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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Criminal Prosecution
Supreme Court affirms conviction based on credible eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in murder case.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving convicted accused a full 15 days from denial of reconsideration.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving accused persons 15 days from denial of reconsideration to appeal.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Protecting the Accused's Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court applies the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get a full 15 days to appeal after denial of reconsideration.
Motion to Quash Denial: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion
Learn when a denied motion to quash can be challenged via certiorari, and why interlocutory orders generally require waiting for trial.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Corroborating Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a victim's credible testimony and corroborating medical evidence outweigh denial and alibi.
When an Accused Dies Pending Appeal: Extinguishment of Criminal and Pecuniary Liability
A Supreme Court ruling explains how the death of an accused during appeal extinguishes criminal liability and, in drug cases, the fine as well.
Death Abates Criminal and Pecuniary Liabilities: People v. Brillantes
When a convicted accused dies pending appeal, both criminal and pecuniary liabilities are extinguished. Learn the rule from People v. Brillantes.
Quorum Quandaries: When Does a Presiding Officer Count in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-mayor counts for quorum in local sanggunian sessions under the Local Government Code.
Burden of Proof in Estafa and Homicide: Why Hearsay Evidence Fails to Establish Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doub
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs bare denial and hearsay in criminal cases.
Unlawful Possession and the Vital Role of Evidence in Drug Offenses
How the Supreme Court weighed search warrant evidence, witness credibility, and denial defenses in a drug possession conviction.
Motion Denied Understanding Defective Notice OF Hearing IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand proper notice of hearing in motions; defects can lead to denial. Learn the rules and practical tips.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The David Lu Case on Actions Incapable of Pecuniary Estimation
Learn how the Supreme Court's David Lu ruling clarifies docket fees and jurisdiction for actions incapable of pecuniary estimation in Philippine courts.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
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.
VAT Refund Denials Proving Direct Attribution AND NON Application OF Input Taxes
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Invoicing Rules Upheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with invoicing and substantiation requirements.
Attorney's Disregard for Court Orders Results in Disbarment and Denied Reinstatement
A lawyer's evasion of court processes and nine-year delay in complying with a restitution order led to disbarment and denial of reinstatement.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
Robbery with Homicide Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Force, Intimidation, and Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and why denial cannot defeat positive identification.
Evidentiary Omissions and Rape Convictions: Lessons from People v. De Guzman
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite minor testimonial inconsistencies, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim credibility.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Documentary Evidence vs Simple Denial
In illegal dismissal cases, the employer bears the burden of proving valid termination with substantial evidence—not the employee.