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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When Eyewitness Testimony Fails: Acquittal in Double Murder With Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court acquits Edgar Bacalso after prosecution witnesses' improbable testimony fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Proving Work-Related Illness Claims: Substantial Evidence Standard in Philippine Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies substantial evidence standard for work-related illness compensation claims under P.D. 626, as amended.
Probate Court Powers Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs in Philippine Estate Law
When can a probate court resolve property disputes among heirs? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cortes v. Court of Appeals.
Habeas Corpus Appeals in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule Explained
The Supreme Court confirmed that habeas corpus appeals now follow the 15-day period under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, replacing the old 48-hour rule.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Grave Consequences and Legal Safeguards
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape shows how Philippine law treats a father's sexual abuse of his minor daughter, and what safeguards protect child victims.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Philippine Courts Test the Validity of Drug Busts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and invalid instigation in drug cases, using a marijuana buy-bust case as guide.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Medical Exam Not Indispensable in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling medical examination is not indispensable and clarifying damages for multiple counts of rape.
Supreme Court on Good Faith Bargaining and Union-Busting: The Letran Case
The Supreme Court ruled on an employer's duty to bargain in good faith and what constitutes union-busting in Colegio de San Juan de Letran v. AEFL.
Bouncing Checks: Understanding Liability and Penalties Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court interprets BP 22 bouncing checks law, including liability, penalties, and defenses in the Philippines.
Exclusive Distributorship Breach: Key Lessons from Bayer vs. Bompat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exclusive distributorships: breach, compulsory counterclaims, storage fees, and damages explained for businesses.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Why Proper Charges and Proof Matter
A look at how the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to properly allege qualifying circumstances.
Breach of Trust When a Father's Authority Masks Sexual Abuse in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape by a father, moral ascendancy as intimidation, and proper penalties.
Homicide vs Robbery With Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Proving the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide stands, when it falls to homicide, and how intent to gain is proven in carnapping.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Courts Scrutinize Compromises Involving Public Assets
The Supreme Court explains why sequestered assets like SMC shares require Sandiganbayan approval before any compromise takes effect.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
Nicknames and Initials on Ballots: The Villarosa v. HRET Precedent
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on nickname and initials votes in Villarosa v. HRET, and what it means for ballot validity.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Why Trial Courts Hold Decisive Power in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts' assessment of rape victim credibility is given great weight, absent any clear error or arbitrariness.
The Unwavering Eye: How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining why a single eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and minor inconsistencies.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery Homicide Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, alibi, and treachery in murder cases, using People v. Bergonio.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams in the Philippines: Supreme Court Ruling on Large Scale Swindling and Estaf
The Supreme Court explains when a Ponzi scheme constitutes large scale swindling and estafa under Philippine law.
Indispensable Parties in Philippine Property Disputes: Why Mortgagees Aren't Always Necessary
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mortgagee is not an indispensable party in property disputes, explained in plain language.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Labor Disputes: Swift and Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in a labor case, showing how parties can settle disputes amicably and avoid prolonged litigation.
When Eyewitness Testimony Falters: Safeguarding Justice Through Scrutiny of Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits two murder accused after exposing material inconsistencies in the sole eyewitness's testimony, reaffirming the constitutional presumption of innocence.