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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Second Chances in Philippine Justice: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned for a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when final criminal judgments may be vacated and new trials granted, using a bigamy case as an example.
Holding Judges Accountable Ensuring Timely Justice IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court fined a Manila RTC judge for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, reaffirming judicial accountability.
Proving Age in Philippine Rape Cases: Why Birth Certificates and Independent Evidence Matter
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's age must be proven by independent evidence, not just testimony, to justify the death penalty.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: What Businesses Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts treat foreign judgments, the grounds to challenge them, and key lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Workplace Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
This article examines the Supreme Court's firm stance on workplace misconduct within the Philippine judiciary, detailing consequences and legal principles.
Conspiracy and Homicide in the Philippines: When Being Present Makes You a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in homicide: when presence and participation make you a principal, explained in plain language.
Finality of Judgment: When an Annulled Decision Can Be Reinstated
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a set-aside judgment may be reinstated and why final and executory rulings cannot be resurrected.
Public Trust Betrayed: Rape on a Bus and the Duty of Care in Philippine Public Transportation
The Supreme Court affirms a bus driver's rape conviction, highlighting the vulnerability of passengers and the high duty of care owed by public transport operators.
Power Bill Disputes: Why Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Matter
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that electric cooperative rate disputes belong to the NEA, not courts, and explains the exhaustion doctrine.
When Self Defense Fails Understanding Unlawful Aggression AND Proportionality IN Philippine LAW
Explore when self-defense fails in Philippine law through People v. Dayuha, examining unlawful aggression and proportionality requirements.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attacks and the Crime of Murder
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lopez as a guide.
Documentary Evidence vs Verbal Agreements: Why Written Contracts Prevail in Philippine Courts
When a verbal claim of discount conflicts with written invoices, Philippine courts rely on documentary evidence. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: How Group Actions Can Lead to Equal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, group liability, and when co-accused share equal criminal responsibility.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Standing Position and Credibility in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling carnal knowledge can occur in any position and a credible victim's testimony suffices for conviction.
Philippine Party List Elections: Proportional Representation and the 2% Threshold
The Supreme Court explains the rules for party-list seats: the 2% threshold, three-seat limit, and proportional representation formula.
Pilot Error or Master's Fault: Understanding Liability in Compulsory Pilotage Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability when a vessel grounds on a compulsory pilotage channel.
Vague Dates in Rape Informations: When Approximate Time Is Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether vague dates in rape informations violate the accused's right to be informed, and why approximate time suffices.
Land Classification and Agrarian Reform Zoning Maps Prevail Over Tax Declarations
Supreme Court rules zoning maps and land use plans, not tax declarations, determine CARP coverage. Learn the key principles.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Details Matter in Proving Murder
A Supreme Court ruling on treachery in murder cases, showing why precise facts matter in proving qualifying circumstances.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: Key Principles in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi, and treachery in murder and frustrated murder cases.
Donation Inter Vivos vs Mortis Causa: Philippine Law on Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish donation inter vivos from mortis causa, and when donations become irrevocable.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Inconsistencies: Why Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not destroy credibility.
Sanctity of the Home: Understanding Dwelling as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when dwelling aggravates a crime, even if the victim is not the owner of the home.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Falsification of Time Records and the Strict Standard for Court Personn
The Supreme Court rules on falsified daily time records by a clerk of court, reinforcing strict integrity standards for judiciary personnel.