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 Recantation in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's recantation after conviction deserves scant consideration, affirming a father's conviction.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Victims
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on robbery with rape, clarifying penalties, damages, and how multiple rapes are treated under Philippine law.
Understanding Qualified Rape of a Minor: Insights from People v. Manlolo
A father's conviction for raping his 6-year-old daughter clarifies the rules on qualified rape, victim testimony, and damages in the Philippines.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Power of a Child's Testimony
A child's credible testimony can convict in statutory rape cases, even with minor inconsistencies. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Duties in Bail Applications: The Consequences of Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without hearings shows why bail rules demand strict compliance. Learn the duties.
Bank Liquidation Jurisdiction and Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank enters liquidation, all claims against it—including mortgage disputes—must be filed with the liquidation court, not regular courts.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court recalls an entry of judgment and reinstates a drug conviction appeal, showing when procedural lapses yield to substantive justice.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Must Be Proven in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when an owner cannot use unlawful detainer to evict occupants without proving clear tolerance or permission.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Consent and Vulnerability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how consent does not negate trafficking when victims are vulnerable minors recruited for sexual exploitation.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status
Philippine land registration requires proof that property is alienable and disposable public land. A recent Supreme Court ruling explains the strict requirements.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Protecting Minor Victims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a bar manager for qualified trafficking in persons involving a minor victim.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds
A Supreme Court ruling disbarred two lawyers for misappropriating a client's P5 million, underscoring the strict fiduciary duties of attorneys.
Public Procurement and the Anti-Graft Law: Lessons from Coloma v. People
A police official's conviction for violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 shows how flawed procurement and bad faith lead to graft liability.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.
Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in murder cases, from credibility rules to appellate review standards.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Unlawful Detainer Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A court cannot order a person to vacate property not named in the unlawful detainer complaint. Learn the jurisdictional rules.
Ensuring Integrity: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Drug Offense Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Robbery With Homicide: When a Robber Dies During the Hold-Up
The Supreme Court clarifies when robbers can be liable for robbery with homicide even if a co-robber, not a victim, is killed.
Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases: Insights From Philippine Supreme Court R
Learn how Philippine courts treat circumstantial evidence in robbery with homicide cases, and what the Supreme Court requires for conviction.
Rape Conviction Reduced to Simple Rape When Mental Disability Not Alleged in Information
The Supreme Court explains why a rape conviction was reduced from qualified to simple rape when the victim's mental disability was not alleged in the information.
Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery with Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Lignes
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in robbery with homicide, explained through the 2020 Lignes ruling.