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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Exceeding Authority or Political Vendetta: Ombudsman Dismissal of Local Officials in the Philippines
When can the Ombudsman's dismissal of a local official be overturned? The Supreme Court explains in Constantino v. Desierto.
Judicial Misconduct and Ethical Violations: Lessons from Improper Handling of Court Funds and Disqualification
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's misconduct over court funds and failure to inhibit, with lessons for judicial ethics and accountability.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony and Victim Protection Matter
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, explaining why minor inconsistencies don't destroy a young victim's case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Minor Inconsistencies in a Child Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a triple rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in a young victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law: Can You Be Tried Twice for Illegal Firearm Possession and Subversion?
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy applies, distinguishing illegal firearm possession from subversion in People v. Pimentel.
Campaign Ad Ban in the Philippines: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the political ad ban under RA 6646, ruling it a valid regulation ensuring equal opportunity among candidates.
Judicial Accountability IN THE Philippines Supreme Court Dismisses Judge FOR Absenteeism AND Falsification
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Distinguishing Intent and Treachery in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must be proven conclusively.
Surety vs Guarantor: Co-Maker Liability in Philippine Loans Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a surety and a guarantor in co-maker loan agreements, and when a creditor may sue one alone.
Cross-Examination Essentials: Why Properly Impeaching a Witness Testimony Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Learn the proper way to impeach a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Guzman.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why child witnesses are often deemed credible in incest cases.
Burden of Proof in Stock Trading: Why Unverified Profit Statements Fail in Court
A portfolio manager sued for fees but lost because his profit statements were unverified. The Supreme Court explains why proof matters.
Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019: When Public Officials Must Step Aside
The Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension of public officials facing graft charges under RA 3019 is mandatory, not discretionary. Learn the rules.
When Cases Become Pointless: Mootness and a Lawyer's Duty to the Court in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural rules and the burden of proof in the Pacific Banking Corporation liquidation case.
Circumstantial Evidence in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Principal and Accessory Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy or principal liability, and when it only supports accessory liability in kidnapping.
Motion for Reconsideration in NLRC Cases: A Jurisdictional Requirement, Not a Mere Technicality
Filing a Motion for Reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari. Missing this step can be fatal to an otherwise meritorious case.
When a Child Eyewitness Fails: The Roman Meneses Acquittal and the Law on Identification
The Supreme Court acquitted Roman Meneses due to unreliable eyewitness identification, explaining when a child's testimony and police show-ups fail the test of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
When Alibi Fails: The Vital Role of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a murder accused when a child's sole eyewitness identification proves unreliable, showing how weak prosecution evidence cannot be cured by a weak alibi.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: When Is Termination Valid in the Philippines
Philippine law requires both valid cause and procedural due process for lawful dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Are Employee Quitclaims Always Valid? The Alcosero v. NLRC Ruling
When are employee quitclaims valid in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains in Alcosero v. NLRC.
Motion to Dismiss Denied: Courts Must First Examine the Merits, Not Just Allegations, in Philippine Property D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion to dismiss for lack of cause of action requires courts to examine the merits of a property dispute, not just the allegations.
Eyewitness Testimony WHY IT Reigns Supreme IN Philippine Courts Bautista V Court OF Appeals
Election Disqualification Cases: COMELEC's Continuing Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC must continue hearing disqualification cases even after a candidate's proclamation, citing Section 6 of RA 6646.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires to Avoid Illegal Termination
Philippine law requires employers to observe two-notice rule and just cause in dismissals. Learn from a Supreme Court case on illegal termination.