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.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Can Sustain Conviction Without Corroborating Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict, even without corroborating medical evidence.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Rape by a Father and the Limits of Criminal Allegations
Father convicted of raping his 14-year-old daughter twice; Supreme Court affirms guilt but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua for procedural defects in the information.
Rape Conviction and Penalties Under RA 8353: Lessons from People v. Olaybar
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault penalties, and the evidentiary weight of a child victim's testimony.
Res Gestae Exception: Admissibility of Spontaneous Statements in Philippine Homicide Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the res gestae exception to admit a victim's spontaneous statement identifying his assailant in a homicide case.
When Authority Restrains Defining Arbitrary Detention IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere employees cannot be held liable for illegal recruitment absent proof of knowledge and active participation.
The Fine Line Between Self-Defense and Homicide: Establishing Intent in Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a claim of accident or self-defense fails, and how courts determine criminal intent in homicide cases.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
Supreme Court clarifies cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery by the offended party, not from publication, and settles unsigned resolution doctrine.
Victim Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Ensuring Justice for Minors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a minor victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a rape conviction, ensuring justice.
Unveiling Treachery: How Face Coverings Impact Criminal Identification in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how eyewitness identification holds even when some assailants wear helmets or masks during a crime.
Treachery in Stone Throwing: When a Sudden Attack Qualifies as Murder
A single stone thrown from behind turned a killing into murder. Learn how the Supreme Court defined treachery in People v. Duban.
Forum Shopping and Mining Rights: Lessons from the Lepanto-WMC Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies when overlapping claims before courts and administrative agencies constitute forum shopping in mining disputes.
When a Lawyer's Error Binds a Client: The Doctrine of Negligence in Philippine Litigation
Explore how the Supreme Court holds clients bound by their counsel's mistakes, and when courts may grant relief from a lawyer's negligence.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
Court Clerk Reprimanded for Discourtesy: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court reprimanded a court clerk for discourtesy toward staff, emphasizing that judicial personnel must uphold professionalism and harmony.
Retraction vs Reliability: Weighing Conflicting Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts weigh recanted testimony in rape cases, and why retractions rarely defeat a conviction.
Correcting Penalties in Drug Cases: Fair Application of Republic Act No. 7659
When a drug conviction carries an impossible penalty, the Supreme Court can correct it even after finality—here's how.
Disciplinary Action vs Social Justice: When Does a Company's Code Overshadow an Employee's Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when procedural lapses yield to substantial evidence in administrative disciplinary cases against public employees.
Incestuous Rape: Proving Minority Beyond Reasonable Doubt for Capital Punishment
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's minority must be proven beyond reasonable doubt before the death penalty can be imposed.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Homeowner-Developer Disputes: Key Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over homeowner-developer construction disputes, not the RTC. Learn the rules and practical implications.
When Is a Land Sale "Conveyed" for Repurchase? Notarial Deed Prevails
A notarized deed's date controls the five-year repurchase period under the Public Land Act, the Supreme Court rules.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Grave Consequences of Betrayal Within Family Ties
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a brother who raped his 17-year-old sister, underscoring the law's treatment of incestuous rape.
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.
Witness Credibility and Alibi Defense: How the Supreme Court Affirmed a Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs the defense of denial and alibi.
Sheriffs Must Follow Court Procedure and Never Accept Unofficial Fees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to follow execution procedure and prohibition on receiving unofficial payments.