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.
How Philippine Courts Weigh Identification and Alibi in Robbery with Rape Cases
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when victim identification prevails over alibi and how courts distinguish robbery from robbery with rape.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
When Witness Testimony Determines Guilt: Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in murder cases, from the 1996 People v. Pano ruling on positive identification versus alibi.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases, from consent rules to penalties, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Understanding the Under-Seven Rule
The Supreme Court explains the mandatory under-seven rule in child custody cases under Article 213 of the Family Code.
Acquisitive Prescription: How Long Does It Take to Gain Ownership of Land in the Philippines
Learn how long you must possess land in the Philippines to acquire ownership through acquisitive prescription, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Perjury in the Philippines: False Statements in Legal Documents Explained
Learn how Philippine courts define perjury, what makes a false statement criminal, and why withdrawing a petition does not erase liability.
Incestuous Rape: Fear Explains Delay in Reporting Sexual Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fear and terror in incestuous rape justify a victim's delay in reporting sexual abuse to authorities.
Circumstantial Evidence Proving Guilt Beyond A Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict beyond reasonable doubt, explained through People v. Danao.
Implied Trusts and Prescription: What the Esconde Case Means for Property Owners
Learn how implied trusts work in the Philippines and why delay can bar your property claim, based on the Supreme Court's Esconde ruling.
Can a Judge Act as Notary Public? Limits on Judicial Notarization in the Philippines
Philippine judges may notarize documents only within official functions. Learn the limits, the Asis ruling, and practical compliance tips.