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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Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases over different properties constitutes forum shopping, and when it does not.
Identifying Perpetrators Upholding Convictions IN Robbery With Rape Through Credible Witness Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape convictions, ruling that credible witness identification prevails over alibi and minor inconsistencies.
Sheriffs Must Not Accept Funds From Litigants: Ethical Limits Explained
A sheriff accepted money from a litigant to facilitate a court order. The Supreme Court ruled this was misconduct, even without personal gain.
Rape Conviction Stands Even If Accused Claims Consensual Affair
A claim of a romantic relationship does not negate rape if force was used. The Supreme Court explains why consent matters.
When Alibi Fails and Positive Identification Prevails in Kidnapping Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping, alibi defense, and illegal possession of explosives explained in plain language.
Strikes and Dismissal: When Illegal Acts Forfeit Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when illegal strikes and violent acts during a strike can lead to valid dismissal or forfeiture of employment.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: Establishing Liability in Group Violence
How Philippine courts determine criminal liability when multiple persons attack a victim, using the Alberto Blanco murder case as a guide.
Attachment and Fraud: When Promises Fail to Secure Preliminary Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fraud justifies preliminary attachment and limits on dissolving the writ.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction where eyewitness positively identified the accused, rejecting alibi and denial defenses. Learn the legal rules.
Overtaking at a Curve: Determining Negligence and Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on overtaking at curves, negligence presumption, and common carrier liability for passenger deaths.
Contractors Lien vs Preliminary Attachment: Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien applies and how preliminary attachment works in construction payment disputes.
Continued Possession Prevents Prescription in Land Reconveyance Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an action for reconveyance cannot be barred by prescription when the plaintiff remains in possession of the disputed land.
Power Rate Differentials: ERB Authority to Protect Utility Companies Upheld
Supreme Court affirms ERB power to set rate differentials favoring utilities over direct industrial customers of NAPOCOR.
Positive Identification Overrides Alibi: Examining Witness Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Criminal Convi
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction, rejecting self-defense, and clarifies the rules on witness credibility and delayed reporting.
Contractor's Lien vs. Insolvency: Enforcement Rights in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien under Article 2242 of the Civil Code can be enforced, and the proper remedy for wrongful attachment.
When Self Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression as a Prerequisite in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why self-defense fails when unlawful aggression ceases, using a police officer's homicide conviction as the key example.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, ruling that an intact hymen and lack of physical injuries do not negate carnal knowledge.
Summary Procedure and Motions for Reconsideration: Scope of Prohibited Pleadings Clarified
A judge may validly act on a motion for reconsideration of a dismissal order in summary procedure cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.
Moral Damages for Defamation: When Insulting Words Violate Human Dignity
The Supreme Court affirms moral damages for public humiliation under Article 26 of the Civil Code, protecting human dignity beyond criminal defamation.
Upholding Witness Testimony Positive Identification Over Alibi IN Murder Conviction
Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide: Intent Is the Decisive Factor
The Supreme Court explains when taking a victim's property after a killing is theft, not robbery with homicide.
Lease Renewal Clauses: Mutual Consent vs Unilateral Option Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lease renewal clause requires mutual consent rather than a unilateral lessee option, with practical guidance.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.