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.
Judge Fined for Delay in Rendering Judgment: Lessons from A.M. No. MTJ-02-1409
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge for gross inefficiency after a 15-month delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory 30-day period for summary procedure judgments.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Preservation of Child Welfare in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms six counts of statutory rape, underscoring that a child's consent is immaterial and that young victims' testimony deserves full credence.
Breach of Professional Duty Attorneys Must Avoid Representing Conflicting Interests
Lawyers who represent conflicting interests violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and face suspension from the practice of law.
Navigating Appointments Security of Tenure vs Presidential Prerogative in the Comelec
The Supreme Court explains why ad interim appointments to the COMELEC are permanent, not temporary, and how they balance presidential power with constitutional independence.
When Is a Customs Broker a Common Carrier? The Transorient Container Case
A customs broker who transports goods as part of its business is a common carrier bound by extraordinary diligence under Philippine law.
Prior Use of a Brand Name Prevails Over Copyright or Patent Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why trademark rights based on prior use trump copyright or patent registrations in brand name disputes.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Group Violence Determines Criminal Liability
Learn how Philippine courts apply conspiracy and treachery in group attacks, using a Supreme Court murder case as a guide.
Prior Payment of Check Value as Defense in Bouncing Checks Cases
When does paying the check amount before prosecution bar a B.P. 22 conviction? The Supreme Court explains in Griffith v. Court of Appeals.
Statutory Rape: Why Proving Familial Relationship Matters in Aggravated Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that in statutory rape, the qualifying circumstance of relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Uphold Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, and why death penalty requires minority alleged in information.
When a Final Judgment Limits Liability: Execution Cannot Add Interest
A writ of execution must strictly follow the final judgment. Adding interest not decreed by the court is void.
Custodial Trust AND Betrayal Examining THE Deliberate Failure TO Return A Minor
A babysitter's brief custody of a newborn becomes a kidnapping conviction under Article 270, explaining deliberate failure to return.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Lease Renewal Rights: Mutual Agreement Required for Contract Extension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lease renewal options are reciprocal—both lessor and lessee must agree to extend a lease contract.
Judicial Discretion in Determining Probable Cause for Arrest Warrants
Explaining the judge's exclusive duty to personally determine probable cause for arrest warrants and the limits of judicial discretion.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.
Protecting Trademarks: Infringement and Damages for Similar Designs
Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement rules, damages, and copyright cancellation for similar arcuate designs on jeans.
Laches and Land Ownership: Time Limits in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how laches, prescription, and procedural deadlines can bar heirs from contesting property transfers in the Philippines.
Eyewitness Testimony and Criminal Conviction: Credibility Rules in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in criminal cases, explained through the 2002 Jakosalem murder decision.
Conviction Upheld on Circumstantial Evidence Despite Accused's Escape in Rape-Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape-homicide based on circumstantial evidence, ruling escape waives right to appeal.
Challenging Land Titles: When Prior Owners Can Reclaim Property Obtained Through Fraudulent Patents
Learn when prior owners can nullify fraudulent free patents and reclaim titled land, based on a 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Crimes Against Children: Ensuring Justice for Vulnerable Victims
The Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of a man who beat a two-year-old to death, clarifying treachery, mitigating circumstances, and penalties.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
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.