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.
Broadcasting Rights: The Indispensable Congressional Franchise for Radio and TV Operations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a congressional franchise is indispensable for operating radio and television stations, not just an NTC permit.
Immunity From Prosecution for Witnesses in Vote-Buying Cases Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when vote-selling witnesses gain immunity from prosecution under RA 6646, protecting those who expose vote-buying.
Identifying a Rapist by Voice and Smell: Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's testimony, medical findings, and identification of the accused.
The Torrens System Under Fire: Protecting Land Titles From Collateral Attack in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court reaffirms that Torrens titles cannot be collaterally attacked, requiring a direct action to cancel them.
The Perils of Premature Enforcement: Upholding Jurisdictional Boundaries in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal is proper, who decides if an appeal is dilatory, and the limits of trial court authority.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attack Establishes Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery as sudden, unexpected attack and clarifies rules on unlicensed firearms, penalties, and damages in murder cases.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Balancing Ombudsman's Discretion With Due Process, Grave Abuse, and Probable Cause in PCGG Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's dismissal of complaints constitutes grave abuse of discretion, using the Bataan nuclear plant case as a prime example.
Optional Retirement Rights and Labor Tribunals' Limits in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies optional retirement requires explicit employee consent, and labor tribunals lack jurisdiction over tax refund claims.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: When Homicide Is Not Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim fails in this Philippine case.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal: When the Supreme Court May Allow It
The Supreme Court explains when a convicted person may withdraw an appeal, and why it granted withdrawal in a rape case despite the prosecution's opposition.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Property Rights Under Article 493
A co-owner may sell only their own share. Learn how the Supreme Court protected heirs' rights in Coronel v. Constantino.
Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty for Rape of a Child Under Seven
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for the rape of a six-year-old child, clarifying rules on child testimony and proof of age.
Judicial Conduct: Withdrawing a Complaint Does Not Bar Investigation of Erring Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that withdrawing a complaint does not stop disciplinary action against erring court personnel or lawyers.
Incestuous Rape: Proving Each Count Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that in incestuous rape cases, each separate charge must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just the overall pattern of abuse.
Unlawful Arrests and Illegal Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
When police act on tips without warrants, arrests and drug evidence may be invalid. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Due Process: Strict Adherence to Summary Procedure Timelines in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts must strictly follow summary procedure timelines. Learn how the Supreme Court enforces these deadlines to ensure speedy justice.
Eyewitness Identification and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: People v. Limpangog
The Supreme Court acquits an accused where eyewitness identification is unreliable, reaffirming that the prosecution must prove identity beyond reasonable doubt.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unprovoked attacks constitute treachery, qualifying killings as murder and frustrated murder.
Distinguishing Murder from Kidnapping: Intent to Kill vs Deprivation of Liberty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between murder and kidnapping, focusing on intent to kill versus deprivation of liberty.
Incestuous Rape: The Standard of Proof for Multiple Charges in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that finger insertion and licking do not constitute rape under the old law, but may be acts of lasciviousness.
Child Witness Testimony in Murder Cases: When a Child's Word Can Convict
When can an eight-year-old's testimony convict in murder cases? The Supreme Court explains the rules on child witness credibility.
When a Child Testifies: Lessons from People v. Avendaño on Witness Credibility
The Supreme Court explains when a child's testimony is credible and how trial courts should weigh it in homicide cases.