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.
Safeguarding the Ballot: Unauthorized Polling Place Transfers and Election Integrity in the Philippines
When can moving a polling place invalidate an election? The Supreme Court explains the rules on unauthorized transfers and election integrity.
Witness Protection for Police Testifying in Senate Inquiries: Acop v. Guingona
Can police officers join the Witness Protection Program when testifying in Senate inquiries? The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Rape and Consent: The Indelible Requirement of Free Will in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, consent, and unconscious victims. Learn the legal standards and practical takeaways.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: What Republic v. Ker Teaches About Property Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in eminent domain cases, emphasizing fair market value over tax declarations.
Relief From Judgment Confined to Trial Courts, Not Extended to Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that relief from judgment under Rule 38 applies only to trial courts, not the Court of Appeals.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation Must Reflect Fair Market Value AT Time OF Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of taking, not at judgment.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Computation Until Finality of Judgment
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages until the finality of judgment, not just until dismissal.
Loan or Partnership: Supreme Court on Novation and Acknowledgment Receipts
When does a loan become a partnership contribution? The Supreme Court clarifies novation, acknowledgment receipts, and payment application rules.
The Vulnerable Witness: Upholding Justice for Child Victims in Rape Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, medical evidence, and the accused's flight.
When Administrative Complaints Against Judges Cross the Line: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against using judicial audits to harass magistrates.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Judiciary Employees' Duty to Maintain Integrity in Private Dealings
Court stenographers reprimanded for mishandling a property transfer, showing judiciary employees must uphold integrity even in private dealings.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Certifications from the Register of Deeds Suffice
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's testimony, explaining why courts trust young witnesses over alibi defenses.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specificity: Charges Define the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why specific allegations in rape informations matter, and how penetration is proven in statutory rape cases.
Usurious Loans and Mortgage Validity When Interest Exceeds Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on usurious loans: when hidden interest voids a mortgage and what borrowers and lenders should know.
Lost Title Lost Case: Why Original Land Documents Matter in Philippine Property Registration
The Supreme Court denies land registration because the applicant failed to present the original tracing cloth plan, underscoring mandatory documentary requirements.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Consequences of Failing to File on Time
A Supreme Court ruling shows why missing a filing deadline—and failing to prove a motion was sent—can cost a party its appeal.
When Late Briefs End Appeals: The Rule on Timely Filing in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why late appellant's briefs can end an appeal, and why courts may refuse to relax procedural rules without credible proof.
Reasonable Doubt and the Limits of Sole Identification in Rape Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on alibi, positive identification, and the elements of robbery with rape under Article 294.
Defense of Alibi: Limits on Intervention in Criminal Law Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when alibi fails as a defense and how courts determine intent in robbery with rape cases.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts as Grounds for Disciplinary Action in the Judic
Court personnel who willfully refuse to pay debts adjudged by a court may face administrative sanctions, as shown in this 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy by Actions Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder and Frustrated Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how overt acts can prove conspiracy, treachery, and guilt in murder and attempted murder cases.
Insanity Defense and Proper Penalty for Parricide: People v. Robiños
The Supreme Court explains when insanity excuses criminal liability and why parricide without aggravating circumstances merits reclusion perpetua, not death.