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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Rape and Credibility: How Courts Evaluate Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how trial courts assess rape victim testimony, identity, delay in reporting, and affidavit of desistance.
Acquittal in Malversation Case Shows Audit Gaps Can Overcome Presumption of Guilt
Supreme Court acquits treasurer and cashier of malversation, ruling that flawed audit findings and lack of proof of actual shortage defeat the presumption of misappropriation.
Accepting a Lower Position Does Not Waive an Illegally Terminated Employee’s Reinstatement Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: accepting a lower or coterminous position during reorganization does not waive an illegally terminated employee’s right to reinstatement.
Protecting Electoral Integrity: When Delaying Tactics in Election Protests Fail
The Supreme Court rules that dilatory motions in election protests undermine the will of voters and will not be countenanced.
Recall Elections: Defining the Process and Protecting Local Governance Stability
The Supreme Court clarifies when recall elections may be held under the Local Government Code, balancing accountability with stability.
Treachery Defined: How Precise Application of Law Ensures Justice in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery's elements in People v. Repollo, reducing a death sentence to reclusion perpetua while affirming murder convictions.
Finality of Comelec Resolutions in Election Offense Cases: Reconsideration and Judicial Review
When is a Comelec resolution final in election offense cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reconsideration and judicial review.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Unauthenticated Evidence and Lack of Due Process Can Cost Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules: retirement age, CBA benefits, and employer liability in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery Can Convict Even Without Physical Evidence
A single credible eyewitness can sustain a murder conviction despite negative paraffin test results. The Supreme Court explains when treachery qualifies the killing.
Default Orders and the Duty to Answer: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice
When does a petition for certiorari excuse a defendant from filing an answer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on default orders.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
When a Civil Case Does Not Suspend Criminal Estafa Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil action for nullity of trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that suspends criminal estafa cases.
Robbery With Rape: How Intimidation Proves Lack of Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how intimidation, not physical force, suffices to prove lack of consent in robbery with rape cases.
Driving Without a License: Upholding Termination for Violation of Company Rules
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of employee who drove company vehicle without a valid license, causing damage and violating company rules.
Breach of Express Warranty: Seller Liable for Unpaid Taxes Despite Transfer of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vehicle seller's assurance that taxes were paid is an express warranty; breach makes seller liable for unpaid duties.
Father Rape Conviction and the Limits of Credibility in Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a daughter's delayed report and alleged "complex" do not destroy credibility.
The Reach of Conspiracy: When Concerted Acts Establish Guilt in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy makes all participants equally liable for murder, explained in plain language.
When Drunken Brawls Lead to Deadly Stabs: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
The Supreme Court acquits an accused of murder, explaining how failure to prove treachery and identity can reduce the charge to homicide.
Witness Credibility: Inaction During a Crime Does Not Mean False Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a witness's stunned inaction during a crime does not undermine credibility or testimony.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Judicial Misconduct Upholding Integrity and Independence in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for landowners vs. NHA in expropriation cases, emphasizing proper legal procedures and constitutional challenges.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape convictions, clarifying rules on information defects, alibi, and victim credibility in incest cases.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Property Deterioration Justifies Immediate Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal, redemption rights, and when immediate enforcement is justified to prevent property deterioration.
Defining Managerial vs Supervisory Roles for Union Membership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between managerial and supervisory employees for union membership eligibility under the Labor Code.