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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Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Key Principles from People v. Agunos
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in rape cases, from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Agunos.
Safeguarding Due Process: TRO Issuance and Judicial Misconduct in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's improper TRO issuance and failure to resolve incidents, highlighting due process duties.
Unlawful Aggression: The Cornerstone of Self-Defense in Philippine Criminal Law
Understand unlawful aggression, the indispensable element of self-defense in Philippine criminal law, as explained through Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Breach of Contract in the Philippines: Rescission and the Risks of Buying Property with a Notice of Lis Penden
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rescission, reciprocal obligations, and why a notice of lis pendens binds any buyer of disputed property.
Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation: Understanding Familial Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how a relative's moral ascendancy can constitute intimidation in rape, affirming a conviction for familial sexual assault.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
Second Chances in Court: Motions for Reconsideration and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the strict 15-day period for motions for reconsideration and the distinction between appeal and certiorari.
When Silence Condemns: The Decisive Role of Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Robbery Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct testimony, in People v. Raganas.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines and Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict enforcement of motion for reconsideration deadlines and distinguishes certiorari from appeal in jurisdictional challenges.
When Group Action Turns Deadly: Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can elevate a deadly group attack to murder in the Philippines.
Protecting Your Loan Understanding Good Faith Mortgagees In Philippine Property Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a mortgagee is protected as a good faith lender, even if the mortgagor's title is later challenged.
Birth Certificate vs Baptismal Certificate: Proving Filiation in Philippine Inheritance Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why birth certificates outweigh baptismal certificates in proving filiation for inheritance claims.
Unseen Crimes Unquestionable Guilt: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Parricide Cases
A look at People v. Suelto, where the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not eyewitness testimony.
Beware Illegal Recruiters Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence FOR Large Scale Fraud
Supreme Court affirms life sentence for illegal recruitment in large scale. Learn the elements of the crime and key lessons.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Rape Conviction Upheld: How Philippine Courts Assess Victim Credibility and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts evaluate victim testimony, credibility, and proper damages in criminal cases.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
Proving Murder Without a Body: Conspiracy and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions despite no body found, explaining how conspiracy and circumstantial evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Proving Evident Premeditation in Murder Cases: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court explains when evident premeditation qualifies murder and why courts demand clear proof of deliberate planning before imposing the penalty.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, intimidation by knife, and the victim's mental condition.
Unreasonable Trial Delays: A Judge's Duty to Control Court Proceedings
When a judge tolerates repeated postponements, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on trial delays and judicial accountability.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Philippine Companies Can Validly Dismiss Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as valid ground for dismissing security officers who breach company policy.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Key Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape victim's testimony stands, why minor inconsistencies don't destroy credibility, and resistance rules.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sexual acts with children under 12 as statutory rape, regardless of consent. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.