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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for raping his 7-year-old daughter, clarifying rules on alibi, credibility, and damages.
Rehabilitation Proceedings: Balancing Creditor Rights and Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies creditor participation rights in corporate rehabilitation appeals, balancing recovery goals with due process.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
Causation vs. Presumption: Understanding Employee Compensation for Illness
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illness is compensable under PD 626, emphasizing proof of work-connection over presumption.
When Police Testimony Conflicts: Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Innocence
A Supreme Court ruling shows how inconsistent police testimony in buy-bust operations can lead to acquittal, protecting the presumption of innocence.
Due Process in Corporate Rehabilitation: Creditors' Right to Participate on Appeal
Supreme Court ruling on creditors' right to participate in corporate rehabilitation appeals, protecting due process and equal footing principles.
Residency Redefined: Upholding Election Results Despite Challenges to Candidate's Domicile
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for local candidates, upholding John Henry Osmeña's win as Toledo City mayor despite domicile challenges.
Maceda Law Rights of Installment Buyers in Real Estate Contracts
The Supreme Court explains how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers, including the required cash surrender value before contract cancellation.
Estafa by Abuse of Confidence: When Failing to Return Money Becomes a Crime
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence and when failure to return entrusted money constitutes a criminal offense.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
When Killing Is Not Robbery: Proving Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing with theft is homicide, not robbery with homicide, focusing on criminal intent.
Regular Employment Defined: Security of Tenure and Length of Service in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, security of tenure, and length of service in illegal dismissal cases.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa Through Misappropriation of Funds
When does a failure to return money become estafa? The Supreme Court explains the elements of misappropriation under Article 315.
Intent vs Act: Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become robbery with homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Torres.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Leniency
Court personnel who falsify time records commit dishonesty, a grave offense. The Supreme Court explains when leniency may apply.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed in Jewelry Consignment Case
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for consignee who sold jewelry on credit and failed to remit proceeds or return items.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
Truth in Townsite Sales Misrepresentation Disqualifies Applicant Despite Denr Approval
Supreme Court rules misrepresentation in a Townsite Sales Application disqualifies an applicant, even if DENR initially approved it.
Res Judicata in Corporate Rehabilitation: Final Judgments Bar Relitigation
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar relitigation of an approved corporate rehabilitation plan, ensuring finality.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Reprimand, Not Disbarment
Lawyer who failed to file immigration petition for client receives reprimand from Supreme Court for violating professional responsibility rules.
When a Trial Court Loses Jurisdiction: Double Jeopardy and Void Orders in Quiambao v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a dismissal order is void for lack of jurisdiction and why double jeopardy does not attach to a null judgment.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of a Minor Victim's Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on a minor's credible testimony, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying force and intimidation requirements.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Unmasking the Innocent Purchaser Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers of registered land must go beyond the title when circumstances raise suspicion. Learn the limits of the innocent purchaser defense.
Public Officials Must Answer Letters Within 15 Days: Lessons from Bueno v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials must respond to public queries within 15 working days, even without bad faith.