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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Eyewitness Identification Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt In Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification by the victim's daughters, prevailing over the accused's denial.
Where to Appeal PDIC Denials: The Rule on Jurisdiction After RA 10846
A denied deposit insurance claim must be challenged via certiorari before the Court of Appeals, not the RTC. This case explains the rule.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Disputes: Court of Appeals Has Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions questioning PDIC denials of deposit insurance claims must be filed with the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Denials: Court of Appeals Holds Exclusive Certiorari Jurisdiction
Supreme Court clarifies that PDIC deposit insurance claim denials must be challenged via certiorari before the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
No Immunity for Dishonest Acts: CSC Discretion Prevails in Suriaga v. Dela Rosa-Bala
Supreme Court affirms CSC's denial of immunity to fire officer who failed to substantiate claims against alleged fixer in exam irregularity case.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Overcomes Defense of Denial
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, holding that a victim's credible, positive testimony prevails over the accused's bare denial.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails
A look at Centennial Transmarine v. Sales on disability grading, the 120-day rule, and CBA vs POEA-SEC benefits.
Financial Abuse as Psychological Violence: Supreme Court Upholds VAWC Protection for Wives
The Supreme Court rules that a husband's denial of financial support can constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, affirming a conviction.
Qualified Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Child Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's clear testimony outweighs a father's denial and alibi.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Credibility in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and denial in murder prosecutions, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Direct Assault with Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms conviction for direct assault with murder, ruling positive identification by an eyewitness outweighs denial and alibi defenses.
Annulment of Mortgage and Jurisdiction: When Is an Action Beyond Pecuniary Estimation?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an action to annul a real estate mortgage is incapable of pecuniary estimation, affecting which court has jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim Testimony and the Weakness of Alibi Defense
In People v. Ganaba, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, stressing that victim testimony can outweigh alibi and denial defenses in criminal cases.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Deadlines AND Documentation
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Importance of Positive Identification and Credible Testimony in Sexual Assault C
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and denial in sexual assault cases.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Proving Lost Earnings After Wrongful Death: Testimony Can Suffice, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that credible testimonial evidence alone can prove a deceased person's income for lost earning capacity damages.
When Silence Incriminates: Consent, Good Faith, and the Limits of Deniability in Qualified Theft
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on qualified theft, apparent authority, and good faith in People v. Delos Santos.
Bail and Plunder: Examining the Strength of Evidence for Provisional Liberty
The Supreme Court upholds denial of bail in plunder case, explaining the standard of "strong evidence" and the limits of certiorari review.
Electoral Rights vs Budgetary Constraints: Protecting People's Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court rules that lack of budget cannot defeat local initiative, but propositions must stay within the sanggunian's powers.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Victim Testimony and Credibility Matter in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs denial, alibi, and inconclusive medical findings.
Optional Positions and Local Government Authority: Budgetary Allocation Required for Municipal Appointments
The Supreme Court clarifies that appointments to optional LGU positions like the MENRO require both sanggunian concurrence and a valid appropriation ordinance.
Bail and Res Judicata: Why an Interlocutory Order Does Not Bar a Second Bail Petition
The Supreme Court clarifies that res judicata does not apply to interlocutory orders like bail denials in criminal cases.
Admissibility of Evidence and Witness Credibility in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at People v. Opiniano, where the Supreme Court weighed an inadmissible confession against circumstantial evidence and witness credibility.