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.
Tenant Redemption Rights, Land Bank Financing, and Notice Rules in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant right of redemption, Land Bank financing requirements, and written notice under agrarian reform law.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape-Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct testimony, in People v. Felixminia.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Delivery Completes the Crime Regardless of Payment
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that delivering illegal drugs completes the crime of sale even without payment.
Drug Sale Consummation Delivery Trumps Payment Under the Dangerous Drugs Act
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that delivery of illegal drugs completes a drug sale even without payment. Learn the rules.
Upholding Estafa Conviction: The Supreme Court Reinforces Finality of Factual Findings in Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed an estafa conviction and reiterated that factual findings of lower courts are binding.
Moral Ascendancy as a Substitute for Force in Child Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an uncle's moral ascendancy over a child victim substitutes for force or intimidation in statutory rape.
The Peril of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how positive eyewitness identification defeats the weak defense of alibi in robbery with homicide cases.
Prior Use of a Brand Name Prevails Over Copyright or Patent Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why trademark rights based on prior use trump copyright or patent registrations in brand name disputes.
Health Care Agreements vs Insurance Contracts: The Incontestability Clause Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that health care agreements are insurance contracts, so the incontestability clause applies to HMOs.
Why Prosecutors Must Present Evidence in Rape Cases: Lessons from Merciales v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on prosecutorial duty, state witnesses, and due process in rape with homicide cases.
Treachery in Murder: Sudden Unexpected Attack Ensures Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder, with practical guidance on proving sudden attacks.
How the Supreme Court Sanctions Judicial Delay and Prosecutorial Nonfeasance in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court annulled an acquittal tainted by prosecutorial nonfeasance and judicial delay, reaffirming due process for offended parties.
Substantial Evidence and Due Process Protecting Government Employees From Unjust Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstated a BID investigator dismissed by the Ombudsman, ruling that administrative charges require substantial evidence and procedural due process.
Dismissal for Failure to File Brief: Procedural Rules Bind Litigants in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court upholds dismissal of appeal for failure to file brief on time, affirming that negligence of counsel binds the client.
Diminished Conviction Reassessing Guilt IN Rape Homicide Cases Based ON Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies that circumstantial evidence can prove murder but not rape, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Uphold Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, and why death penalty requires minority alleged in information.
Statutory Rape: Why Proving Familial Relationship Matters in Aggravated Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that in statutory rape, the qualifying circumstance of relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged.
Prior Payment of Check Value as Defense in Bouncing Checks Cases
When does paying the check amount before prosecution bar a B.P. 22 conviction? The Supreme Court explains in Griffith v. Court of Appeals.
Conspiracy in Kidnapping for Ransom: Joint Criminal Intent Established by Concerted Acts
Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in kidnapping for ransom can be proven through complementary acts, not direct evidence of agreement.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Group Violence Determines Criminal Liability
Learn how Philippine courts apply conspiracy and treachery in group attacks, using a Supreme Court murder case as a guide.
Safeguarding the Electoral Will: Scrutinizing Mathematical Errors in Election Canvassing
The Supreme Court annulled a COMELEC order correcting alleged canvassing errors, emphasizing that only manifest errors apparent on the face of certificates may be corrected.
Kidnapping and Failure to Return a Minor: What the Supreme Court Said About Custody and Intent
A look at People v. Bernardo, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under the Revised Penal Code.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.