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.
Delay in Reporting a Crime Does Not Destroy Witness Credibility: People v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court rules that fear of reprisal justifies a witness's delay in reporting a crime, and explains when aggravating circumstances apply.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for Deceit in Mobilization Fund Scheme
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for contractor who misrepresented ability to mobilize equipment and misappropriated P600,000 mobilization fund.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short of Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction in estafa cases, examining the limits of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Redemption vs. Repurchase: Property Rights After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between redemption and repurchase of foreclosed property, and why timing matters.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Accountability for Murder Conspiracy and the Limits of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling on murder conviction, eyewitness identification, treachery, and why alibi fails against positive testimony.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal in Factual Review Cases
Supreme Court clarifies certiorari cannot replace appeal; default orders for repeated pre-trial absences upheld.
MSU Liable for Official Actions: Contractual Obligations and University Presidents
Supreme Court rules Mindanao State University bound by official acts of its presidents, estopped from denying contract payments to contractor.
Judicial Misconduct: A Judge's Accountability for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Justice
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, abuse of power, and obstruction of justice in City Prosecution Office v. Bersales.
Forum Shopping in Corporate Disputes: When Parallel Cases Get Dismissed
The Supreme Court explains when filing parallel cases on the same corporate dispute constitutes forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
When a Stabbing Spree Is Homicide, Not Murder: The Treachery Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a killing during a heated quarrel, without proof of treachery, is homicide—not murder.
Carnapping vs Theft: Defining Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when taking a vehicle is carnapping, not qualified theft, and the proper penalties.
Murder Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, focusing on treachery, witness credibility, and proper damages in People v. Escote.
Land Registration and Imperfect Titles: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict possession standard for judicial confirmation of imperfect titles under the Public Land Act.
Prescription and Co-Ownership: When Long Possession Extinguishes Partition Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a co-owner's long, exclusive possession can extinguish the right to demand partition through prescription.
Conspiracy vs Mere Presence: When Bystanders Escape Murder Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder cases, acquitting three accused.
Consent in Rape Cases: Force, Intimidation, and Credibility Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, explaining when lack of resistance signals consent and how courts test force and intimidation.
Entrapment vs Illegal Search: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal warrantless searches in drug cases, and clarifies penalties for selling small amounts of shabu.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Defining Boundaries and Upholding Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between habitual absenteeism and excusable absences in public service, reinforcing accountability standards.
Grave Threats Case: Why Judges Must Apply Summary Procedure Correctly
In Riño v. Cawaling, the Supreme Court fined a judge for gross ignorance of the law in misapplying summary procedure in a grave threats case.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith as the Decisive Factor in Ownership Disputes
In double sales of land, good faith determines ownership. The Supreme Court explains why a clean title alone does not protect a buyer who ignores visible occupants.
Homeowners' Open Space Claims vs Subdivision Rules: When Laws Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on whether P.D. 957's open space requirement applies retroactively to subdivisions approved before 1976.
Sudden Violence or Planned Attack: Homicide vs Murder in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden, anger-fueled stabbing is homicide, not murder, because treachery was not proven.
Negligence and Security Protocol: Defining Duty in Judicial Premises
Supreme Court ruling on security guard negligence in judicial premises, explaining duty standards, simple neglect, and penalties under civil service rules.