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.
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When Parental Authority Turns to Abuse: Examining the Crime of Qualified Statutory Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and qualified statutory rape, emphasizing the need for precise allegations in criminal informations.
Probable Cause in Graft Cases: SC Upholds Ombudsman's Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in determining probable cause for graft charges under R.A. 3019.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on victim testimony credibility in rape cases, examining evidentiary standards and witness assessment principles.
Philippine Mining Rights: Securing Priority Through Timely Filing of Applications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining rights priority: timely filing of applications determines preferential rights, not later registration.
Right to Present Evidence: Examining Forged Signatures in Graft Cases
Sandiganbayan's denial of a graft accused's request to have questioned documents examined by the NBI was grave abuse of discretion.
Mandamus and Mootness: When a Judge's Action Renders a Petition Unnecessary
The Supreme Court explains when a mandamus petition becomes moot because the judge already acted, using a mining damage case as example.
Reclusion Perpetua VS Reclusion Temporal Determining Criminal Liability AND Retroactive Application OF Juvenile Justice ACT
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Supreme Court clarifies that courts determining just compensation under CARP must strictly apply the DAR valuation formula, not substitute their own methods.
Breach OF Trust Examining THE Legal Implications OF Parental Rape IN THE Philippines
A father convicted of simple rape despite charges of qualified rape; the Court explains why minority and relationship must both be proven.
Defining the Boundaries of Attempted Rape: Intent vs. Action in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lewd acts cross the line from acts of lasciviousness to attempted rape, examining intent and overt acts.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court rules that courts must apply DAR's mandatory valuation formula under RA 6657 in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
When Intent Trumps Words: Resolving Contractual Ambiguity in Land Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve ambiguous land contracts by examining intent over literal words, with key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Arrests
The Supreme Court clarifies a judge's duty in determining probable cause for warrants of arrest and limits on enjoining criminal prosecutions.
Attorneys Fees Determining Reasonable Compensation Based ON Actual Contribution TO Recovery
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Examining Murder Convictions in Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts weigh treachery and witness credibility in murder cases, with insights from People v. Teñoso.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Rates AND Attorneys Fees IN Commercial Agreements
Mining firm's sand and gravel extraction taxed despite mining lease; SC clarifies permit exemptions and tax liability.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility Determining Guilt in Murder Cases
Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, alibi, conspiracy, and treachery in multiple murder convictions.
Taxing the Quarry: Delineating the Scope of Local Government Taxing Power Over Mining Operations
A mining firm's extraction of sand and gravel for its own operations is still subject to provincial quarry tax under the Local Government Code.
Lawyer Negligence and the Duty of Diligence and Communication in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' duties of diligence and communication, examining a case where attorney negligence led to disciplinary action.
Timely Justice Determining THE Correct Appeal Method IN Land Valuation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved the proper appeal method and interest computation in land valuation cases under CARP.
Death and Dismissal: Examining Survival of Civil Liability in Criminal Cases After Accused's Demise
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—under certain conditions.
When Election Returns Override Ballots in Philippine Election Protests
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election returns may be used instead of ballots in determining election protest winners.
Determining Agrarian Disputes Jurisdiction Between DARAB and DAR Secretary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the DARAB, not the DAR Secretary, has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving OLT coverage.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does Defense Become Unlawful Aggression
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails, examining unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and the point where defense becomes aggression.