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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Psychological Incapacity as Ground for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: Guidelines and Implications
The Supreme Court's Molina ruling sets strict guidelines for proving psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Navigating Export Quotas: Understanding Administrative Agency Jurisdiction in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts respect administrative agency jurisdiction over export quota disputes, and when judicial intervention is proper.
Criminal Conspiracy and Mastermind Liability: The Role of Circumstantial Evidence
How the Supreme Court upheld a mastermind's conviction through circumstantial evidence, even without direct proof of conspiracy.
Adultery Lies AND Murder Convictions Understanding Circumstantial Evidence IN Philippine LAW
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Sator, explained in plain language.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction: What Filing Pleadings Means in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains how voluntary appearance in court can cure defective summons and establish jurisdiction over a person.
Rape Conviction: Why Delay in Filing Does Not Always Equal Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed complaint can still be credible and lead to conviction.
Venue in Quasi-Delict Cases: Where Can You Sue for Damages?
Learn where to file a personal injury or quasi-delict damages suit under Philippine venue rules, explained through the Baritua case.
Rape Conviction: The Nuances of Penetration and Consent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for rape, and intimidation can substitute for physical resistance.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Weight of Victim Testimony and the Defenses That Failed
In People v. Cabillan, the Supreme Court affirmed a stepfather's rape conviction, showing why a victim's testimony can outweigh common defenses.
Arson Conviction: Intentional Burning of an Inhabited House Under PD 1613
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of arson under PD 1613 when an inhabited house is burned, and how alibi and witness credibility are weighed.
Dying Declarations When Can A Victim's Last Words Convict
Explore the legal rules on dying declarations in Philippine evidence law and when a victim's last words may be admissible in court.
Doing Business in the Philippines: Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign corporation is had been the exclusive dealer of BMW vehicles and products in the Philippines. In 1967, Hahn executed a "Deed of Assignment with Specia
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When Corporate Officers Fall Under SEC Jurisdiction
Explaining Tabang v. NLRC: why a corporate officer's dismissal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not a labor case.
DARAB Jurisdiction Explained: Filing Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
Learn where to file agrarian disputes in the Philippines—DARAB vs. PARAD jurisdiction clarified under R.A. 6657 and the DARAB rules.
Marijuana Possession and the Retroactive Application of Favorable Criminal Laws in the Philippines
Explaining when procedural laws apply retroactively, using the Subido v. Sandiganbayan ruling on jurisdiction and vested rights.
Rape Conviction Based ON Credible Testimony Understanding THE Legal Standard
Bail After Conviction for a Lesser Offense: Obosa v. Court of Appeals
When can a convicted accused be granted bail pending appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Obosa v. Court of Appeals.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions based on conspiracy and the credibility of a young eyewitness in People v. Magallano.
Bail After Conviction: Can You Be Released Pending Appeal in the Philippines?
Learn when bail is allowed after conviction in the Philippines, especially when the charge is capital but the conviction is for a lesser offense.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
Explore how Philippine courts assess treachery in criminal cases, focusing on intent, circumstances, and the elements required for conviction.
Wage Disputes: Understanding Regional Director Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Explaining when DOLE Regional Directors can decide wage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in M. Ramirez Industries.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How Intent and Criminal Liability Are Determined
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions in People v. Tañedo.
Rape Conviction and the Weight of Victim Testimony and Corroborating Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's clear testimony, corroborated by medical findings, outweighs a bare denial.
Rape Conviction: The Importance of Victim Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible victim testimony and circumstantial evidence can sustain a rape conviction.