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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Rape Conviction Affirmed THE Critical Role OF Victim Testimony IN Statutory Rape Cases
Limits on Foreign Troops in Domestic Conflicts: The Balikatan 02-1 Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign troops may train and assist but cannot engage in offensive combat on Philippine soil without constitutional authority.
Illegal Recruitment Acquittal: Why Promises by Relatives Do Not Convict a Recruiter
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be acquitted of illegal recruitment and estafa, and the proof required for conviction.
Rape Intimidation AND THE Absence OF Consent Protecting Victims IN THE Philippines
Double Jeopardy: Why the Prosecution Cannot Appeal to Increase a Criminal Penalty
The Supreme Court explains why the prosecution cannot appeal a conviction to seek a higher penalty, citing the constitutional right against double jeopardy.
Alibi VS Positive Identification Conviction Stands IN Robbery With Homicide Despite Unpleaded Aggravating Circumstances
Judges' Marriage Solemnization: Territorial Limits and License Requirements
A judge who solemnizes a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction or without a marriage license faces administrative liability, as this case shows.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi Upholding Conviction Despite Witness Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, delay in identification, and why positive identification outweighs alibi in criminal convictions.
Justice Prevails Circumstantial Evidence AND THE Pursuit OF Truth IN Criminal Law
A grandfather's rape conviction affirmed by the Supreme Court, showing how Philippine courts weigh a child victim's testimony against denial.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Intimidation AS Sufficient Force IN Sexual Assault Cases
Certiorari Limits: SEC En Banc Can't Fix Attachment Errors in Partnership Disputes
The Supreme Court nullified SEC en banc orders discharging an attachment in a law partnership dispute, ruling certiorari only corrects jurisdictional errors.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms six convictions for statutory rape, clarifying how Philippine law protects minors and assesses child testimony.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Preservation of Child Welfare in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms six counts of statutory rape, underscoring that a child's consent is immaterial and that young victims' testimony deserves full credence.
Dying Declarations and Alibi in Philippine Homicide Cases: The Anacan Ruling
How the Supreme Court clarified eyewitness identification, alibi, and treachery in homicide cases, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Breach of Professional Duty Attorneys Must Avoid Representing Conflicting Interests
Lawyers who represent conflicting interests violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and face suspension from the practice of law.
Eyewitness Testimony and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on child eyewitness testimony, finding abuse of superior strength where three men attacked a defenseless woman.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to labor courts or the SEC/RTC in corporate officer disputes.
Moral Ascendancy as a Substitute for Force in Child Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an uncle's moral ascendancy over a child victim substitutes for force or intimidation in statutory rape.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Explained
Learn how Philippine courts establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases, from victim testimony to the prosecution's burden of proof.
Upholding Estafa Conviction: The Supreme Court Reinforces Finality of Factual Findings in Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed an estafa conviction and reiterated that factual findings of lower courts are binding.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape-Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct testimony, in People v. Felixminia.
Rape Conviction Upheld but Death Penalty Cut Over Defective Information
The Supreme Court affirmed a stepfather's rape conviction but reduced the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information wrongly alleged a step relationship.
Parental Authority vs. Child's Rights: Redefining Consent in Statutory Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a stepfather's common-law status affects rape penalties, not the victim's consent or conviction.
Treachery in Murder: Sudden Unexpected Attack Ensures Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder, with practical guidance on proving sudden attacks.