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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Ombudsman Appeals and Procedural Rules: When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural lapses should not defeat the merits of an administrative appeal, especially when a government employee's dismissal is at stake.
When Sudden Attacks Don't Always Mean Treachery: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack constitutes treachery in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail without proof of unlawful aggression.
VAT Refund Claims: Proving Zero-Rated Sales of Services with Official Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT official receipts are indispensable to substantiate zero-rated sales of services in refund claims.
Statutory Rape Conviction Modified to Simple Rape When Victim's Age Not Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof required for statutory rape, modifying conviction to simple rape when victim's age wasn't established beyond reasonable doubt.
Input VAT in Construction Costs and Ownership Shares in Realty Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on input VAT in construction costs and proportional ownership shares in a realty joint venture dispute.
Histrionic Personality Disorder as Ground for Nullity: Understanding Marital Obligations and Psychological Inc
The Supreme Court affirms that histrionic personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36, explaining the standards for declaring a marriage void.
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits: The Indefinite Assessment and the Third Doctor Rule
A seafarer who abandons treatment cannot claim permanent disability benefits. The Supreme Court explains the 120/240-day rule and the third doctor rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over missing inventory witnesses, explaining the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Self-Defense or Murder: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is justified self-defense, not murder, and how unlawful aggression and treachery are judged.
Breach of Trust, Intrafamilial Rape, and the Erosion of Parental Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory and simple rape when the prosecution fails to prove the victim's exact age.
Voice Recognition as Valid Identification in Rape Cases: Protecting Victims and Ensuring Justice
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on voice identification, clarifying force, intimidation, and victim credibility standards.
The 240-Day Rule: When a Seafarer's Disability Claim Is Premature
The Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule on seafarer disability claims, explaining when filing for total permanent disability is premature.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Sale Case
A broken chain of custody and lapses under Section 21 of RA 9165 led the Supreme Court to acquit an accused in an illegal drug sale case.
Condominium Foreclosure: When Does a Corporation Have Authority to Foreclose?
Supreme Court clarifies when a condominium corporation may extra-judicially foreclose a unit for unpaid assessments under the Condominium Act.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Credibility in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and denial in murder prosecutions, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Fair Wage Standards for Bus Drivers Upheld: PBOAP v. DOLE Explained
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Order No. 118-12 requiring part-fixed wages for bus drivers, ruling it a valid exercise of police power.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Lost Owner's Duplicates
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles, easing strict documentary requirements after disasters destroyed registry records.
Foreign Land Ownership Constitutionality Prevails Over Execution Sales
Supreme Court nullifies auction sales to a Canadian citizen, reaffirming the constitutional ban on alien land ownership in the Philippines.
Moral Ascendancy in Incestuous Rape Cases: Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, holding a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force or intimidation, and clarifies limits on multiple convictions.
When Government Contracts Meet Congressional Oversight: The Limits of Compromise Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies that compromise agreements involving government claims above P100,000 require congressional approval, not just COA or agency action.
Ethical Boundaries: Upholding Respect and Dignity in Legal Advocacy
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that even forceful arguments must remain respectful, citing Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Circumstantial Evidence Suffices Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Victims Unconsciousness
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, ruling that a victim rendered unconscious need not provide direct testimony of the act.
Prescription and Probable Cause: Protecting Public Officials From Stale Charges
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges, clarifying prescription periods and probable cause requirements under RA 3019.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits drug offenders where police breached chain of custody rules, underscoring the need to preserve evidence integrity.