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.
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
Upholding Electoral Tribunals Discretion Respecting THE Voters Intent IN Contested Ballots
A 3-3 Comelec en banc vote has no legal effect; the case must be reheard, the Supreme Court rules.
Movable or Immovable: How Mortgage Agreements Define Property in Foreclosure
A Supreme Court ruling on whether machineries are movable or immovable property in mortgage foreclosures, explained in plain language.
Estafa and Erroneous Designation of Offended Party in Property Offenses
When a wrong name appears in an estafa charge, the accused's right to be informed may still be protected. Learn the rules.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Shared Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, making each participant equally liable for murder even without direct evidence of a prior agreement.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries of Drug Law Enforcement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug buy-bust operations, and why it matters.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
RA 9262 Violence Against Women Extends Beyond Ongoing Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies that RA 9262 applies even after a dating relationship ends, protecting women from former partners' violence.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Why Original Documents Matter for Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for reconstituting lost land titles under RA 26, emphasizing original documents over substitutes.
Constructive Dismissal When Reassignment Becomes Termination
When a bank replaced an employee before offering a new assignment, the Supreme Court ruled it was constructive dismissal, not valid management prerogative.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: What the Supreme Court Requires Under Article 36
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, or abandonment is not enough to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Buy-Bust Operations Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale and Possession Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how buy-bust operations and chain of custody preserve evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Proving Delivery and Payment in a Contract of Sale: Lessons from Asian Construction v. Mendoza
A seller need not attach invoices to a complaint, but must prove delivery. Learn the rules from a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Annulment of Judgment: The High Bar for Overturning Final Decisions in the Philippines
Philippine courts rarely overturn final convictions. This case explains the strict standards for credibility, treachery, and finality of judgments.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Corroborating Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a victim's credible testimony and corroborating medical evidence outweigh denial and alibi.
Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Ison v. Crewserve
SC rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment prevails over belated, unsupported certifications from seafarer's own doctors in disability claims.
Burden of Proof in Estafa and Homicide: Why Hearsay Evidence Fails to Establish Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doub
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs bare denial and hearsay in criminal cases.
Establishing Filiation A Prerequisite FOR Child Support Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine law requires proof of filiation before child support can be claimed. Learn the rules and legal process.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.