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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Alibi vs Positive Identification: When Does Alibi Hold Weight in Philippine Courts?
The Supreme Court explains when alibi can overcome positive identification, acquitting one accused while convicting two others for murder.
Mitigating Circumstances and Juvenile Justice in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court balanced mercy and accountability for a minor convicted of murder, crediting minority and a guilty plea to reduce the penalty.
Credibility of Testimony Can Overcome Medical Findings in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony even when medical findings show no hymenal laceration.
Moral Ascendancy in Incestuous Rape: How a Father's Power Overcomes a Victim's Will
The Supreme Court explains why moral ascendancy, not just physical force, overcomes a victim's will in incestuous rape cases.
Percentage Tax on Pawnshops: Defining Lending Investors Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether pawnshops are lending investors subject to 5% percentage tax under the NIRC.
Service of Court Decisions: When Notice to a Party Trumps Notice to Counsel
Philippine Commercial International Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when service of a CIAC decision on a party, not counsel, starts the appeal period.
Compulsory vs Permissive Counterclaims: When Court Fees Are Not Required in Loan Disputes
Learn when a counterclaim in a loan dispute is compulsory and exempt from docket fees, based on a 2003 Supreme Court ruling.
Competency of Witnesses: Testimony of Persons with Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a person with mental retardation can be a competent witness in rape cases if able to perceive and relate facts.
Presumption of Innocence and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a father of four rape counts, ruling that vague testimony and medical findings alone cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification and Medical Evidence Overcome Alibi Defense
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony and medical findings, but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua for unproven minority.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Overcoming Delay with Fear and Intimidation
How Philippine courts treat delayed reporting in rape cases when threats of violence and death explain the victim's silence.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: SC Clarifies Evidence Rules Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, applying Republic Act No. 26 and Bercede guidelines.
Reopening Corporate Disputes: Finality, Fraud, and the Abadilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reopen proceedings, pierce corporate veils, and award damages in intra-corporate disputes.
Impartiality on the Bench: Overcoming Bias Allegations in Philippine Courts
A notary public's duty to verify signatories personally is sacrosanct. This case explains the consequences of failing that duty.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: Lack of Consent and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court rules sexual intercourse with a mental retardate is rape even without force, as she cannot validly consent.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and self-defense in sudden attacks, affirming that bare claims of self-defense cannot overcome clear evidence of guilt.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Individual Liability for Corporate Estafa
Corporate officers can face criminal estafa charges for misusing company funds. The Supreme Court clarifies individual liability and remedies.
Carnapping Conviction Affirmed: Penalties and Procedural Rules Under RA 6538
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified carnapping penalties and appeal rules in Mercado v. People, including key procedural takeaways.
Rape Conviction and the Burden of Proving the Victim's Age for the Death Penalty
A look at People v. Cantuba on how positive identification overcomes alibi, and why proving the victim's age matters for sentencing.
Flashlight Eyewitness Testimony and Proof of Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Murder Cases
How a flashlight beam and positive facial identification overcame the defense of alibi in a Philippine murder conviction.
In-Court Identification Overcomes Police Lineup Doubts in Rape Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on police lineup identification, in-court testimony, and rape conviction under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Due to Insufficient Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits Antonio Silvano of rape with homicide, ruling that uncorroborated testimony and weak circumstantial evidence cannot overcome reasonable doubt.