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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Attorney Conflict of Interest in the Philippines: Lessons from Sibulo v. Cabrera
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for representing opposing parties in the same case, and the ethical rules on conflict of interest.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Extramarital Affairs and Judicial Employee Conduct
Supreme Court ruling on a court stenographer's extramarital affair shows judicial employees are held to strict moral standards in private life.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting Migrant Workers from Deceitful Recruiters
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting overseas Filipino workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Collective Guilt Establishing Conspiracy in Group Criminality
When does holding a victim's hand during a gang attack make you guilty of murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy.
Dying Declarations: When Can a Victim's Last Words Be Used in Court?
Learn the legal rules on dying declarations in Philippine courts, including admissibility requirements and how courts weigh a victim's final words.
The Price of Silence: Witness Credibility and the Duty to Report in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's silence and lack of immediate report do not destroy credibility.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape, Credible Testimony, and the Weight of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining evidentiary rules, alibi, and damages.
Pollution Adjudication Board Jurisdiction: Balancing Environmental Protection and Mining Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Pollution Adjudication Board retains jurisdiction over pollution cases involving mining operations, despite the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misconduct Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for grave misconduct, emphasizing the judiciary's strict fiscal accountability standards.
The Weight of Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay identification cannot convict a person of murder, and why proof beyond reasonable doubt demands credible, positive testimony.
Resolving Search Warrant Disputes: Which Court Has Jurisdiction to Quash
Learn which court resolves a motion to quash a search warrant when the issuing court differs from the court trying the criminal case.
Incestuous Rape Conviction: Corroborated Testimony of Victim and Eyewitness Sustains Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for raping his 11-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony corroborated by an eyewitness.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Special Civil Actions: The Abbot Ruling
When can the Sandiganbayan hear certiorari and prohibition petitions? The Supreme Court clarifies its expanded jurisdiction under RA 7975.
Circumstantial Evidence in Carnapping with Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a carnapping conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining the rules on identification, alibi, and damages.
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Consent and Jurisdiction in Rape Cases Involving Mental Retardation
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape complaint filed by police is valid when the victim is mentally incapacitated, affirming conviction.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Consent AND Justice FOR Victims With Mental Retardation IN Rape Cases
When Courts Overstep: The Illegality of Interfering With Appellate Jurisdiction Through Lis Pendens Cancellati
A judge who cancels a notice of lis pendens in a case on appeal interferes with appellate jurisdiction. Learn the rules and consequences.
Reasonable Doubt and Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Cases: People v. Orcula
When circumstantial evidence fails to prove treachery, a murder conviction may be reduced to homicide. Learn from People v. Orcula.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: Why Precision in Criminal Charges Matters
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction but spares his life because the information misstated his relationship to the victim.
Incestuous Rape Cases Proving Familial Relationship AND Victims AGE
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Rape Convictions in the Philippines — People v. Santos
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining the law on statutory rape, delayed reporting, and victim credibility.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Victim Vulnerability
Understand treachery and abuse of superior strength in Philippine criminal law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lazarte.
Rape Conviction Reversal: Why Victim Conduct After the Alleged Assault Matters
Philippine Supreme Court reverses rape conviction, ruling that a complainant's post-incident behavior—writing to and seeking out the accused—can cast reasonable doubt on credibility.