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.
Proving Victim’s Age in Rape Cases: When Death Penalty Fails
In People v. Virrey, the Supreme Court ruled that minority must be proven beyond reasonable doubt before the death penalty can be imposed in rape cases.
Sorsogon Cityhood: Merging Municipalities and the One Subject-One Bill Rule
The Supreme Court upholds the creation of Sorsogon City by merging two municipalities, clarifying the one subject-one bill rule and plebiscite timing.
Reevaluating Guilt Statutory Rape vs Kidnapping with Rape in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual offense against a minor is statutory rape rather than kidnapping with rape, and the penalties that follow.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Child Rape Testimony and the Rebuttal of Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, underscoring that credible testimony and proof beyond reasonable doubt are essential to overcome the presumption of innocence.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases: positive identification by victims outweighs denial and alibi defenses.
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality and Bar Sanctions
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
GSIS Foreclosure Redemption: Balancing Member Needs and Fund Solvency
Supreme Court ruling on GSIS foreclosure redemption rights, explaining when members can repurchase foreclosed property and the limits of that right.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Law: Why Fictitious Contracts Are Void
A simulated deed of sale has no legal effect, and the resulting title must be cancelled. The Supreme Court explains why in pari delicto does not apply to fictitious contracts.
Questioning Authenticity When A Deed Of Sale Fails The Test Of Due Execution
When can a deed of sale be declared void? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due execution and authenticity.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Parricide vs. Accident: When a Fatal Shooting Is Not an Exempting Circumstance
The Supreme Court explains why the defense of accident fails when intent to kill is shown by overt acts, affirming a parricide conviction.
Rape With Deadly Weapon Intimidation Consent And The Boundaries Of Legal Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape with intimidation, deadly weapon, desistance, alibi, and proof of minority.
Court Raffle Irregularities: When Clerks and Judges Face Administrative Liability
Supreme Court clarifies liability for irregular case raffles: executive judges must personally conduct them, clerks must follow procedure.
Upholding Tenants' Rights: The Doctrine of Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal in property sales, explained in plain language for property owners and lessees.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Testimony Overturns Drug Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug convict after police witness contradicts buy-bust story, reinforcing the proof beyond reasonable doubt standard.
Murder Reduced to Homicide: When Treachery and Conspiracy Are Not Proven
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and conspiracy fail in criminal cases, reducing murder to homicide.
Alien Land Ownership and Pari Delicto: When Title Reverts to the State
Explaining the pari delicto doctrine in alien land sales, and when the State—not the vendor—may pursue reversion of title.
Chattel vs Real Property: How Mortgage Classification Affects Foreclosure Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when machinery is chattel or real property, and why classification determines what a mortgage covers.
Missed Your Warranty Understanding Prescription Periods FOR Express Warranties IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats express warranties and their prescription periods, and what consumers must know to protect their rights.
Attorney Neglect: Upholding Diligence and Communication in Client Representation
A lawyer who forgets a client's case and fails to inform them of its status breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces sanctions.
Rescinding a Land Sale in the Philippines: Why a Letter Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires a judicial or notarial act to rescind a sale of immovable property—even with an automatic rescission clause.
Mistake of Identity and the Limits of Treachery: Intent in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when mistaken identity negates treachery and how intent shapes murder versus homicide liability in the Philippines.