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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty for Rape of a Child Under Seven
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for the rape of a six-year-old child, clarifying rules on child testimony and proof of age.
Negligence in Guaranteeing Loans: A Public Official's Duty of Care
Court employee suspended for negligently guaranteeing loans for an impostor. Learn the duty of care for public officials.
Judicial Efficiency: The Price of Delay in Delivering Justice
A judge's seven-month delay in deciding a case leads to a fine for gross inefficiency, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
Unlawful Arrests and Illegal Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
When police act on tips without warrants, arrests and drug evidence may be invalid. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Conduct: Withdrawing a Complaint Does Not Bar Investigation of Erring Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that withdrawing a complaint does not stop disciplinary action against erring court personnel or lawyers.
Judicial Ethics: The Boundaries of Simple Misconduct for Judges in Philippine Law
A lawyer's unauthorized notarization and certification of documents leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of professional conduct.
Certifying Authenticity Attorneys Responsibility AND THE Limits OF Notarial Power
A lawyer who certifies true copies of documents notarized by another commits gross misconduct, the Supreme Court rules.
Incestuous Rape: Proving Each Count Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that in incestuous rape cases, each separate charge must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just the overall pattern of abuse.
Eyewitness Identification and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: People v. Limpangog
The Supreme Court acquits an accused where eyewitness identification is unreliable, reaffirming that the prosecution must prove identity beyond reasonable doubt.
Attorney Client Relationship Verbal Agreements AND Ethical Obligations IN Legal Practice
Limits on Pre-Proclamation Controversies: Challenging Ballot Box Security in the Philippines
The Supreme Court held that missing padlocks on ballot boxes are not a valid pre-proclamation issue, limiting challenges to the face of the election returns.
Eyewitness Identification Under Scrutiny: Safeguarding Against Mistaken Identity in Criminal Cases
Philippine courts examine eyewitness identification procedures to prevent wrongful convictions from mistaken identity in criminal prosecutions.
Upholding Due Process: Strict Adherence to Summary Procedure Timelines in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts must strictly follow summary procedure timelines. Learn how the Supreme Court enforces these deadlines to ensure speedy justice.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unprovoked attacks constitute treachery, qualifying killings as murder and frustrated murder.
Rape Convictions: Each Count Needs Separate Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that each rape count is a distinct crime requiring separate proof, acquitting the accused on one count.
Heirs AT Odds When Active Participation Waives Formal Substitution Requirements IN Property Disputes
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Importance OF Book Value IN Share Purchase Agreements
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in Sugarcane Farming
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugarcane workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Judicial Authority and Limits: A Judge's Jurisdiction After Temporary Reassignment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's notarial powers, the limits of judicial authority, and the importance of following SC Circular No. 1-90.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Sheriff's Duty in Enforcing Solidary Obligations: Oliveros v. San Jose
A sheriff who stops after finding one judgment debtor has no property commits negligence when a co-debtor is solidarily liable for the same award.
Rape Charge Reduced to Acts of Lasciviousness Under the Child Abuse Law
When the prosecution failed to prove carnal knowledge, the Supreme Court convicted the accused of acts of lasciviousness under the Child Abuse Law instead of rape.
Distinguishing Murder from Kidnapping: Intent to Kill vs Deprivation of Liberty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between murder and kidnapping, focusing on intent to kill versus deprivation of liberty.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in deciding cases, citing the constitutional duty to resolve matters within prescribed periods.