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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Unseen Crimes, Unshakable Justice: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in rape-homicide cases, as shown in People v. Dizon.
Evidentiary Burden in Robbery and Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Proof Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves robbery, rape, and aggravating circumstances in this 1999 ruling.
Credible Witness Testimony IN Rape Cases Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Missed the Deadline, Missed Justice: Why Timely Tax Ordinance Appeals Matter
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows why taxpayers must appeal local tax ordinances within 30 days or lose their chance to challenge them.
When Judges Misapply Summary Procedure: Radomes v. Jakosalem and Judicial Accountability
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's error in applying summary procedure to grave coercion, and the duty of judges to know the law.
Age of Consent in the Philippines: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims under 12, and why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a prosecution.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Appealing a Criminal Case in the Philippines: Understanding the Risk of Increased Penalties
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how appealing a criminal conviction can lead to increased penalties, not just a chance at acquittal.
Judicial Rank vs Salary Grade: Understanding Position Classification in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court explains why equal salary grades do not mean equal judicial rank, clarifying position classification in the Court of Appeals.
Proving Psychological Incapacity for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: The Hernandez Case
Learn how the Supreme Court in Hernandez v. Hernandez clarified what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage annulment.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between constructive dismissal and abandonment of work, and what employees must prove.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
Lost Cargo Claims in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule for Arrastre Operators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day claim period for lost cargo against arrastre operators and the shipper's load and count rule.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: The Importance of Evidentiary Precision in Philippine Rape Cases
A look at People v. Ladrillo, where the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused due to the prosecution's failure to prove the date and facts beyond reasonable doubt.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: The Salary Grade 27 Rule Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a public official's position classification, not actual salary, determines Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
How Eyewitness Credibility Decides Murder Cases in Philippine Courts
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions.
Why Illegal Dismissal Cases Belong in Labor Courts: A Guide to Jurisdiction
Learn why illegal dismissal cases belong in labor courts and how the Supreme Court protects probationary employees' security of tenure.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Examining Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighs eyewitness credibility against alibi defenses in Philippine criminal cases, and why positive identification prevails.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi, and when treachery applies in criminal cases.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.