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 Upheld Despite Minor Inconsistencies: Why Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not destroy credibility.
Donation Inter Vivos vs Mortis Causa: Philippine Law on Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish donation inter vivos from mortis causa, and when donations become irrevocable.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Why Proving the Relationship Matters
A look at People v. Garcia, where the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the stepfather relationship.
Partition Inter Vivos and Torrens Title Protection: Lessons from Zaragoza v. Morgan
Philippine law allows property owners to partition estates during their lifetime, but only if legitimes are respected and titles are challenged directly.
Unpacking Treachery: How Philippine Courts Define Murder
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, and why eyewitness identification must overcome reasonable doubt.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Killing in the Heat of the Moment Becomes Homicide
Understand when a killing in the Philippines is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense requires proof of unlawful aggression.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: The Quinsay Case and Why Multiple Lawsuits Backfire
Forum shopping—filing multiple suits for the same dispute—can get cases dismissed. Learn the rules from the Supreme Court's ruling in Quinsay.
Delayed Reporting in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Trust Victim Testimony
Philippine courts uphold rape convictions despite delayed reporting when victims offer credible reasons. Learn the legal principles from People v. Cano.
Muslim Marriages Before the Muslim Code: Property Regime and Estate Settlement
Supreme Court clarifies which law governs property relations in Muslim marriages contracted before the Muslim Code, remanding estate case for further proceedings.
Frustrated Murder vs Homicide: The Decisive Role of Premeditation in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder? The Supreme Court explains why evident premeditation is essential and how its absence downgrades frustrated murder to homicide.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Statutory Rape Cases: People v. Arco
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying how courts assess the credibility of a child witness's testimony.
When Parental Authority Becomes Criminal Abuse: Rape by a Father in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 12-year-old daughter leads to reclusion perpetua, not death, because the minority was not alleged in the information.
Defining Kidnapping When Taking A Child Becomes A Crime IN THE Philippines
When does taking a child become kidnapping? The Supreme Court explains the elements of serious illegal detention under the Revised Penal Code.
Can a Notary Public Also Be a Witness? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine law generally allows a notary public to also witness the documents they notarize, except for wills. Learn the rules and limits.
Canceling a Fictitious Birth Certificate: The Babiera v. Catotal Ruling
When can a birth certificate be canceled as fictitious? The Supreme Court explains in Babiera v. Catotal.
Rape Conviction: Positive Identification and the Relative Standard of Force and Intimidation
The Supreme Court explains how a rape victim's positive identification and the relative nature of force and intimidation can secure a conviction.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in criminal convictions.
Royalty Payments After Franchise Expiration: When the Assigned Right Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue after the underlying franchise agreement expires and the assigned right ceases to exist.
When a Franchise Expires: Object of Sale and Royalty Fees Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue when the assigned franchise right expires, interpreting contract intent.
Corporate Officer Liability When Can a Company Executive Be Held Personally Responsible
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers can be held personally liable for company obligations and acts.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
Marriage Nullity Absence OF Marriage License Voids Union
A marriage celebrated without a license is void from the beginning, even if the issue is raised only on appeal.
Forcible Abduction With Rape: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's alibi and denial.
Judicial Corruption Upholding Integrity IN THE Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court reprimands a judge for impropriety, misdemeanor, and gross ignorance of law in Tapiru v. Biden.