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.
Workplace Misconduct: Striking Subordinates and Maintaining Decorum in the Judiciary
Supreme Court ruling on a supervisor who struck a subordinate, emphasizing decorum and discipline in the judiciary.
Accountability in Armed Robbery: Redefining Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal conspiracy in robbery with homicide, explaining liability for all participants and penalty rules.
When Technicalities Matter: Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Pleaded in the Information
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like victim's minority must be alleged in the information to warrant the death penalty.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims, the burden to prove unlawful aggression, and why credible evidence matters.
Breach of Contract vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Proper Forum
When a landowner files ejectment over a breach of a sale agreement, the Supreme Court clarifies which court has jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Contract Rescission: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdictional Limits
The Supreme Court explains when an ejectment case is improper and why contract rescission belongs to the RTC, not the MTC.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force and Intimidation
In incestuous rape, a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force and intimidation, the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Madera.
Reasonable Doubt Safeguarding Liberty in Kidnapping Cases
A look at People v. Obeso, where the Supreme Court acquitted a man of kidnapping, stressing that conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Closure of Business: Employer's Right vs Union Busting Allegations in Labor Disputes
When can an employer close shop without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains the rules on legitimate business closure.
Homicide and Reckless Imprudence: Understanding Included Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when reckless imprudence is a lesser included offense of homicide, and the limits of self-defense claims.
When Doubt Shadows Evidence: Reversal of Drug Conviction Due to Witness Credibility
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects after prosecution witness found to have history of framing accused in buy-bust operations.
Annulment of NLRC Judgments: Why the Court of Appeals Lacks Jurisdiction
Explore why the Court of Appeals cannot annul NLRC decisions and the risks of forum shopping in labor cases.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Consent and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused where prosecution failed to prove force or intimidation, reaffirming the presumption of innocence and the prosecution's burden.
Sheriffs Authority and Limits in Carrying Firearms During Writ Enforcement
Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duties, custody of seized goods, and limits of authority in enforcing search warrants.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
Stepfather’s Deceit: Defining Rape and Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that slightest penile penetration consummates rape, and digital penetration is sexual assault.
Weaponizing Intimacy: Rape With a Firearm and the Limits of the Sweetheart Defense
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite the sweetheart defense, ruling that intimacy never justifies sexual violence with a deadly weapon.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Rape by a Father and the Limits of Criminal Allegations
Father convicted of raping his 14-year-old daughter twice; Supreme Court affirms guilt but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua for procedural defects in the information.
Victim Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Ensuring Justice for Minors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a minor victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a rape conviction, ensuring justice.
Forum Shopping and Mining Rights: Lessons from the Lepanto-WMC Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies when overlapping claims before courts and administrative agencies constitute forum shopping in mining disputes.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
The Limits of Parental Authority: Rape and Incest in the Philippines
A father's rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's age beyond reasonable doubt.
Retraction vs Truth: Evaluating Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony against retraction and alibi defenses, explained through a landmark child rape case.
When a Final Conviction Can Be Corrected: Habeas Corpus and Illegal Penalties
A habeas corpus petition fails because a conviction was final, but the Court corrects an impossible penalty imposed by the trial court.