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.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Notarizing False Affidavits Becomes a Crime
A mayor's conviction for notarizing false affidavits of ownership and joint affidavits shows how public officials can be liable for falsification under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.
Age of Criminal Responsibility: Testimonial Evidence and Protecting Juvenile Offenders
How testimonial evidence can prove a juvenile offender's age for exemption from criminal liability under RA 9344.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Venue and Procedure Under Philippine Rules
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue for shareholder derivative suits and why procedural choices like certiorari vs. appeal matter.
Sweetheart Defense Fails: Rape Conviction Upheld Without Proof of Consent
Philippine Supreme Court rejects the "sweetheart theory" in rape cases, affirming that love affairs do not justify sexual violence without consent.
Doubt Benefits The Accused When Witness Testimony Falls Short In Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains that reasonable doubt in rape cases arises when witness testimony is inconsistent, uncorroborated, or fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Grandfather's Betrayal of Trust and the Testimony of a Child Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, relying on the credible testimony of his young granddaughter and medical evidence.
Protecting Children How Courts Decide Statutory Rape Cases Despite Unclear Dates
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the exact date of the offense is uncertain, based on established legal principles.
Statutory Rape: Protecting Children and Ensuring Due Process in Criminal Law
A father's conviction for statutory rape upheld, but due process requires every element—including relationship—be alleged in the information.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Victim Testimony; Death Penalty Reduced
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony and medical evidence, but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
Legislative Apportionment vs Local Autonomy: When a Plebiscite Is Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative reapportionment of a city into two districts does not require a plebiscite, distinguishing it from dividing a local government unit.
Eyewitness Identification and Inconsistent Statements in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, minor inconsistencies, and alibi defenses in robbery with homicide convictions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid buy-bust entrapment and a mere frame-up in drug cases, and what evidence convicts.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Venue Rules in Personal Actions: Why the Principal Plaintiff's Residence Matters
Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for personal actions, emphasizing the principal plaintiff's residence determines proper venue, not nominal co-plaintiffs.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate and ROD Records
Supreme Court clarifies what evidence suffices to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Protecting the Innocent: Statutory Rape and the Incapacity of Minors to Consent
Explaining statutory rape under Philippine law, why minors cannot legally consent, and how courts protect child victims.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsification of Time Records: Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a court utility worker for habitual tardiness and falsifying time cards, underscoring strict ethical standards for judiciary employees.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: Lessons from Dacdac v. Ramos
A sheriff's four-year delay in issuing a certificate of sale drew administrative liability. Learn the rules on execution of judgments.
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.
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.