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.
Consummated Rape: Degree of Penetration and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape penetration, victim testimony, and proof of qualifying circumstances for proper conviction.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
When Death Ends Administrative Liability: The Patag Case on Sheriffs and Due Process
A sheriff died while facing administrative charges. The Supreme Court dismissed the case, explaining why death abates administrative liability.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
Clarifying Ownership When a Property Title Is Held in Trust
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts determine whether a titled property is truly owned by the registered owner or held in trust for another.
Taxing Telecommunications: No Exemption Without Explicit Grant
The Supreme Court rules that the phrase "exclusive of this franchise" in RA 7678 does not exempt Digitel's real properties from real property tax.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Guilt Without Direct Action in People v. Bohol
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, treachery, and murder liability for an accused who did not directly kill.
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.
Legislative Apportionment vs Local Autonomy: When a Plebiscite Is Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative reapportionment of a city into two districts does not require a plebiscite, distinguishing it from dividing a local government unit.
Negligence in Notarial Acts: Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents and the Duty of Due Diligence
A notary's failure to verify identity led to a three-month suspension and revocation of notarial commission. Learn the rules.
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.
Victory Liner v. Race: Good Faith Can Limit Backwages in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When an employer acts in good faith, an illegally dismissed employee may receive limited backwages instead of full backwages.
When a Sheriff's Delay Undermines Justice: Lessons from Zamudio v. Auro
A deputy sheriff's repeated extensions to a judgment debtor and failure to file reports led to a finding of simple neglect of duty, with a fine imposed by the Supreme Court.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
Revival of Judgment, Attorney Negligence, and Binding Effect on Heirs
Explains when a dormant judgment can be revived, and how a lawyer's failure to inform the court of a client's death binds the heirs.
Rape and Parental Betrayal: Upholding Convictions in Incestuous Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of a father, explaining how clear testimony and flight from detention support guilt.
Reconstitution of Lost Title After Fire: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost title can be reconstituted after a fire, easing strict documentary requirements.
Advertising Standards: Voluntary Self-Regulation vs Legal Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that the Advertising Board of the Philippines' clearance system is voluntary self-regulation, not government authority.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction in the Philippines
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict, explained through a murder case where no one saw the killing.
Forum Shopping Prohibition Filing Separate Actions FOR THE Same Relief Results IN Dismissal
Filing both an appeal and a certiorari petition over the same RTC orders is forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why both cases were dismissed.
Correcting Dispositive Errors When Can A Final Judgment BE Clarified
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final and executory judgment may still be corrected for clerical errors or inadvertent omissions.
Final Judgments and Clerical Errors: The PhilHealth v. Chinese General Hospital Case
When a final judgment contains a clerical omission, courts may clarify it by reading the decision as a whole.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Reversion of Land: Balancing State Ownership and Good Faith Improvements
When land reverts to the State, what happens to improvements planted in good faith? The Supreme Court provides guidance.