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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Claim Denied Strict Compliance Required FOR Local TAX Refund Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local tax refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Statutory Rape and Credibility: What People v. Piosang Teaches Philippine Litigants
A child rape conviction shows how Philippine courts weigh a young victim's testimony, reject alibi, and fix penalties and damages under the Revised Penal Code.
Conviction for Statutory Rape of Minor Upheld Despite Accused’s Denial and Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of an uncle who assaulted his 5-year-old niece, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Child Victims' Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony prevails over the absence of physical injuries.
Habeas Corpus and Libel: Limits of Retroactive Application of Favorable Penalties
When can a convict seek habeas corpus and demand retroactive application of a favorable penalty rule? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Criminal Prosecution
Supreme Court affirms conviction based on credible eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in murder case.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Safeguards Against Illegal Drug Sale Convictions
Explaining the difference between entrapment and instigation in buy-bust operations, and when courts may acquit in drug cases.
Moral Ascendancy AS Force Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Absence OF Physical Violence
Expropriation and Conflicting Ownership Claims: When the Government May Challenge a Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies that in expropriation cases, the government may present evidence on ownership disputes solely to determine who receives just compensation.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and COA Audit Jurisdiction Over GSIS Transactions
Supreme Court rules GSIS must exhaust COA remedies before court action; special audit teams validly constituted.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Rules OF Court IS Mandatory
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession, third-party adverse claims, and strict procedural compliance in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Infidelity in Public Service and Its Consequences
Court personnel face strict moral standards. A sheriff's 15-year illicit relationship and gun firing led to 12-month suspension.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when police fail to document custody of seized shabu, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Determines Guilt or Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule in drug cases is essential to protect the accused from wrongful conviction.
Incestuous Rape Upholding Victim Testimony AND Parental Responsibility
Upholding Due Process: Strict Requirements for Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for substituted service of summons in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Chu v. Mach Asia Trading Corporation.
Premature Naturalization Petitions: Strict Compliance With Filing Deadlines
The Supreme Court rules that filing a naturalization petition before the one-year waiting period ends is fatal, reversing a grant of citizenship.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Credibility and Use of Intimidation
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony and the use of a deadly weapon suffice to prove guilt.
Strict Compliance Required: The One-Year Rule in Philippine Naturalization Cases
The Supreme Court reaffirms that filing a naturalization petition before the one-year waiting period expires is fatal, even if the government participated in the proceedings.
Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Protection When Personal Use Justifies Eviction
Explore how Philippine courts balance a landlord's need to repossess property for personal use against a tenant's rights under urban land reform laws.
Beyond Labels: Conviction for Rape Stands Despite Mislabeling in Information
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mislabeling a crime in the Information doesn't invalidate a conviction if the facts alleged constitute the offense charged.
Retirement Bars Administrative Action: Jurisdictional Limits in Philippine Law
When a judge retires before an administrative complaint is filed, the Court loses jurisdiction to penalize him. This article explains the rule.