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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Defense of Relatives in the Philippines: When Is Killing Justified?
Philippine law allows killing to defend a relative, but strict conditions apply. Learn the rules from the Galorio case.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Why Silence Can Prove the Crime
Philippine law recognizes moral ascendancy as a substitute for force in rape cases. Learn what this means for victims and legal strategy.
Human Trafficking in the Philippines: Qualified Trafficking and Child Protection Under RA 9208
Philippine law treats trafficking of minors as qualified trafficking with severe penalties. A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how victim testimony secures convictions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Strict Standard for Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, underscoring the strict standard for conviction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Leads to Acquittal
A broken chain of custody can overturn drug convictions. Learn the strict rules under RA 9165 and what the Cordova ruling means.
Ghost Employees and Graft Liability: The Supreme Court’s Standard in People v. Reales
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in ghost employee corruption cases, protecting honest public officials from wrongful conviction.
Employer Interference and Unfair Labor Practices: The SCIPSI Ruling on Union Dues
When an employer withholds union dues under a CBA check-off, it is unfair labor practice—not an intra-union dispute—vesting jurisdiction in the Labor Arbiter.
Unlawful Arrests and Illegal Searches: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession, ruling that a warrantless search based on a traffic violation and a hunch violates constitutional rights.
Child Trafficking Conviction Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Villaria
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for eight counts of qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying that a child victim's consent is irrelevant.
Construction Arbitration: When Non-Signatories Are Bound by Arbitration Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when non-signatories to a construction contract can be bound by its arbitration clause, clarifying CIAC jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credible Testimony and Medical Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony and medical evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Convictions and the Burden of Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged and proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
One-Year Ban on Appointments for Losing Candidates: Understanding the Restrictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year constitutional ban on appointing losing candidates to government posts, including contractual engagements.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
When Does Masturbation in Front of a Minor Constitute Child Abuse Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal boundaries of child abuse under RA 7610, ruling that mere masturbation in front of a minor without proof of severe psychological harm is not enough for conviction
Protection Orders and Jurisdiction: When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's TRO errors are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Preliminary Attachment in the Philippines: Safeguarding Claims Without Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary attachment is proper, stressing strict compliance with Rule 57 to prevent abuse.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force, Consent, and Credibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying force, consent, credibility, and penalties under the Anti-Rape Law.
Prolonged Detention and the Rights of the Accused in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions while clarifying warrantless arrest rules, chain of custody, and accused rights under RA 9165.
Double Jeopardy in Attorney Disbarment: When Is a Lawyer Ineligible for Judicial Clemency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy in disbarment cases and the strict standards for judicial clemency for disbarred lawyers.
Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological violence under RA 9262 and raises penalties when abuse is committed through social media or ICT.
Forum Shopping: When Filing Multiple Cases Crosses the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases amounts to forum shopping, and which body has jurisdiction to rule on it.
When Prescription Bars a Lesser Offense: Corpus v. People
The Court explains when an accused cannot be convicted of a lesser offense because it already prescribed before the information was filed.