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.
Child Support Cannot Be Waived: Res Judicata in Philippine Family Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a child's right to support cannot be renounced or barred by a prior dismissal, citing Civil Code Articles 301 and 2035.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Dismissal Is Too Harsh in the Philippines
Philippine labor law requires penalties to fit the offense. Learn when dismissal is disproportionate and how the Supreme Court applies this rule.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Indispensable Cooperation
Learn how Philippine courts establish conspiracy in criminal cases, using the 1999 rape decision in People v. Banela as a guide.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the role of victim testimony, and the legal framework addressing sexual abuse.
Credibility Counts: How Philippine Courts Decide Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases
Philippine courts weigh credibility heavily when accused persons invoke self-defense in murder cases. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: When an Information Remains Valid in Philippine Law
Philippine courts allow minor date discrepancies in rape informations if the accused is not prejudiced. Learn the rule from People v. Bugayong.
Separation of Powers: Why Courts Stay Out of Senate Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed a quo warranto petition challenging the Senate minority leader's selection, citing separation of powers.
Priority in Land Titles: Why Earlier Registration Wins in Philippine Property Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registration generally prevails. Learn the rule and how to protect your property.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Delayed Reporting in Rape Cases: Why Fear and Trauma Don't Discredit a Victim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that delayed reporting of rape doesn't automatically discredit a victim's testimony.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What People v. Larin Teaches About Child Protection
Understand lascivious conduct under RA 7610 through People v. Larin, and how Philippine law protects children from sexual abuse.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: People v. Calma
How Philippine courts weigh child testimony in rape cases, and what People v. Calma teaches about credibility, evidence, and justice for minors.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Ferrer
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim credibility in rape cases. People v. Ferrer shows why trial court findings on witness demeanor are rarely overturned.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
Why Summary Petitions Fall Short in Land Ownership Battles: Quevada v. Glorioso
The Supreme Court explains why a summary petition for inscription cannot resolve genuine ownership disputes over registered land.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Uphold Witness Credibility Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility over minor inconsistencies. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Crisostomo.
Philippine Drug Case Conspiracy When Presence Equals Guilt
Supreme Court explains how mere presence at a drug sale can prove conspiracy and lead to conviction as a principal.
Warranting Precision: Why Describing the Right Place Is Crucial in Search Warrants
The Supreme Court explains why the place to be searched must be described with precision, and the consequences of a vague warrant.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: Ensuring Timely Justice and Efficient Court Management
A Supreme Court ruling on a deputy sheriff's neglect of duty underscores the exacting standards of judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining how credibility, alibi, and evident premeditation are evaluated.
Minor Inconsistencies and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts treat minor inconsistencies in rape victim testimony, and why small discrepancies can strengthen rather than destroy credibility.