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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Alibi vs Positive Identification: The Physical Impossibility Test in Criminal Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when alibi fails against positive identification, requiring proof of physical impossibility to be at the crime scene.
The Essence of Consent When a Contract Addendum Fails as a Valid Compromise Agreement
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a contract addendum rejected by one party cannot later be ratified as a compromise agreement once the other party has revoked it.
The Limits of Property Rights: Ensuring Due Process in Demolition Cases
A judge's 20-day ex parte TRO violated due process. Learn the rules on temporary restraining orders in property disputes.
Rape and Mental Incapacity: Ensuring Justice for Vulnerable Victims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction of a mentally disabled victim, clarifying rules on witness credibility and proper charges.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against denial in robbery with homicide, and what it means for the burden of proof.
Timeliness of Appeals When Weekends Extend Deadlines in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts compute appeal deadlines when weekends intervene, and why timing can decide a case's fate.
Sale vs Commodatum: Property Rights and Contractual Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish sale from commodatum, and why proving ownership in recovery actions requires clear evidence of title and identity.
Upholding Land Ownership Claims: The Importance of Evidentiary Proof in Reconveyance Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance underscores that ownership claims must be proven by clear evidence, not mere allegations.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Judge Fined for Improper Ex Parte TRO Issuance
Supreme Court holds judge liable for issuing 20-day TRO without summary hearing, violating Administrative Circular No. 20-95.
Sheriff's Dereliction of Duty: Strict Rules on Execution Writs and Due Process
A sheriff's failure to follow execution procedures and return deadlines results in administrative liability, as shown in this administrative case.
When Rape Charges Are Not Qualified: The Importance of Specific Allegations in the Information
A Supreme Court ruling shows why qualifying circumstances in rape must be specifically alleged in the information to warrant the death penalty.
Accomplice Liability in Murder: Distinguishing Conspiracy From Spontaneous Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a person present at a crime becomes liable as a co-principal versus a mere accomplice.
Upholding Accountability: A Sheriff's Duty and the Timely Execution of Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling reminds sheriffs that delayed returns, unapproved fees, and missing liquidations are dereliction of duty that undermines the entire justice system.
Treachery in Murder and Homicide: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances Explained
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and the difference between frustrated and attempted murder under Philippine law.
Accountability for Group Violence: Assessing Liability and Intent in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assign criminal liability when multiple persons conspire to commit murder, and when aggravating circumstances apply.
Accountability IN Criminal Conspiracy THE Reach OF Robbery With Homicide
Rape Conviction Modified: When Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged
The Supreme Court modifies a rape conviction, acquitting the accused on three counts for insufficient evidence and ruling on the necessity of alleging qualifying circumstances.
Navigating Extrajudicial Foreclosure Safeguarding Rights AND Streamlining Procedures
When Police Tips Fail: Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying when warrantless hot pursuit arrests are invalid and seized drugs inadmissible.
Mental Capacity and Rape in Philippine Law: The Hamto Case
How Philippine courts treat mentally retarded rape victims' testimony, and why mental age matters in proving rape.
Medical Certification and Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Protecting Workers from Arbitrary Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Cathay Pacific v. NLRC clarifies rules on medical certification and due process in employee dismissal for disease.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Supreme Court Acquits Murder Accused on Inconsistent Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a murder accused on reasonable doubt, emphasizing that inconsistent prosecution evidence and corroborated defense testimony cannot sustain a conviction.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting: Fear and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery-with-rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delayed reporting and submission due to fear do not negate the crime.