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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Rape Conviction Affirmed: Lessons on Credibility and Damages in Philippine Law
A father's rape conviction upheld; the Supreme Court clarifies credibility rules, alibi, and damages awards in incestuous rape cases.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Legal Consequences and Victim Rights
A father's repeated rape of his daughter yields three reclusion perpetua terms and P225,000 in damages, clarifying Philippine incest-rape law.
Credibility of Witnesses and the Weight of Positive Testimony in Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, positive testimony, and denial in illegal recruitment and estafa convictions, as shown in People v. Calonzo.
Conspiracy and Circumstantial Evidence: When Is It Enough for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence and conspiracy can—and cannot—support a criminal conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction of Minor Niece: Supreme Court Affirms Guilt, Raises Damages
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction of a 13-year-old niece, raising civil indemnity to P50,000 and clarifying credibility rules.
Rape and Consent: Force, Intimidation, and the Victim's Response in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's lack of resistance does not imply consent, especially when force or intimidation is used.
Recanted Testimony and Conflicting Medical Reports: When Can a Rape Conviction Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court explains when recanted testimony and conflicting medical reports can justify a new trial in rape convictions.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness's testimony, explaining why silence during a crime does not destroy credibility.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Wrongful Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts scrutinize buy-bust operations to protect the accused's rights and prevent wrongful convictions in drug cases.
Positive Identification vs Alibi: Lessons from a Philippine Murder Conviction
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi, explained through a 1996 Supreme Court murder ruling.
Rape and Intimidation: When Silence Does Not Mean Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's silence or lack of struggle does not negate force or intimidation, especially when threats and weapons are involved.
Custodial Investigation in the Philippines: Rights and the Admissibility of Confessions
An extrajudicial confession is worthless without proof of effective counsel, but the Supreme Court still affirmed a murder conviction on eyewitness evidence.
The Credibility of Child Witnesses: Upholding Justice Beyond Tender Years
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction based on the positive identification of a ten-year-old eyewitness, and the rules on child testimony, treachery, and alibi.
Annulment of Judgment: Jurisdiction and Timeliness in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction, and certiorari must be filed within three months.
How Philippine Courts Weigh Identification and Alibi in Robbery with Rape Cases
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when victim identification prevails over alibi and how courts distinguish robbery from robbery with rape.
Court Employees and Conflicts of Interest: The Bagolbagol Case on Selling to Litigants
Court employees must avoid business dealings with litigants. The Bagolbagol ruling explains why, even when the employee claims the litigant initiated the arrangement.
Jurisdiction Over Maritime Crimes: Where Can You Be Tried?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue for crimes committed on board vessels in transit, explained in plain language.
Custodial Rights and the Crime of Kidnapping: The Delia Reyes Case
A former housemaid's conviction for kidnapping a child entrusted to her care, explained in plain language.
Positive Identification in Kidnapping Cases: Why It Outweighs Alibi
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld kidnapping convictions based on the victim's positive identification, rejecting weak alibi defenses.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Requirements for Lawful Termination Due to Business Losses
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for valid retrenchment due to business losses and the penalties for failing to meet them.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction over Quo Warranto: The PCGG Exception
When can the Sandiganbayan hear a quo warranto case? The Supreme Court explains the exception involving PCGG and sequestered assets.
Ejectment Suits: How Ownership Disputes Affect Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle ejectment cases when ownership is disputed, and why jurisdiction stays with the first-level court.
When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant in the Philippines: The Month-to-Month Lease Rule
Understand when a landlord may evict a tenant in the Philippines, including the month-to-month lease rule under Article 1687 of the Civil Code.