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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Notice to Counsel Counts for Appeal Deadlines in NLRC Cases
Supreme Court rules that receipt of NLRC resolution by counsel, not the party, starts the 60-day period for filing certiorari with the Court of Appeals.
Traffic Altercation Turns Deadly: When a Single Gunshot Is Homicide, Not Murder
A road-rage shooting kills a pregnant woman. The Supreme Court explains why the killing was homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Alibi Fails Against Positive Identification
Learn how the Supreme Court rejected alibi and upheld a rape conviction, explaining key rules on credibility, medical evidence, and damages.
Rape and Relationship: When “Stepfather” Is Not Enough for the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies that a common-law spouse is not a “stepfather” for death penalty purposes, reducing rape sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Verbal Lease with Definite Period: When Courts Cannot Extend the Term
The Supreme Court clarifies that Article 1687 of the Civil Code does not allow courts to extend a verbal month-to-month lease, which has a definite period.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absenteeism and AWOL: A Lesson in Public Accountability
Explore the Supreme Court's dismissal of a court stenographer for habitual absenteeism and AWOL, and the standards of conduct expected of court personnel.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that personal hardships cannot excuse a five-year delay in deciding a case.
Breach of Trust: The Supreme Court's Stance on Incestuous Rape and Parental Authority
A stepfather's rape conviction upheld, but death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua for failure to prove minority and relationship.
Public Officials and Due Diligence in Government Land Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why possession of public land does not equal ownership, and why only the State can sue to recover public land wrongly titled.
Dismissal for AWOL: Upholding Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court stenographer for habitual absenteeism and AWOL, reinforcing strict standards of public accountability.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Supreme Court's Stance on Rape of a Child with Epilepsy
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for four counts of statutory rape against a 10-year-old girl with epilepsy, clarifying rules on delay in reporting, alibi, and damages.
When Courts Can Extend a Lease: Limits of Article 1687 in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot extend a month-to-month lease under Article 1687 when a definite period exists.
How the Prosecution Proves Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court explains how intent to gain is proven in robbery with homicide cases, using People v. Del Rosario as a guide.
Reasonable Doubt and Witness Credibility: Protecting the Accused's Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conviction stands, how self-defense is proven, and why treachery must be established beyond reasonable doubt.
Expropriation and Urban Development: When Can a City Take Private Land for Socialized Housing?
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-stage process of expropriation and when compliance with RA 7279's acquisition priorities must be shown.
When a Child's Testimony Alone Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Degala
In People v. Degala, the Supreme Court convicted a father of raping his minor daughter based largely on her lone testimony, clarifying rules on credibility and damages.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription in Breach of Warranty Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the six-month prescriptive period for breach of warranty claims and when courts may dismiss time-barred actions.
Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
Premature Entry of Judgment and Due Process in Bail Proceedings
The Supreme Court explains when premature entry of judgment violates due process and why certiorari cannot correct bail rulings.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and the Judge's Role
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices and that a judge who did not hear all witnesses can still validly decide.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy and evident premeditation in murder, explaining how joint purpose and intent establish liability.
Credible Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient to convict, reinforcing protections for survivors seeking justice.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a 1993 shooting.