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.
Rape Conviction and Proof of Victim's Age: People v. Mayorga
SC ruling on rape, death penalty, and the need for independent proof of victim's age below seven years.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Witness Testimony Is Key to Conviction
How the Supreme Court reaffirmed that credible witness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in rape convictions, shaping Philippine criminal law.
Sheriffs and Judges: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in resolving cases underscores the ethical duties of court officials and the importance of timely justice.
When Self-Defense Claims Fall Short: Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why self-defense claims fail without credible evidence, and when murder is reduced to homicide.
Judicial Misconduct and Bail Irregularities: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and abuse of authority clarifies judicial duties and due process in Philippine courts.
Combating Judicial Delay: Ensuring Speedy Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability for undue delay, reinforcing constitutional mandates for speedy disposition of cases.
Judicial Delay: Understanding the 90-Day Rule for Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. Learn the rule, its legal basis, and consequences of delay.
Zero Tolerance for Dishonesty: Supreme Court Upholds Integrity in Public Service
The Supreme Court cancels the appointment of a court utility worker who forged a judge's signature, reaffirming that dishonesty disqualifies anyone from government service.
Single Credible Witness Can Secure Conviction: People v. Sabado Explained
A single credible eyewitness can convict in Philippine courts. Learn how People v. Sabado demonstrates the quality-over-quantity principle in evidence.
Escheat of Unclaimed Bank Deposits in the Philippines: Procedure and Due Process
Learn how Philippine escheat law works for unclaimed bank deposits, why publication is required, and why certiorari cannot replace a missed appeal.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Mariano
Philippine courts give significant weight to a child's credible testimony in rape cases. Learn the key principles from People v. Mariano.
People v. Laguerta: Why Clear Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Laguerta, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape convict due to inconsistent victim testimony, convicting him instead of acts of lasciviousness.
Credibility of Rape Victims in the Philippines: Why Minor Inconsistencies Don't Negate Truth
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy her credibility.
Holding Lawyers Accountable: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Forgery and Immorality
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for forging his wife's signature and siring a child out of wedlock, reaffirming that lawyers must maintain good moral character at all times.
Promissory Notes vs Loan Agreements: Legitimacy in Philippine Investment Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan documents are legitimate investments, using a disbarment case to explain forgery, consent, and moral character.
Distinguishing Consummated From Attempted Rape: Why Proof of Penetration Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate rape, as even slight penetration consummates the crime.
Improvident Plea of Guilt in the Philippines: The Searching Inquiry Requirement
A guilty plea in a capital offense requires a searching inquiry. Learn what makes a plea improvident and how courts protect the accused.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Barro Jr.
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases and why alibi fails against positive identification, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Robbery with Homicide: Why the Extrajudicial Confession and Proper Charge Matter
A Supreme Court ruling explains when an extrajudicial confession is valid and how robbery with homicide is properly charged and penalized.
Vague Dates in Rape Informations: When Approximate Time Is Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether vague dates in rape informations violate the accused's right to be informed, and why approximate time suffices.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Details Matter in Proving Murder
A Supreme Court ruling on treachery in murder cases, showing why precise facts matter in proving qualifying circumstances.
Maintaining Workplace Decorum: Lessons on Grave Misconduct from the Philippine Supreme Court
A Supreme Court ruling on a belligerent employee shows why workplace decorum is non-negotiable in the Philippine public service.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key to Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on flawed eyewitness testimony and the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
When One Eyewitness Is Enough: Conviction for Murder in Philippine Courts
A single credible eyewitness can secure a murder conviction in the Philippines. Learn the rules from People v. Mira.