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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty in Child Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for the rape of a six-year-old, detailing the rules on victim credibility and evidence.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Knowledge of Disability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a mental retardate, consent, and the need to allege knowledge of disability in the information.
Timely Payment Matters Retroactivity Of Docket FEE Rules IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive docket fee rules and the importance of timely payment in civil cases.
Defining Counterclaims: Compulsory vs. Permissive in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish compulsory from permissive counterclaims, and why docket fees and jurisdiction depend on that distinction.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.
Accountability FOR ALL THE Legal Consequences OF Group Violence IN THE Philippines
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape is defined by lack of consent, not by the timing of physical force. A knife held during the act proves intimidation, and the death penalty was reduced to reclusio
Revoking a Donation for Ingratitude in the Philippines: The Noceda Case
Philippine law allows donors to revoke gifts when donees show ingratitude, such as usurping the donor's property. Learn the rules and limits.
Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt Extends to Co-Accused Despite Withdrawn Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an acquittal based on reasonable doubt affects co-accused and withdrawn appeals in criminal cases.
Self-Defense: When Apparent Danger Justifies Deadly Force in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense justifies deadly force, requiring actual unlawful aggression, not just perceived threats.
Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Affidavit Recantations and Parricide Convictions: Evaluating Witness Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a parricide conviction, explaining why recanted affidavits carry little weight against open-court testimony.
THE Testimony OF Rape Victims Credibility Corroboration AND THE Burden OF Proof
Defective Summons Protecting Landowners Rights IN Property Disputes
Learn how defective summons by publication voided a default judgment nullifying land titles, protecting registered owners' property rights.
Judicial Ethics: Impartiality and Decorum in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that intemperate speech and offensive attacks on fellow magistrates violate the Code of Judicial Conduct.
When Disrupted Voting Does Not Nullify an Election: Benito v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared, and why interrupted voting that later resumes does not automatically void the results.
Duty of Clerks of Court to Supervise Stenographers and Manage Court Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's duty to supervise stenographers and ensure timely transcription of notes and safekeeping of records.
Confirming Land Titles Proving Possession Since Before 1945
Learn what Philippine courts require to confirm land titles through possession since June 12, 1945, based on a 2001 Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy in Check Fraud: When Signing Another's Check Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court explains when signing checks from another person's account does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases.
From Kidnapping TO Homicide When Circumstantial Evidence Determines Guilt
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt When Mere Presence Doesnt Imply Conspiracy
When does a tricycle driver's presence at a crime scene amount to conspiracy? The Supreme Court explains the limits of guilt by association.
Conspiracy in Murder Cases: When a Tricycle Driver’s Suspicious Acts Are Not Enough to Convict
The Supreme Court acquits a tricycle driver of murder, ruling that suspicious conduct alone cannot prove conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Responsibility: A Judge's Duty to Supervise Court Personnel and Prevent Abuse
In Santos v. Judge Silva, the Supreme Court held that judges answer for court personnel they fail to supervise, even when a clerk expands a demolition writ.
When Familial Bonds Become Fatal: Murder, Treachery, and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A brother kills his elder brother. The Supreme Court explains treachery, relationship as an aggravating circumstance, and voluntary surrender.