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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Confession and Criminal Liability: Disentangling Rape and Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a confession proves homicide but not rape, and how Philippine courts distinguish the two crimes.
Circumstantial Evidence AND Conspiracy Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Murder Cases
Rape, Fear, and Testimony: Lessons from People v. Cesista
A father's moral ascendancy can substitute for force in rape. Learn the rules on victim testimony, intimidation, and penalties.
Private vs Common Carriers: Who Bears Liability for Damaged Cargo?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a trucking company is a private carrier and how liability for damaged cargo is determined.
Self Defense VS Homicide Determining Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
Bouncing Checks and Estafa: How Issuing Worthless Checks Can Lead to Fraud Convictions
Learn how issuing postdated checks with closed accounts can result in both B.P. 22 violations and estafa convictions under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Victim's Testimony and a Minor's Inability to Consent
In People v. Serado, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, ruling that a child under twelve is legally incapable of consenting to sexual acts.
Deceptive Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when deceptive job promises abroad constitute both illegal recruitment and estafa, and how conspirators share liability.
Statutory Rape and Parental Authority: Why the Supreme Court Upheld a Father's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining how parental moral ascendancy substitutes for force and why proof of age matters for the death penalty.
Betrayal of Trust: Incestuous Rape and the Upholding of Victim Testimony in Philippine Courts
A stepgrandfather's rape conviction upheld on appeal, but the death penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua for lack of minority allegation.
Perfecting Appeals and Court Jurisdiction: What Rape Convictions Teach About Proper Allegations
Learn how the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege the victim's minority.
Simple vs Qualified Rape: Why Allegations in the Information Matter
The Supreme Court explains why the death penalty for qualified rape requires both minority and relationship to be alleged in the information.
Judicial Integrity Clerks OF Court Held TO Strict Standards OF Honesty AND Uprightness
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Unreliability of Recantations in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for incestuous rape, explaining why delayed reporting and retractions do not destroy a victim's credible testimony.
Can a Non-Party Be Bound by an Injunction? The Due Process Rule
A preliminary injunction binds only parties to the case. Here's what Mabayo Farms v. Santos means for due process.
Accidental Shooting Police Officers Duty AND Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
When a police officer's gun discharges during an arrest, is it an accident or a crime? The Supreme Court explains the rules on accidental shooting and criminal liability.
Defining Jurisdiction When Specific Performance Claims Outweigh Monetary Demands In Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies RTC jurisdiction over breach of contract cases where specific performance is the main action, not the monetary claim.
Prescription in Insurance Claims: When Does the Clock Really Start Ticking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for insurance claims begins, protecting policyholders from delayed denial.
Back Wages and Illegal Dismissal: What Salas v. PAGCOR Means for Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to back wages even if later found guilty of separate administrative charges.
Citizenship and Residency: Defining Electoral Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how citizenship and residency requirements apply to candidates for local elective office in the Philippines.
Judge Fined for Acting as Real Estate Broker in Sale Within His Jurisdiction
A Philippine judge was fined for acting as a real estate broker in a sale within his jurisdiction, violating judicial conduct rules.
Sheriff’s Duty vs. Corporate Identity: When Levy on a Third Party’s Property Is Allowed
A sheriff’s duty is ministerial, but good faith can excuse an erroneous levy. Learn the rule on third-party claims.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service
A judge's side business as a real estate broker leads to administrative liability, reaffirming that judicial integrity must be beyond reproach.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Business Deals Conflict With Impartiality
A sheriff's side business as attorney-in-fact created a conflict of interest. The Court fined him for conduct unbecoming.