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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Weight of a Child's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining why a six-year-old victim's testimony can suffice despite minor inconsistencies.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Child Victim and Damages Under RA 9346
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction based on the credible testimony of a six-year-old victim, and adjusts penalties and damages.
Protecting Land Titles: Limits of Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction and Ancestral Land Claims
Supreme Court ruling on DARAB jurisdiction, Torrens title protection, and ancestral land claims under RA 8371.
Publisher's Knowledge Not Required for Libel Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules a publisher can be convicted of libel even without knowledge of the libelous article, citing Article 360 of the Revised Penal Code.
Self-Defense Rejected: How the Supreme Court Affirmed a Murder Conviction in People v. Villa
The Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction in People v. Villa, ruling that self-defense failed because the accused was the aggressor and treachery qualified the killing.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: Damages and Penalties Under RA 9346
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed a qualified rape conviction and clarified civil damages for child victims of sexual abuse.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Are Punished Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, showing how sudden attacks on unsuspecting victims qualify for the highest penalties.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction Over Non-Residents: Lessons from Belen v. Chavez
How a lawyer's appearance can bind non-resident defendants to Philippine court jurisdiction, and why service of decisions must follow strict rules.
Jurisdiction Over Land Titles Actual Possession Trumps Reconstitution
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction for Misappropriated Purchase Orders
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction when a seller used purchase order cards for personal benefit instead of remitting proceeds to the owner.
Conspiracy and Group Criminal Acts: How Philippine Courts Weigh Evidence in Drug Cases
In Dacles v. People, the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction based on police testimony and explained how courts treat defenses of denial and frame-up.
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
When Social Media Abuse Qualifies for Higher Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Attorneys Conflict OF Interest Upholding Client Loyalty AND Confidentiality
Upholding Comelec's Authority: Finality of Election Contest Decisions for Municipal Mayors
The Supreme Court affirms the finality of Comelec decisions in election contests for municipal mayors, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries.
Agrarian Reform vs Local Reclassification: Protecting Tenants Rights in the Philippines
When can a local ordinance reclassify farmland and remove tenant protections? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Relationship, Not Just Testimony
Supreme Court rules relationship in qualified rape must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged or testified to.
DARAB Holds Exclusive Jurisdiction Over CARP Implementation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that DARAB, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving CARP implementation, even when framed as recovery of possession.
Certiorari Dismissal: The Strict Requirements for Filing Petitions in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that certiorari petitions must attach certified true copies of assailed orders—mere xerox copies will lead to dismissal.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility, Alibi, and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs alibi and why unalleged qualifying circumstances reduce the penalty.
Treachery and Accountability: Examining Guilt in the Santa Elena Murders
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed murder and frustrated murder convictions, applying treachery rules in the Santa Elena killings.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Case Despite Retraction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms child rape conviction despite victim's retraction, explaining why affidavits of desistance carry little weight in criminal cases.
Rape of a Child with Intellectual Disability: When Knowledge of the Victim's Condition Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution must prove an accused knew the victim had an intellectual disability in qualified rape cases.