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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Credibility in Rape Cases: Supreme Court on Uncorroborated Testimony and Victim Behavior
SC explains why a rape victim's testimony can stand alone, and why the death penalty needed the relationship alleged in the information.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Evidence: Credible Testimony Suffices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, not physical evidence, and the importance of proper allegation of qualifying circumstances.
When a Donation to a Common-Law Spouse Is Void Under Article 87 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains when a donation to a common-law spouse is void under Article 87 of the Family Code, and what evidence proves cohabitation.
When a Final Judgment Still Needs Computation: Jaban v. Court of Appeals on Loan Obligations
A final judgment is not always the last word on the amount owed. Jaban v. Court of Appeals explains when courts may clarify, not amend, a decision.
Voiding Donations: Illicit Love and Its Impact on Property Rights
When a donation to a common-law partner is void under Philippine law, and what it means for property rights.
When Judicial Delay Becomes Misconduct: The Cañada vs. Montecillo Case
A judge's 7-month delay in resolving a motion constitutes misconduct, even with heavy caseloads. Learn the constitutional deadlines.
Eyewitness Testimony VS Alibi Scrutinizing Credibility IN Murder Convictions
Right OF First Refusal Clarifying Urban Land Reform LAW IN Property Disputes
Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity: Balancing Law Enforcement and Individual Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, presumption of regularity, and the limits of depositions in criminal cases.
Parental Authority VS Statutory Rape Allegation OF Minority Must BE Explicit FOR Qualified Rape Conviction
SC rules minority must be alleged in information for qualified rape; Laciste convicted of simple rape, not death penalty.
Strict Rules on Appeal Briefs: Why Technical Defects Can Cost a Case
The Supreme Court explains why a defective appellant's brief can lead to dismissal of an appeal, even if the case has merit.
Police Authority vs. Individual Rights: Illegal Drug Sales and the Integrity of Evidence
A 2001 Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust operation in Binondo shows how courts weigh police credibility, evidence integrity, and the presumption of innocence.
Rape and the Perils of Unpleaded Qualifying Circumstances: Protecting Due Process in Criminal Accusations
In People v. Laciste, the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the victim's minority was not alleged in the information.
Rape Shield Protecting Child Victims AND Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on the credible testimony of a victim, explaining key evidentiary rules in Philippine rape cases.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: When Witness Testimony Prevails in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by eyewitnesses outweighs alibi and denial in murder cases, affirming a conviction for treachery.
Balancing Labor Rights AND Business Operations THE Scope OF Injunctions IN Strike Situations
Priority in Litigation: Determining Which Case Prevails in Overlapping Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve overlapping contract disputes and which case prevails when judgments appear to conflict.
Due Process Prevails: Joint vs Solidary Liability and the Fallo Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a debtor from over-execution by applying the rule that the dispositive portion of a judgment prevails.
Dispositive Portion Prevails Solidary Liability Must Be Explicit
When a decision's body and fallo conflict, the dispositive portion prevails. Solidary liability must be expressly stated.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Judicial Ethics: Upholding Moral Standards and Avoiding Impropriety in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court fined a judge P40,000 for immorality and conduct unbecoming after he facilitated the employment of three minors as guest relations officers.
Intrafamilial Rape: Proving Guilt and the Nuances of Consent and Evidence
A father's rape conviction upheld on appeal, clarifying evidence rules, consent issues, and penalty requirements in incestuous rape cases.
Carnapping Conviction Valid Even Without Extrajudicial Confessions: Circumstantial Evidence Suffices
Conviction for carnapping with homicide can rest on circumstantial evidence even when confessions are thrown out. Learn the rules.
Circumstantial Evidence and Res Gestae in Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence and res gestae to convict in homicide cases, even without direct eyewitness testimony.