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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Grenade Attack and Complex Crimes: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for murder and frustrated murder from a single grenade attack, explaining complex crimes and the weakness of alibi against positive identification.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Challenging Drug Convictions THE Importance OF Chain OF Custody IN Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgments: IPRA Jurisdiction and the Limits of Mandamus
The Supreme Court clarifies when customary laws apply under IPRA and why mandamus cannot overturn a final ejectment judgment.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Shifting Defenses: The Importance of Victim Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that credible victim testimony prevails over denial, ill motive claims, and pregnancy timing arguments.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Testimony and Immateriality of Pregnancy
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's pregnancy does not negate rape and that court testimony prevails over affidavits.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why the Supreme Court Rejected It in People v. Dioquino
The Supreme Court affirms seven rape convictions, explaining why the sweetheart defense fails without corroborating evidence and how damages are computed.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Suspension for Loafing in the Judiciary
Supreme Court suspends court employee for loafing, reaffirming that judicial personnel must strictly observe office hours and professional conduct.
Upholding Integrity: Court Personnel's Duty Against Tampering of Official Records
Supreme Court rules on loafing and case-fixing charges against court personnel, emphasizing integrity and strict observance of official time.
Stored Goods Destroyed by Fire: When Negligence Overrides Fortuitous Events
Learn when storage facilities are liable for goods destroyed by fire, and how the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur in ICTSI v. Chua.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Jurisdiction and the Alter Ego Doctrine in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piercing the corporate veil requires jurisdiction over the parent company and proof of fraud, not mere ownership.
Mental Capacity and Witness Testimony: Protecting Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Assault
How Philippine courts assess mental capacity of rape victims with disabilities, and why mental retardation alone does not disqualify a witness.
Upholding Conviction In Drug Sale Ensuring Chain OF Custody IN Evidence Handling
A drug sale conviction reversed because broken chain of custody cast doubt on the identity of seized shabu.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Deadlines and Invoice Requirements Under Philippine Tax Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in CIR v. Silicon Philippines clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims and invoice requirements.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Evolution of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape, clarifying how Philippine law protects minors and how penalties evolved under RA 8353.
Foreclosure on Agrarian Land: Landowner Rights and SAC Jurisdiction Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners can claim just compensation and the limits of Special Agrarian Court jurisdiction over foreclosed agrarian properties.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason
The Supreme Court affirms the rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally deficient minor, clarifying the distinction between "demented" and "deprived of reason" under the Revised Penal Co
Dangerous Drugs Act: Why Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 safeguards.
Property Disputes: Jurisdiction and Estoppel in Free Patent Repurchase Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on RTC jurisdiction over free patent repurchase actions and the principle of jurisdiction by estoppel.
Repurchase Rights Under the Public Land Act: When Can Heirs Reclaim Free Patent Lands
A free patent holder's heirs may repurchase conveyed land within five years. This case clarifies the nature of such actions and jurisdictional rules.
Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Client Matter
A lawyer who neglected a client's case for five years and appeared against the client without consent was suspended for six months.
Default Judgments: Excusable Negligence and Timely Remedies in Philippine Courts
Understand default judgments in Philippine courts, the strict rules on excusable negligence, and the timely remedies available to defendants.