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.
Finality of Judgment: Court Warns Against Repeated Motions to Evade Execution
Supreme Court warns litigants against filing repeated motions to delay execution of final judgments, citing abuse of judicial processes.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and self-defense in sudden attacks, affirming that bare claims of self-defense cannot overcome clear evidence of guilt.
Illegal Dismissal Case: Why Salary Deductions Defeated a Theft Claim
Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal: employer's theft claim failed because goods were paid via salary deductions and due process was not observed.
How Barangay Conciliation Affects Prescription Periods in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how filing a complaint with the barangay interrupts prescription periods for criminal offenses, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Fraud Voids Free Patent and State's Right to Reversion Prevails
Free patents obtained through fraud are void, and the State may seek reversion even after one year, per the Supreme Court.
Local Autonomy vs Presidential Supervision: The Scope of Power in Granting Judges' Allowances
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of presidential supervision over local governments in granting allowances to judges.
Breach of Trust: The Grave Consequences of Parental Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 10-year-old daughter, highlighting the law's treatment of incestuous rape.
Conspiracy and Consent: Examining the Elements of Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies rape elements, consent, and qualifying circumstances in a father's conviction for raping his 10-year-old daughter.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt of Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not inferred from mere presence or flight.
Rape Conviction Credibility of Testimony and Proof of Minority in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for raping his 10-year-old daughter, clarifying rules on witness credibility and proof of minority.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credible Testimony Outweighs Physicians Doubts In Child Abuse Cases
Supreme Court affirms father's rape conviction, ruling a child victim's credible testimony outweighs conflicting medical findings in incest cases.
Illegal Transfer and Employer Prerogative: Balancing Rights With Fair Play in Employment
When does a valid transfer become an illegal one? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in Paguio v. PLDT.
Maintaining Professionalism: Lawyers' Duty to Courteous Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lawyer discipline for uncivil conduct toward fellow attorneys, citing Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Necessity of Formal Investigation
When can a lawyer be suspended without a formal investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in disciplinary cases.
Proportional Representation in Electoral Tribunals: The Pimentel Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on proportional representation of party-list groups in the HRET and Commission on Appointments.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forging Signatures and the Limits of Forgiveness
A court employee forged a colleague's signature to encash a check. The Supreme Court explains why forgiveness does not erase administrative liability.
When Final Judgments Can Be Modified: Supervening Events in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a final and executory reinstatement order may still be modified due to supervening events.
Rape and Incest: Minor Testimony Inconsistencies Don't Undermine Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony don't weaken her credibility, and why minority must be proven.
Supreme Court Upholds Murder Conviction Despite Fugitive Status
The High Court affirms a murder conviction even as the accused remains at large, ruling on treachery, alibi, and the retroactive application of procedural rules.
Judicial Ethics: Dismissal of Judge for Extortion and Serious Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for demanding money from a litigant, reaffirming strict standards of judicial ethics and integrity.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Proving Minority and Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's minority beyond reasonable doubt.
Carnapping Conviction Affirmed: Penalties and Procedural Rules Under RA 6538
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified carnapping penalties and appeal rules in Mercado v. People, including key procedural takeaways.
Estate Administration Discretionary Power in Appointing Special Administrators
The Supreme Court clarifies that probate courts have sound discretion in appointing special administrators, and heirs have no absolute right to representation.
Judicial Efficiency and Prompt Case Resolution: Administrative Liability for Court Delays
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for delayed case resolution, emphasizing speedy disposition as a constitutional right.