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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Credibility and the Defense of Alibi in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court rules that positive identification prevails over alibi in murder cases, explaining credibility standards and the requisites for a valid alibi defense.
Eyewitness Testimony and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on child eyewitness testimony, finding abuse of superior strength where three men attacked a defenseless woman.
Ensuring Proper Summons: Why Defective Service Can Dismiss Your Case in the Philippines
Learn how defective summons service can void court proceedings and why proper service is crucial in Philippine civil and criminal cases.
Public Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Possession Alone Isn't Enough | ASG Law
Philippine law requires more than occupation to own public land. Learn the rules on classification, possession, and judicial confirmation of title.
Distinguishing Recruitment From Simple Assistance Labor Code Violations Examined
Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes illegal recruitment versus mere assistance in finding work, requiring proof of specific acts.
Court Personnel Held Accountable for Falsified Documents and Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court holds clerk of court liable for neglect and clerk III for dishonesty over fake bail bond scheme.
Illegal Recruitment: Why Proof of Specific Acts Matters in Philippine Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves illegal recruitment, distinguishing large-scale from simple offenses under the Labor Code.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to labor courts or the SEC/RTC in corporate officer disputes.
Reopening Land Registration: Protecting Rights Against Fraud
When land registration is tainted by fraud, the Torrens System allows reopening the decree within one year. The Supreme Court explains.
Land Classification Prevails Prolonged Occupation Doesnt Trump Public Land Status
Supreme Court rules long possession of timberland cannot ripen into private ownership; land classification, not occupation, determines registrability.
Falsification of Time Records: Dismissal for Dishonest Court Employees
Court employee dismissed for falsifying daily time records while studying elsewhere. Personal problems are no excuse for dishonesty in public service.
Falsified Time Records in Public Service: Accountability of Court Employees and Judges
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified Daily Time Records shows why integrity in public service is non-negotiable, even for judges.
Tenant Redemption Rights, Land Bank Financing, and Notice Rules in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant right of redemption, Land Bank financing requirements, and written notice under agrarian reform law.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Explained
Learn how Philippine courts establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases, from victim testimony to the prosecution's burden of proof.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Delivery Completes the Crime Regardless of Payment
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that delivering illegal drugs completes the crime of sale even without payment.
Upholding Estafa Conviction: The Supreme Court Reinforces Finality of Factual Findings in Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed an estafa conviction and reiterated that factual findings of lower courts are binding.
Drug Sale Consummation Delivery Trumps Payment Under the Dangerous Drugs Act
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that delivery of illegal drugs completes a drug sale even without payment. Learn the rules.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape-Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct testimony, in People v. Felixminia.
Moral Ascendancy as a Substitute for Force in Child Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an uncle's moral ascendancy over a child victim substitutes for force or intimidation in statutory rape.
Void Sales and Mortgagee Rights: Protecting Landowners From Fraudulent Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from fraudulent sales and mortgagee rights in property transactions.
Prior Use of a Brand Name Prevails Over Copyright or Patent Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why trademark rights based on prior use trump copyright or patent registrations in brand name disputes.
Rape Conviction Upheld but Death Penalty Cut Over Defective Information
The Supreme Court affirmed a stepfather's rape conviction but reduced the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information wrongly alleged a step relationship.
The Peril of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how positive eyewitness identification defeats the weak defense of alibi in robbery with homicide cases.
Defining the Boundaries of a Common Carrier When Transportation Duties Imply Extraordinary Diligence
A customs broker who transports goods as part of its business is a common carrier bound by extraordinary diligence under Philippine law.