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.
Drug Sale Conviction Upheld: Minor Inconsistencies Do Not Undermine Police Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms drug sale and possession convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not impair credibility.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
When Sangguniang Approval Is Needed for Local Government Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local chief executives need sanggunian approval before signing contracts binding their LGUs to new obligations.
Eyewitness Identification and Inconsistent Statements in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, minor inconsistencies, and alibi defenses in robbery with homicide convictions.
Honesty Matters: Dismissal for False Statements in Government Job Applications
The Supreme Court ruled that false declarations in a Personal Data Sheet constitute dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from government service.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Insider Trading Rules Stand Even Without Implementing Rules, High Court Rules
Supreme Court clarifies insider trading provisions are self-executing and enforceable even without implementing rules, protecting investors.
The Perils of Untimely Appeals: Adherence to Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Explore how strict procedural rules shape Philippine labor cases, from appeal deadlines to due process in dismissals.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation in Familial Settings
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a cousin, ruling that moral ascendancy in familial settings constitutes intimidation, and clarifies penetration standards.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Arson Cases
How a credible lone eyewitness can overcome alibi and denial in Philippine arson prosecutions, with practical lessons.
Dual Roles, Divided Loyalties: Graft Law and the Limits of Hypothetical Guilt
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer can be charged with graft for holding incompatible positions and collecting dual compensation.
Dismissal Based on Theft: Upholding Employee Termination for Unauthorized Disposal of Company Property
Supreme Court rules on valid dismissal for theft of company property and the due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Estafa by False Pretenses: Proving Fraud Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts prove estafa by false pretenses, using the Rizza Lao case to explain the elements, burden of proof, and penalties.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Preventive Suspension and Unexplained Wealth in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials facing charges of dishonesty and unexplained wealth.
Proving Just Cause in Retrenchment and Redundancy: Lessons from AMA Computer College
Learn what employers must prove for valid retrenchment or redundancy dismissals, and why AMA Computer College's termination of two employees was ruled illegal.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Senatorial Races: Pimentel v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court in Pimentel v. COMELEC limits pre-proclamation challenges in senatorial races, directing disputes to election protests instead.
When Social Media Abuse Qualifies for Higher Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Protecting Children Credibility IN Rape AND Lasciviousness Cases Involving Minors
The Supreme Court affirms that minor inconsistencies do not destroy a child rape victim's credibility, explaining why delay in reporting is justified.
Trade Secrets vs Discovery: Balancing Business Confidentiality and Legal Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when trade secrets are privileged from compulsory disclosure in civil discovery proceedings.
Proving Illegal Sale of Shabu: The Role of Informants and Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling explains what prosecutors must prove in illegal drug sales cases and when an informant's testimony is dispensable.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.