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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly Despite Pending Memoranda
The Supreme Court reminds judges that pending memoranda do not suspend the 90-day period to decide cases, imposing fines for delay.
Default and Damages: Clarifying Rights in Chattel Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules, damages, and replevin in chattel mortgage disputes—key lessons for creditors and borrowers.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Robbery with Rape Conviction
Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, ruling that positive identification by the victim outweighs the defense of alibi.
Relationship Matters Qualifying Circumstances and Retroactive Penal Laws in Rape Cases
How a missing allegation of stepfather relationship reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua, and why Garcia applies retroactively.
Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
Proving Conspiracy Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Cases
When does joining a fray make one a conspirator? The Supreme Court clarifies the proof needed to establish conspiracy in criminal cases.
Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
Presumption of Guilt for Possession of Stolen Vehicle: The Duty to Explain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how possessing a stolen vehicle creates a presumption of guilt and the accused's duty to explain.
When a Guilty Plea Fails: Why Rape Convictions Were Remanded for Rearraignment
The Supreme Court set aside death sentences for rape because the trial court failed to conduct a proper searching inquiry into the guilty plea.
When a Project Employee Becomes Regular: The Imbuido Ruling on Continuous Rehiring
The Supreme Court explains when repeated fixed-term contracts convert a project employee into a regular employee entitled to security of tenure.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and Prior Abuse Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and prior sexual abuse as evidence.
Forcible Abduction vs Rape: Distinguishing Intent and Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Abalde clarifies statutory rape, force, intimidation, and evidence standards in sexual assault cases.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Certiorari
Acebedo Optical v. CA clarifies that a motion for reconsideration is required before filing certiorari, and explains limits on local government police power over business permits.
Regular vs Project Employee: Continuous Rehiring and Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when project employees become regular employees through continuous rehiring, securing tenure under Article 280.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how conspiracy and intent establish criminal liability, and why charging documents must state every qualifying circumstance.
Judicial Accountability and Due Process in Business Permit Revocations
Acebedo Optical v. CA clarifies limits of mayoral power over business permits and why ultra vires conditions cannot bind a permit holder.
Rape, Intimidation, and Resistance: What the Law Requires in the Philippines
Philippine law does not require "tenacious" resistance in rape. A knife threat is intimidation enough. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Rape Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Lessons from People v. Abalde
A look at People v. Abalde on how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony, force, intimidation, and the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Ethical Conduct Dismissal for Misconduct Stands Despite Complainant's Forgiveness
Philippine Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against court employees continue despite complainant's forgiveness or withdrawal, upholding dismissal for grave misconduct.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: The Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense applies, when it ends, and why unlawful aggression must be real and ongoing.
Loan or Trust: Resolving Estafa Charges in Investment Disputes
When does a failed investment become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a simple loan and a criminal trust agreement.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.