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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Ombudsman’s Authority to Prosecute Cases Beyond the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman may prosecute graft cases in regular courts, not only before the Sandiganbayan.
Circumstantial Evidence and Hearsay Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, witness credibility, and hearsay in murder convictions, explained through People v. Orpilla.
Breach of Contract Damages for Negligent Wedding Video Recording
Supreme Court affirms damages for a videographer's gross negligence that ruined a couple's wedding video coverage, a breach of contract case.
Breach of Trust: Examining Parental Accountability in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
A father convicted of raping his daughter twice. The Supreme Court affirms the conviction, clarifies penalties, and awards damages.
Treachery Defined: Unexpected Assault and Criminal Liability in a Stabbing Incident
The Supreme Court explains treachery as an unexpected, sudden attack that leaves a victim defenseless, affirming a murder conviction.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence: People v. Norrudin Explained
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Norrudin shows how dying declarations and circumstantial evidence can prove murder beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Accountability Ensuring Impartiality AND Adherence TO Legal Procedure IN THE Philippine Court OF Appeals
From Robbery With Homicide to Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, circumstantial evidence, and the distinction between attempted homicide and frustrated murder.
Collective Bargaining: When Partial Agreements Do Not Make a CBA
Supreme Court clarifies that partial agreements in conciliation do not constitute a completed CBA; parties must still negotiate in good faith.
Positive Identification Overrules Alibi in Vergara Robbery Case
Supreme Court affirms robbery conviction, holding that a victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's alibi and bare denial.
Dacion en Pago: Why Mutual Consent Is Essential to Extinguish a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dacion en pago, requiring mutual consent between debtor and creditor to extinguish an obligation.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: The Validity of CBA Suspension Agreements in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court upholds a 10-year CBA suspension between PAL and PALEA, affirming that voluntary agreements to suspend collective bargaining are valid exercises of contractual freedom.
Execution Pending Appeal in Legal Separation: When Urgency Must Outweigh Injustice
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family court may order immediate execution pending appeal in a legal separation case, and why a mere bond is not enough.
Judicial Ethics: When a Courtroom Brawl Leads to Sanctions for Unbecoming Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on two judges fighting over a table, and the ethical standards expected of every magistrate.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed But Death Penalty Set Aside for Unproven Minority
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the victim's minority was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Dereliction of Duty and Dismissal Integrity in Public Service: Lessons from DBP v. Nequinto
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he abused his authority in enforcing a writ of execution against a government bank.
Judicial Impartiality Granting Bail AND Avoiding Appearance OF Impropriety
Dismissal of Appeal: Strict Application of Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction and cause of action from complaint allegations, not defenses, in this civil procedure case analysis.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court explains why a wife's written consent is essential before a husband can sell conjugal property, and when court approval may apply.
Res Judicata and Finality of Judgments: Lessons from the Meralco Franchise Tax Dispute
The Supreme Court reiterates that final judgments bind parties forever. The Meralco franchise tax case shows why relitigating settled issues fails.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation and the Admissibility of Their Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a mental retardate can be a credible witness in rape cases, and explains why an intact hymen does not negate rape.
Protecting Children from Parental Rape: When the Death Penalty Applies
A father raped his 13-year-old daughter, yet the Supreme Court reduced his death sentence to reclusion perpetua. Here's why.
Water District Directors’ Compensation Limits Under PD 198 and the Salary Standardization Law
The Supreme Court affirms COA disallowances of excess benefits to water district directors, ruling PD 198 limits compensation to per diems only.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.