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.
Circumstantial Evidence and Hearsay Rule: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, hearsay objections, and the credibility of a minor victim's testimony in rape convictions.
When a Father's Acts Are Crimes: Rape and Lascivious Conduct Under Philippine Law
A father's conviction for qualified rape and sexual abuse of his minor daughter, explaining the legal distinctions and penalties.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alleged Testimonial Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not undermine credibility or the prosecution's case.
The Vital Chain Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs, explained through People v. Yable.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
Court interpreter suspended six months for falsifying daily time records to attend law school. The Supreme Court rules on dishonesty, due process, and public accountability.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Why Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 safeguards.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Lienholder Rights IN Property Disputes
When the government takes private land for public use, it must pay just compensation—even if the owner once reserved the lot for road widening.
Nicknames and Election Law: What Counts as Material Misrepresentation in Certificates of Candidacy
A candidate's nickname in a certificate of candidacy is not material misrepresentation unless it affects eligibility or qualification for office.
Credibility in Rape Cases: The Weight of the Victim's Testimony and Positive Identification
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony alone can convict. This article explains the rules on credibility, identification, and damages.
Attorney Sanctioned for Baseless Complaint Against Justice: Lessons on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court held a lawyer in indirect contempt for filing a baseless administrative complaint against a Court of Appeals justice, reaffirming that such complaints cannot substitute for judicial
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Admissibility of Testimony From Persons With Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that persons with mental retardation can be credible witnesses in rape cases, provided they understand questions and testify clearly.
Maceda Law Protecting Installment Buyers From Improper Contract Cancellations
Learn how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers from improper contract cancellations and what the Supreme Court said about buyer rights.
Right to Remain Silent Prevails: Silence at Custodial Investigation Not an Admission of Guilt
Supreme Court rules silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt in rape case.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Misuse of Government Resources and Retirement's Effect on Administrative Cases
Supreme Court rules retirement does not end administrative liability for dishonesty and misuse of government resources in Ombudsman v. Dechavez.
Protecting Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A father's conviction for rape and sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter affirmed by the Supreme Court, clarifying legal standards.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
Learn how positive identification by an eyewitness outweighs alibi and denial, establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine murder cases.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Foreign Land Ownership: No Reimbursement for Unconstitutional Purchases
A foreigner who knowingly violates the constitutional ban on land ownership cannot recover the purchase price, even under equity or unjust enrichment claims.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Requirements for Public Land Registration in the Philippines
Understand the possession rules for registering public land under PD 1529, including the June 12, 1945 requirement clarified by the Supreme Court.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Breach of Trust Convicting a Father for the Qualified Rape of His Daughter
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape, explaining how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Upholding Conviction in Rape Cases: Credibility and the Element of Force
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how trial courts assess witness credibility and prove force or intimidation.