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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Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can establish rape beyond reasonable doubt, even when the victim was unconscious during the assault.
When Falsified Encashment Slips Lead to Estafa: Lessons from People v. Domingo
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for estafa through falsification of commercial documents, clarifying the elements and penalties involved.
Second Chance Appeals: COMELEC's Duty to Allow Correction of Election Fee Payments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for a corporation's unpaid obligations under the Corporation Code.
Due Process and Representation: The Solicitor General's Role in Criminal Appeals
A criminal appeal decided without the Solicitor General's participation violates due process. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Lascivious Acts and Workplace Misconduct
Court employee dismissed for kissing a co-worker and reporting drunk. The Supreme Court affirms strict ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Delayed Delivery and Rescission Rights in Pre-Selling Condominium Contracts
The Supreme Court held that a developer's failure to deliver a pre-selling condominium unit on time entitles the buyer to a refund of payments with interest.
Right of Way Cannot Be Acquired by Continuous Use Alone; Title or Written Agreement Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: easement of right of way is discontinuous, cannot be acquired by prescription or mere continuous use.
Abandonment of Duty, Unauthorized Absences, and the Doctrine of Dropping From the Rolls
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a court employee may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL and unauthorized foreign travel.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal of Court Personnel for Fraudulent Retirement Benefit Release
The Supreme Court dismissed and disciplined court personnel who facilitated the fraudulent release of a dismissed judge's P1.55-million retirement gratuity.
Corporate Officer Liability for Bad Faith Under Section 31 of the Corporation Code
When can corporate officers be personally liable for corporate obligations? The Supreme Court explains bad faith and gross negligence under Section 31.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Judiciary: What the Supreme Court Says
Explore how the Supreme Court treats habitual absenteeism among judges and court personnel, and the disciplinary consequences under Philippine law.
Supreme Court on Sandiganbayan Appeals: Credibility Findings Bind Review
Learn how the Supreme Court limits appeals from the Sandiganbayan to questions of law, and why witness credibility findings are conclusive.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Suffices for Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Rusiana on chain of custody, substantial compliance, and conviction for illegal sale of drugs.
Temperate Damages in Construction Breach: When Proof of Loss Falls Short
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts award temperate damages instead of actual damages in construction contract breaches.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Upheld for Abuse of a Mentally Retarded Woman
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally retarded woman, clarifying rules on witness credibility and insanity defenses.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.
Gender Equality in Retirement: Challenging Discriminatory Collective Bargaining Agreements
When can a flight attendant challenge a discriminatory retirement age in court? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CBA provisions.
Positive Identification Prevails: Police Blotter Discrepancies Do Not Nullify Witness Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that minor inconsistencies in police blotter entries do not automatically destroy a victim's credible, positive identification of the accused.
Cashier's Failure to Report Time Card Tampering Justifies Dismissal for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court ruling on cashier dismissal for failing to report time card tampering, explaining breach of trust and due process in Philippine labor law.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer Must Prove Abandonment With Clear Intent to Sever Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove both absence and clear intent to sever employment to establish abandonment.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Withdrawal of Complaint and Property Dispute Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a final judgment from modification in a property dispute, and what this means for your rights.
Basketball Governance Validating Membership FOR Voting Rights IN Sports Associations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on membership validation as prerequisite to voting rights in sports associations, citing the BAP-SBP case.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Election Offenses and Probable Cause: The COMELEC's Role in Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies the COMELEC's authority to find probable cause for election offenses and its limits on disqualification cases after proclamation.