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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Integrity of Court Records: Consequences of Dishonest Practices by Court Personnel
The Supreme Court underscores that clerks of court must safeguard record integrity, imposing severe penalties for dishonest insertion of documents.
Attorney-Client Privilege Protects Lawyers Even When Conspiracy Is Alleged
The Supreme Court shields lawyers from suits that would breach attorney-client confidentiality, even when conspiracy is alleged against them.
Court Personnel Accountability: The Duty to Safeguard Case Exhibits
A Supreme Court ruling on the duty of branch clerks of court and court personnel to safely keep case exhibits, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Breach OF Trust Revisiting Evidence AND THE Complexities OF Incest IN Philippine LAW
Intimidation in Rape Cases: Upholding Victim Testimony and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction in a 2002 case, ruling that a child victim's testimony and the presence of intimidation can outweigh a bare denial and a sweetheart defense.
Forum Shopping and Certification Requirements: Ensuring Veracity in Pleadings
The Supreme Court clarifies that only parties, not retained counsel, may sign the certification against forum shopping, and explains litis pendentia rules.
Rape Shield Laws Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases clarifies that exact dates need not be alleged, but victim's minority must be for death penalty.
Uncertain Testimony in Rape Cases: Safeguarding Justice and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies that an imprecise date in a rape information does not void it, but failure to allege the victim's age bars the death penalty.
Safeguarding Rights THE Vital Searching Inquiry IN Guilty Pleas FOR Capital Offenses
Sticking to the Rules: Why Proper Document Submission Matters in Appeals
A petition for review before the Court of Appeals must include a certified true copy or duplicate original of the assailed decision. Failure to comply means outright dismissal.
Death of Judge During Administrative Case Ends Proceedings to Protect Right to Be Heard
When a judge dies before an administrative investigation concludes, the case is dismissed to avoid violating due process rights.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Treachery in Philippine Murder Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unprovoked attacks qualify as treachery, elevating homicide to murder in the Philippines.
Relaxing Procedural Rules Upholding Substantial Justice in Agrarian Disputes
A look at Jaro v. Court of Appeals, where the Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with appeal rules prevails over technicalities in agrarian cases.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution and Consequences of Delay
A judge's heavy caseload does not excuse delayed rulings. This case explains the duty to decide promptly and the penalties for failure.
Custody and Accountability: When Election Officers Take Ballot Boxes Home
A Supreme Court ruling reminds poll officials that taking ballot boxes home without COMELEC authority is a criminal offense, even if the boxes are returned later.
Substantial Compliance With Appeal Rules: Jaro v. Court of Appeals
When can a defective appeal be saved? The Supreme Court explains substantial compliance and liberal application of procedural rules.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Upholding Timely Disposition OF Cases IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, retirement age, and the importance of timely case disposition in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Cyber Libel Prescription in the Philippines: One-Year Rule and the Weight of Unsigned Resolutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year and that unsigned resolutions do not create binding precedent.
Injunction VS Annulment Understanding THE Proper Remedy FOR Challenging Final Judgments IN THE Philippines
Witness Credibility AND Abuse OF Superior Strength IN Murder Cases THE Hermo Ruling
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug busts, using People v. San Juan.
Government Employees Strict Adherence TO Budgetary Laws Required FOR Salary Increases
Supreme Court rules government agencies must follow prescribed schedules for salary increases, affirming COA disallowances for premature payments.
Sole Eyewitness Testimony Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Hermo on Murder and Abuse of Superior Strength
How a lone eyewitness's credible account led to a murder conviction, and why Philippine courts trust trial judges on witness credibility.
Perfecting A Loan Delivery IS KEY To Mortgage Foreclosure
A loan is perfected only upon delivery of money. Foreclosing before that makes the foreclosure premature and exposes the lender to damages.