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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Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Divorce Abroad and Child Custody: Reconciling Foreign Decrees With Philippine Law
Philippine courts can recognize a foreign divorce but still decide child custody and support, as Roehr v. Rodriguez explains.
Indefinite Suspension for Lawyer’s Gross Immoral Conduct: Zaguirre v. Castillo
The Supreme Court indefinitely suspends a lawyer for siring a child outside marriage and reneging on his sworn support, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold moral standards at all times.
Retraction Rejection Affirming Conviction Despite Witness Recantation In Murder Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that a witness's retraction does not automatically overturn a murder conviction when other credible evidence supports guilt.
Immediate Execution OF Support Judgments Upholding THE Rights OF Children
Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping in Refiled Cases and Support Pendente Lite
Supreme Court clarifies when a certificate of non-forum shopping must mention a prior dismissed case, and reinstates support pendente lite orders.
When Identification Fails: The Teves Parricide Acquittal and the Limits of Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a parricide convict, showing how suggestive identification and weak circumstantial evidence cannot support a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Robbery With Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How circumstantial evidence can support a robbery with homicide conviction, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: When Inconsistent Testimony Cannot Support a Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused where the victim's inconsistent testimony and improbable claims failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Eyewitness Testimony and Guilty Pleas in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for rape-homicide, explaining how credible eyewitness testimony and a valid guilty plea support conviction.
Child Support Cannot Be Waived: Res Judicata in Philippine Family Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a child's right to support cannot be renounced or barred by a prior dismissal, citing Civil Code Articles 301 and 2035.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Rape Cases: Key Jurisprudence Explained
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's alibi defense, and clarifies damages and support.
Circumstantial Evidence in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Principal and Accessory Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy or principal liability, and when it only supports accessory liability in kidnapping.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Navigating Recognition and Support
Learn how Philippine courts establish paternity for illegitimate children and their right to support, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy and Circumstantial Evidence: When Is It Enough for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence and conspiracy can—and cannot—support a criminal conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Estate Allowances: Who Can Receive Support During Probate in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may receive support allowances from a decedent's estate during probate proceedings.