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.
When Courts May Reopen a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trial court may reopen a criminal case after the parties have rested, and the limits of that discretion.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: When Can New Evidence Be Introduced on Appeal?
When can an employer introduce new evidence on appeal in a dismissal case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process.
Upholding Moral Standards Teacher Dismissal FOR Immorality IN Philippine Schools
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on dismissing teachers for immoral conduct and the legal standards for moral fitness in Philippine education.
Consent Is Key: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a supposed love affair cannot justify rape, and why consent must be proven, not assumed.
The Irrefutable Confession: How Counsel and Corroboration Cement Convictions in Philippine Courts
A counsel-assisted, voluntary confession carries strong weight in Philippine courts, especially when corroborated by independent evidence. This case explains why.
Missed Deadlines Missed Defenses: The High Stakes of Ignoring a Request for Admission in Philippine Courts
A Request for Admission is not a mere formality. Ignoring it can mean losing a case by default. Learn the rules.
Bail Denied When Evidence of Guilt Is Strong in Philippine Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bail must be denied in capital offenses and why trial judges must summarize prosecution evidence.
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.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Consent, Force, and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms rape and sexual assault convictions, clarifying consent, force, and the weight of a child victim's testimony.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Weigh Eyewitness Accounts in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on six counts of murder explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony do not destroy credibility.
Rape and Unconsciousness: Understanding Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine law on rape and unconsciousness: when consent is impossible and how courts treat statutory rape and sexual assault cases.
Lethal Injection in the Philippines: Balancing Constitutionality and Humane Execution
A look at Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice, where the Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional method of execution.
Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice: Lethal Injection and the Limits of Administrative Rule-Making
The Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional mode of execution but struck down implementing rules that overstepped the law.
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.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Ponce v. NLRC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationships, and illegal dismissal in Ponce v. NLRC.
Positive Identification in Murder Cases: The Delmendo Ruling on Eyewitness Testimony
How the Supreme Court in People v. Delmendo weighed eyewitness testimony, positive identification, and treachery in affirming a murder conviction.
Project Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court protects project employees from illegal dismissal under Philippine labor law, including rules on termination and remedies.
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.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
Credible Witness or Coached Testimony: Why Doubt Can Acquit in Philippine Theft Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a Meralco employee of qualified theft, emphasizing that uncorroborated and improbable witness testimony cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Publication Is Key: Ensuring Government Transparency and Rule of Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why administrative circulars must be published to be effective, ensuring transparency and rule of law.