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.
Uncertain Testimony in Rape Cases: Safeguarding Justice and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies that an imprecise date in a rape information does not void it, but failure to allege the victim's age bars the death penalty.
Sheriffs Must File Return and Seek Court Guidance When Writs Conflict
Administrative case reminds sheriffs that implementing writs is ministerial; when property is under custodia legis, they must report and await instructions.
Sole Eyewitness Testimony Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Hermo on Murder and Abuse of Superior Strength
How a lone eyewitness's credible account led to a murder conviction, and why Philippine courts trust trial judges on witness credibility.
Rape and Resistance: Why Full Penetration and Hymen Rupture Are Not Required in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape is consummated by mere penile entry into the labia, not full penetration or hymen rupture.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Ensuring Voluntariness and Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when extrajudicial confessions are admissible, focusing on voluntariness and the right to competent and independent counsel.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Examining Criminal Liability in Joint Offenses
Explore how conspiracy and treachery shape criminal liability in joint offenses under Philippine law, with insights from recent jurisprudence.
The Perils of Alibi: Why Positive Identification Alone Cannot Guarantee Conviction
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite positive identification, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Expediting Justice: Holding Judges Accountable for Case Delays
The Supreme Court affirms sanctions against a Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice for gross inefficiency, underscoring that judges must decide cases within 90 days.
Dismissal of Administrative Cases Against Judges: Upholding Judicial Integrity and Curbing Frivolous Complaint
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against Judge Angeles for failure to prosecute, protecting judges from frivolous cases and preserving judicial integrity.
Judicial Accountability Negligence and the Standard of Care for Judges in Approving Court Documents
The Supreme Court reminds judges that approving court documents demands diligence, not mere reliance on counsel.
Compromise Agreements and Court Approval in Property Disputes: The PPA v. Maranan Case
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in Philippine Ports Authority v. Maranan, showing how amicable settlements can end property disputes.
Incestuous Rape: Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Family Abuse Cases
A father's conviction for raping his daughter shows how courts weigh credibility, delayed reporting, and threats in incest cases.
Rape vs Theft: Distinguishing Intent in Special Complex Crimes Under Philippine Law
When does robbery with rape apply? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to take property must precede the rape, not follow it.
Ombudsman’s Authority to Prosecute Cases Beyond the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman may prosecute graft cases in regular courts, not only before the Sandiganbayan.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Operation Cross the Line?
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations, using a 2002 shabu case.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Written Authority is Key: Upholding Property Rights in Corporate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why written consent matters in property deals involving mortgaged assets—and what parties must prove to claim possession.
Kabit System and the Right to Sue: The True Owner's Standing Despite an Illegal Arrangement
When can a jeepney buyer under the kabit system sue for damages? The Supreme Court explains the real-party-in-interest rule and its limits.
Moral Ascendancy and Intrafamilial Rape: Examining the Boundaries of Consent
A look at how the Supreme Court treats rape by a trusted neighbor and the limits of consent in close relationships.
Slightest Penetration Consummated Rape Defined in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slightest penetration of the labia consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.
Invalidation of BOI Manual of Operations Incentives for Registered Enterprises
Supreme Court voids BOI's unpublished manual that reduced tax credit incentives for registered export producers.
Redemption Rights: Upholding Mortgagor's Five-Year Redemption Agreement
Supreme Court affirms five-year redemption period for mortgagor, voiding subsequent sales that cut short the agreed term.
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.
Double Jeopardy and Modification of Criminal Penalties: Protecting the Accused
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot increase a convicted person's penalty on the prosecution's motion, citing double jeopardy protections.