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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Understanding Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific intent is required for child abuse convictions under RA 7610, protecting children from physical maltreatment.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.
Proving Rape With Circumstantial Evidence A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such proof suffices beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Bribery in Philippine Courts
A court stenographer's dismissal for soliciting money from a litigant shows the strict ethical standards for Philippine court personnel.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Victim Testimony and Legal Standards in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying how victim testimony, force, and identity are assessed under Philippine law.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Identification, and Damages in People v. Talmesa
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, detailing the elements of force, witness credibility, and the proper award of damages.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Understanding Parricide Convictions Key Insights From A Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when parricide applies, explaining the legal relationship requirement and the importance of proving the offender's knowledge of the victim's status.
Navigating Tax Law Conflicts: Understanding the Jurisdictional Limits of Courts in Tax Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries of judicial review in tax cases, emphasizing that courts cannot substitute their judgment for that of tax authorities.
Understanding Conflict of Interest: A Lawyer's Duty of Loyalty in Settlement Negotiations
When does a lawyer's settlement talk with the opposing party become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a lawyer's duty of loyalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Landmark Ruling on Social Media Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises the penalty.
Navigating the Boundaries of Economic Zone Jurisdiction: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that GOCCs cannot negotiate CBA economic provisions without presidential or GCG approval, reshaping labor relations.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Statutory Rape Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on statutory rape convictions and the effect of an accused's death pending appeal on criminal and civil liability.
Understanding Treachery and Premeditation in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court D
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and use of motor vehicle as aggravating circumstances in murder convictions.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: The DAR Secretary's Role in Cancellation of Land Ownership Awards
Learn when the DAR Secretary—not the DARAB—has jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Human Trafficking Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between entrapment and instigation in a human trafficking case, affirming a conviction for qualified trafficking.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Isn't Enough to Evict
When a contract to sell governs possession, a seller cannot evict via unlawful detainer without first complying with RA 6552's cancellation rules.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Res Gestae and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts convict in rape cases when the victim cannot testify, using res gestae and circumstantial evidence.
Proving Murder Through Witness Credibility: The Maghuyop Case on Treachery and Self-Defense
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how credible eyewitness testimony overcomes claims of self-defense and establishes treachery.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.