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.
Positive Identification vs Minor Inconsistencies: Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how eyewitness credibility is weighed despite minor inconsistencies and why positive identification prevails over denial.
Substitution Rules in Philippine Elections: When a Substitute Candidate Can Validly Replace an Original
Philippine election law on substitution: a disqualified candidate may be replaced only if he had a valid certificate of candidacy. Learn the rule.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
When may a trial court validly treat a counsel's absence as a waiver of the accused's right to present evidence? The Supreme Court explains.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Protecting Accused Rights in the Philippines
Explaining how the 1987 Constitution's abolition of the death penalty retroactively benefits accused persons whose crimes were committed before its ratification.
Injunction Bonds and Due Process: What Philippine Sureties Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when injunction bond sureties are liable and what due process requires before damages are awarded against them.
Missed Deadlines and Miscarriage of Justice: Why Timely Case Resolution Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's missed deadline for deciding a case led to a fine for gross inefficiency. Learn the rules on the 90-day period and why timely justice matters.
Regular vs Project Employee in the Philippines: Security of Tenure and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular and project employees, and the employer's burden to prove project employment status.
The Power of Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, and the importance of properly alleging qualifying circumstances.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Rebose and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts can convict in rape cases based solely on credible victim testimony, even without medical evidence. Learn the rules from People v. Rebose.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Understanding Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove homicide beyond reasonable doubt, and why dwelling aggravates the penalty.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility over alibi defenses.
Circumstantial Evidence and Homicide vs. Murder: Key Lessons from People v. Agsunod
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining abuse of superior strength and why alibi fails.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Supreme Court Reconsiderations: Minute Resolutions and Finality of Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats minute resolutions, second motions for reconsideration, and finality of judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: The Supreme Court on CLOA Issuance and Rightful Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court affirms that due process is indispensable in CLOA issuance, and explains when exhausting administrative remedies is not required.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Reopening a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed: The Santiago v. Sandiganbayan Guide
When can a court reopen a criminal case to hear more evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits and the due process rights of the accused.
When Courts May Reopen a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trial court may reopen a criminal case after the parties have rested, and the limits of that discretion.
Reopening a Closed Case: Abuse of Discretion and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can a court reopen a criminal case after evidence is closed? The Santiago ruling explains the limits and due process requirements.
Reopening a Criminal Case: When Courts Abuse Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case against Miriam Defensor Santiago, ruling it was grave abuse of discretion.
Red Flags and False Promises: How to Spot Illegal Recruiters in the Philippines
Learn how to spot illegal recruiters in the Philippines through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hernandez, with practical red flags and legal remedies.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Why One Instance Can Lead to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts treat illegal recruitment cases, why a single act can lead to life imprisonment, and what the Hernandez ruling means.