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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Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the SEC, Not NLRC, Has Jurisdiction Over an Officer's Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's dismissal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not a labor case for the NLRC.
Jurisdiction and Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches when a party attacks jurisdiction in a case not on appeal.
Rape of a Minor by a Parent: Credibility and Defenses in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess a child victim's testimony in incestuous rape cases and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
Self-Defense Claims in Parricide and Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
A father convicted of raping his daughter claimed self-defense. The Supreme Court explains why this defense fails in parricide and rape cases.
When Is Mere Association Not Enough in Philippine Drug Cases? A Guide to Conspiracy
Understand when Philippine courts find conspiracy in drug cases and why mere association or presence is not enough for conviction.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Ensuring Validity and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost land titles under R.A. 26 and why non-compliance voids the proceedings.
Perfecting an Appeal: Navigating the Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how jurisdictional requirements affect appeals in Philippine labor cases, with insights from recent Supreme Court rulings.
Adoption in the Philippines: Alien Restrictions and Joint Adoption Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when aliens may adopt Filipino children and why joint adoption by spouses is mandatory under the Family Code.
Reconveyance Actions and Estate Administration: Jurisdiction vs. Venue in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seeking appointment as estate administratrix in a reconveyance action affects venue, not jurisdiction, of the RTC.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Legal Implications and Victims' Rights
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies force, intimidation, and victim credibility in Philippine law.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough to Convict in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction—and why it failed in People v. Villaran.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Lessons from People v. Mañozca
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, clarifying key rules on evidence and defenses.
Witness Identification and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed witness credibility, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder conviction.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and Legal Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standards for crediting child testimony in rape cases, affirming conviction based on victims' narrations.
Defense of Strangers: When Can You Legally Protect Someone Else in the Philippines
Philippine law allows defending strangers, but only under strict conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Secretary of Labor's Power to Assume Jurisdiction in Labor Disputes: A Guide
Learn when the Labor Secretary can assume jurisdiction over strikes and lockouts, and what this means for workers and employers.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Group Liability
Learn how Philippine courts apply conspiracy and treachery when multiple persons attack a victim, and what this means for criminal liability.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force and Consent Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why a "sweethearts" defense does not negate force in rape, and how resistance is measured.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
When Is a Private Individual Considered a Public Officer? Malversation and Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction
A private individual designated as BIR custodian of distrained property is not a public officer, so the Sandiganbayan lacks jurisdiction over him for malversation.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Intimidation and the Weight of Positive Identification
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape convictions despite lack of struggle or medical certificate, ruling intimidation and positive identification suffice.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Power of Intimidation and Victim Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, intimidation by scythe, and rejection of alibi defenses.
When Witness Inconsistency Undermines a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a rape conviction and how credibility is assessed.