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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DNA Evidence and Conviction: The Yatar Case and the Standard for Admissibility
Explaining how the Supreme Court in People v. Yatar set the standard for admitting DNA evidence in Philippine criminal cases.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Penetration, Alibi, and the Child Victim's Word
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration suffices and a child's candid testimony prevails over alibi.
Lease Termination and Rent Increases: Lessons from Chua v. Victorio
When can a lessor rescind a lease and raise rent? The Supreme Court explains in Chua v. Victorio.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When a Child's Testimony Convicts
In Villafuerte, the Supreme Court upheld a statutory rape conviction based largely on a child's testimony, clarifying what proof of penetration requires.
Rape Conviction Affirmed THE Importance OF Credible Testimony IN Cases OF Sexual Assault
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Jurisdictional Nature of Timely Appeals in Agrarian Disputes
Timely appeals are jurisdictional, not mere technicalities. Zaragoza v. Nobleza shows why late filings in agrarian cases fail.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Affirms Conviction, Raises Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises penalty when the offense is committed through social media.
Rape Conviction and Statutory Penalties: Examining the Limits of Capital Punishment in the Philippines
A rape conviction does not automatically mean the death penalty. Learn when Philippine law allows capital punishment and when it does not.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, physical injury not required, and the moral ascendancy doctrine in incest cases.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Familial Rape Cases: Scrutinizing Testimonial Evidence
In People v. Layugan, the Supreme Court convicted a father of five counts of rape but struck down the death penalty because the victim's age was not proven.
Incestuous Rape Credibility of Testimony and Establishing the Qualifying Circumstance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape, credibility of a child victim's testimony, and the need to prove qualifying circumstances for the death penalty.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proof of Written Notice of Dishonor: The Sia Case
Conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof the accused received written notice of dishonor. The Sia case explains why.
Supreme Court: IPRA Customary Laws Do Not Oust Regular Courts in Mixed-Party Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction under IPRA, upholding final judgments and rejecting belated claims of indigenous status to evade execution.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case.
Graft and Grave Misconduct: Court Officer Dismissed for Fixing a Court Decision
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for extorting money to fix a court decision, affirming strict integrity standards for court personnel.
When an Employee Jumps Bail: Employer's Subsidiary Liability and the Finality of Judgment
Can an employer appeal a criminal conviction when its employee jumps bail? The Supreme Court explains subsidiary liability and finality of judgment.
Diminished Liability When Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide
Learn how the Supreme Court reduced a murder conviction to homicide when the prosecution failed to prove treachery, affecting penalties and damages.
Reasonable Doubt and Warrants in Drug Cases: People v. Ayangao
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, explaining probable cause for warrantless arrests and the limits of the alibi defense.
Witness Credibility Prevails Over Alibi and Treachery in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court clarifies when a lone eyewitness's testimony can overcome alibi and when treachery fails to qualify murder.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short Understanding Unlawful Aggression IN Philippine LAW
A street brawl, a fatal stabbing, and a conviction reduced to slight physical injuries—what the Supreme Court said about conspiracy and liability.
Protecting the Testimony of a Mental Retardate in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a mentally retarded victim's testimony, clarifying evidentiary rules for vulnerable witnesses.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony vs. Alibi Defense in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms triple rape conviction, explaining why credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and sweetheart defenses.
Navigating Jurisdictional Waters Where A Crime Occurs Defines THE Court That Hears IT
Self Defense Plea Fails Illegal Aggression Must BE Proven FOR Justification IN Homicide Cases
A rape conviction shows that self-defense claims require proof of unlawful aggression, not bare allegations. Learn the legal standard.