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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Reasonable Doubt Safeguarding Justice IN Philippine Criminal LAW
When prosecution evidence is weak, alibi gains strength, and the accused must be acquitted. The Giganto case explains.
Fatal Motion Flaws: Notice of Hearing and Preserving Appeal Rights in Philippine Courts
A motion without notice of hearing is a "scrap of paper" that won't stop the appeal clock—learn the rules from PCIBank v. Court of Appeals.
When Alibi Becomes Strong: Why Weak Prosecution Evidence Means Acquittal
A Supreme Court ruling shows that alibi, though a weak defense, prevails when prosecution evidence is feeble and fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Trademark Rights for Dissimilar Goods: The Canon Case and Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark owner can stop others from using the same mark on unrelated products, and the limits of Paris Convention protection.
Judicial Efficiency vs Negligence: The 90-Day Rule for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court fines judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, underscoring judicial accountability.
Upholding Election Officer Reassignments: Balancing Independence and Preventing Familiarity
The Supreme Court upheld Section 44 of RA 8189, which limits election officers to four years per station to ensure impartiality.
Accountability for Homicide: Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Circumstance in a Stabbing Case
The Supreme Court explains when voluntary surrender mitigates homicide and why a fleeing co-accused may be acquitted.
Presidential Supervision vs Control: Protecting Local Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits presidential power over LGUs, striking down IRA withholding while allowing advisory economy measures.
Worthless Securities and Capital Loss: Tax Implications in the Philippines
Philippine tax law treats worthless equity investments as capital losses, deductible only against capital gains. China Banking Corp. case explains.
Navigating Robbery With Homicide: The Perils of Indivisible Penalties
A look at People v. Pedroso, explaining robbery with homicide elements and the correct application of indivisible penalties.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Extramarital Affairs and Judicial Employee Conduct
Supreme Court ruling on a court stenographer's extramarital affair shows judicial employees are held to strict moral standards in private life.
Eyewitness Testimony and Firearm Identification in Murder Cases: People v. Matibag
How eyewitness testimony and ballistic evidence can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases, explained through People v. Matibag.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting Migrant Workers from Deceitful Recruiters
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting overseas Filipino workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Absence of Conspiracy Leads to Acquittal in Estafa Case for Lack of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in an estafa case, ruling that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely inferred from presence or interest.
Breach of Trust Upholding Termination for Managerial Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a manager for loss of confidence based on fraudulent invoicing and refusal to explain.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Dying Declarations: When Can a Victim's Last Words Be Used in Court?
Learn the legal rules on dying declarations in Philippine courts, including admissibility requirements and how courts weigh a victim's final words.
Collective Guilt Establishing Conspiracy in Group Criminality
When does holding a victim's hand during a gang attack make you guilty of murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government and the limits of the quantum meruit principle.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Clarifying Proof and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of incestuous rape, the weight of parental authority, and the proper penalties under Philippine law.
Due Process Limits of Disqualification and the Duty of Judicial Impartiality
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the limits of res judicata and the duty of judges to remain impartial in Salanga v. Alagar.
Due Process in Preliminary Investigations: Raro v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that defects in a preliminary investigation do not automatically invalidate an information or violate due process.
Prioritizing Assignment Rights: The Battle Over Promissory Notes in Trust Receipt Agreements
Supreme Court rules on competing claims over promissory notes under trust receipts and deeds of assignment, emphasizing proof and priority.
Murder or Homicide: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder, using the Antonio v. People case as a guide.