does not bar it.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Strict Rules Give WAY
When a counsel's negligence threatens a client's appeal, the Supreme Court shows when strict procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Term Limits and Recall Elections: When a Break in Service Allows a Fourth Term
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an involuntary break, like a recall election, resets the three-term limit for local officials.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case under Articles 2176 and 2180.
When Reimbursement Claims Belong to Labor Tribunals: Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employer's training reimbursement claim is a labor dispute, not a civil case.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding The Importance OF Timely Filing IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on the 60-day Rule 65 certiorari period shows why missed deadlines can end a case.
HLURB Jurisdiction vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision lot disputes and when ejectment cases belong in regular courts.