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.
Unbroken Chain Upholding Convictions In Drug Cases Through Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, ruling that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when evidence integrity is preserved.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alleged Testimonial Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not undermine credibility or the prosecution's case.
Accidental Injury at Sea: Defining "Accident" for Seafarer Disability Claims
When is a seafarer's injury an "accident" for CBA disability benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies in Sunga v. Virjen Shipping.
Probationary Employment: When a Job Description Can Define Clear Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job description and duties suffice as reasonable standards for probationary employee regularization and dismissal.
Unlawful Detainer: When "Mere Tolerance" Isn't Enough to Eject an Occupant
The Supreme Court explains when an owner cannot use unlawful detainer to eject long-time occupants, and the key facts a complaint must allege.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason
The Supreme Court affirms the rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally deficient minor, clarifying the distinction between "demented" and "deprived of reason" under the Revised Penal Co
Upholding Conviction In Drug Sale Ensuring Chain OF Custody IN Evidence Handling
A drug sale conviction reversed because broken chain of custody cast doubt on the identity of seized shabu.
Expired Permits and Regulatory Fines: NTC Authority Over Broadcast Operations
A broadcaster's expired provisional authority and NTC fines explained: the Supreme Court clarifies administrative penalties, prescription, and temporary permits.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Imperative of Truthful Asset Disclosure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when SALN misdeclarations constitute dishonesty, not grave misconduct, and the importance of truthful disclosure.
Credibility in Rape Cases: The Weight of the Victim's Testimony and Positive Identification
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony alone can convict. This article explains the rules on credibility, identification, and damages.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases: What the Supreme Court Said
A 2014 Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery and conspiracy establish guilt in murder cases. Learn the rules and practical takeaways.
Incestuous Rape: Why Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony in Parental Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victims' credible testimony, explaining why intact hymen and minor inconsistencies don't defeat prosecution.
Incestuous Rape: Child Victims' Testimony and Parental Responsibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies attempted rape vs. acts of lasciviousness distinction.
Proving the Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Hilarion
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution must prove a rape victim's age, and why the failure to do so downgrades statutory rape to simple rape.
Buy-Bust Operations: Minor Inconsistencies Won't Save Drug Sellers From Conviction
The Supreme Court explains why minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not destroy a buy-bust case, and why frame-up defenses rarely succeed.
Trademark Infringement Search Warrants: Probable Cause in IP Cases Explained
Supreme Court clarifies the standard of probable cause for search warrants in trademark infringement and unfair competition cases under the IP Code.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility and the Burden of Proof in Land Registration Applications
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations alone cannot prove possession since 1945, a key requirement for judicial land registration under P.D. 1529.
Clarifying Final Judgments Ensuring TAX Refunds Reflect Court Intent
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified a final judgment's dispositive portion to include all tax refund cases, ensuring the court's true intent prevails.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry and the Burden of Proof in Property Disputes
Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel clarifies prior possession and burden of proof in forcible entry cases.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.
The Testimony of a Minor as Sufficient Proof in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor's credible testimony alone can prove statutory rape, even without medical evidence of injury.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Social Justice Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and when social justice arguments fail.