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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Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity for Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove the chain of custody, emphasizing evidence integrity.
Judicial Overreach: Defining the Boundaries of Contempt Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for forum shopping requires identity of parties, causes, and reliefs—not mere procedural missteps.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Prosecution Must Prove the Seized Drugs' Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove the chain of custody of seized shabu, explaining the strict evidentiary rule.
Premature Legal Action: Understanding Ripeness in Declaratory Relief Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a declaratory relief case is premature and how the doctrine of primary jurisdiction applies.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Mental Retardation and the Assessment of Force and Consent
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape charge built on force and intimidation does not require the victim's mental retardation to be alleged in the information.
Extrinsic Fraud and Attorney Negligence: Due Process in Philippine Courts
When does a lawyer's negligence amount to extrinsic fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars.
Intent vs Action: Distinguishing Attempted From Frustrated Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a stab wound amounts to attempted rather than frustrated homicide, and the proof required.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court clarifies that a Torrens title gives the registered owner a better right to possession than an unregistered deed of sale.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Slightest Penetration Suffices Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape convictions, clarifying that slight penetration and credible child testimony are enough to convict.
Protecting Minors: Why Anger or Resentment Cannot Justify Rape Accusations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape accusations against minors cannot be dismissed as products of anger or resentment, upholding conviction based on credible testimony.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Amount to Extrinsic Fraud: Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's mistakes can justify annulment of judgment, and when clients must bear the consequences.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Primacy of Victim Testimony in Statutory Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a minor victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a statutory rape conviction.
Valid Warrantless Arrest Upholding Drug Conviction Based on In Flagrante Delicto
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction, ruling warrantless arrest valid when suspect caught in flagrante delicto exchanging shabu.
Kidnapping for Ransom and the Law on Child Victims: People v. Siongco
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two men for kidnapping an 11-year-old boy for ransom, clarifying the law on consent, conspiracy, and damages.
Laches and Land Ownership: Protecting Established Rights Against Delayed Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion publiciana, Torrens titles, and laches in land ownership disputes.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court rules registered owners have better right to possession than occupants holding unregistered deeds, even notarized ones.
Defining the Lines: Independent Contractor vs Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the fatal consequences of procedural lapses in labor appeals.
Attorney Negligence and Extrinsic Fraud: The Limits of Legal Recourse in Philippine Law
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client the case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extrinsic fraud.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Doubts on Victim's Behavior
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's initial inconsistent reports and lack of bruises do not negate the crime.
Decoding Independent Contractors When Control Determines Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer-employee relationship tests and the mandatory certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals.
Revocation of Special Administration: Balancing Discretion and Due Process in Estate Settlement
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on revoking special administrators and appointing regular administrators in estate proceedings.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.