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.
AWOL and Due Process: Lessons from a Court Employee's Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when absence without leave (AWOL) triggers dismissal and how due process applies to administrative cases in Philippine government service.
Positive Identification and Treachery: Upholding Murder Conviction Despite Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in stabbing case.
How Youth and Voluntary Surrender Affect Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when voluntary surrender is a mitigating circumstance and how self-defense claims are judged.
Dereliction of Duty and Ethical Conduct: Dismissal of a Public Servant
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court utility worker for habitual absenteeism, insubordination, and conduct grossly prejudicial to the service.
Certiorari Dismissed: Grave Abuse of Discretion and Hierarchy of Courts in IP Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot correct errors of judgment, and direct resort to the Court violates the hierarchy of courts.
Theft Conviction Affirmed: Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on theft conviction, eyewitness credibility, conspiracy, and alibi defenses explained in plain language.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and the Credibility of the Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how force and intimidation satisfy the elements of the crime under the Revised Penal Code.
Resolving Conflicting Supreme Court Decisions: The Doctrine of Law of the Case
When two Supreme Court divisions issue conflicting final rulings, the en banc resolves the impasse. Learn the law of the case doctrine.
Frame-Up Defense in Drug Cases: When Courts Uphold Police Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the frame-up defense rarely succeeds in drug possession cases and how courts assess police credibility.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Land Sales Do Not Override Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land sales cannot override tenant rights and security of tenure under agrarian reform laws.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Reviving the Pursuit of Justice: Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules for anti-graft cases and the Ombudsman's duty to investigate, not dismiss, based on valid laws.
Untangling Behest Loans, Prescription, and the Ombudsman's Discretion in PCGG v. Desierto
The Supreme Court clarifies when behest loan cases prescribe and limits the Ombudsman's dismissal power in PCGG v. Desierto.
Estafa Conspiracy, Acquittal, and Civil Liability: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court treated conspiracy in estafa, the effect of acquittal on civil liability, and the strict deadlines for appeals.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Date Discrepancy Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction despite a date discrepancy in the information, protecting victims and ensuring justice.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Breach of Charter Agreement: Contractual Obligations and Remedies in Shipping Law
A Supreme Court ruling on charter party breach, ambiguous contract terms, and the right to rescind under Philippine law.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in Philippine murder cases, and when abuse of superior strength qualifies the crime.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Falsification: Where the Crime Occurs Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue in falsification cases is determined by where the falsified documents were made, not where they were later used.
Uncounseled Confessions and the Right to Silence: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncounseled confessions are inadmissible and why timely objections matter in Philippine criminal procedure.
Execution Pending Appeal and Jurisdiction: Lessons from Cordero v. Go
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal and how appeals affect jurisdiction.
Self-Defense Claims and Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from People v. Tadeo
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how intoxication, provocation, and surrender affect criminal liability in homicide cases.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attack
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, affirming conviction where a victim was attacked without warning or chance to defend.