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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Rape Conviction and Deadly Weapon: Credibility of Witness Testimony in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies circumstantial evidence and witness credibility in rape with homicide conviction, affirming guilty verdict.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal in Property Disputes: Tan v. Antazo
The Supreme Court reiterates that certiorari under Rule 65 cannot replace an ordinary appeal, even in property cases.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Philippine Law on Crimes Against Children
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape with homicide convictions based on circumstantial evidence and victim testimony in crimes against children.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
When Can You Sue the Philippine Government? The ATO Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government agencies can be sued, distinguishing sovereign from proprietary functions in the Air Transportation Office case.
Simulated Bidding and Falsification: Public Officials' Liability Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on public officials liable for falsified bidding documents and graft under R.A. 3019 in simulated procurement.
Substantial Compliance vs Strict Interpretation: Upholding Appeals in Liquidation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in appeals, using a bank liquidation case to clarify procedural rules.
SALN Compliance: Ombudsman’s Authority and the Limits of Employer Review
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of offices reviewing SALNs cannot bar the Ombudsman from investigating public officials for substantive defects.
SALN Disclosure: Ombudsman’s Authority Not Limited by Internal Office Procedures
Supreme Court ruling on SALN review, Ombudsman independence, and the limits of Section 10 RA 6713.
SALN Review by Head of Office Cannot Bar Ombudsman From Filing Charges
Supreme Court clarifies that a head of office's failure to review a subordinate's SALN does not stop the Ombudsman from prosecuting falsification cases.
When a Rape Conviction Can Rest on the Victim's Sole Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape conviction can rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, and why alibi rarely prevails.
Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy Affirming Guilt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and treachery, explaining key rules for criminal cases.
Unwavering Witness: How Philippine Courts Value Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility against alibi defenses.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retrenchment is valid, how waivers and quitclaims are tested, and what happens when the required DOLE notice is late.
Deceptive Practices in Sales: When Employees Face Estafa Liability
Sales employees can face estafa liability for deceptive practices. The Supreme Court explains when soliciting clients despite knowledge of fraud constitutes misrepresentation.
Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity in Wrongful Death Claims: The Roberto Lopez Case
The Supreme Court in People v. Lopez clarifies the formula for computing loss of earning capacity in wrongful death cases.
Protecting Marital Assets When Corporate Debt Cannot Seize Family Property
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate debts cannot reach family property, and the proper remedy for third-party claims in labor execution.
Judges Must Decide Cases Promptly: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how undue delay in deciding cases makes a judge liable, even after retirement, and why heavy caseload is no excuse.
Treachery and Conspiracy: When Presence Makes You an Accomplice, Not a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bystander at a murder scene becomes an accomplice rather than a conspirator, and how treachery is proven.
When Archiving Criminal Cases Becomes Gross Ignorance of the Law: Ricablanca v. Barillo
A judge's duty to transmit preliminary investigation records to prosecutors, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ricablanca v. Barillo.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: The League of Cities Doctrine
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of 16 cityhood laws, ruling that Congress validly exempted certain municipalities from higher income requirements.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The David Lu Case on Actions Incapable of Pecuniary Estimation
Learn how the Supreme Court's David Lu ruling clarifies docket fees and jurisdiction for actions incapable of pecuniary estimation in Philippine courts.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits, Penalties, and Remedies Under Philippine Law
Learn the limits of direct contempt in Philippine courts, including penalties, due process rights, and remedies like certiorari.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Can Agreements Be Modified
Learn when a new contract can replace an old one under Philippine law, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling on novation.