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.
The Weight of Witness Testimony, Circumstantial Evidence, and Alibi in Murder Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and weak alibis shape murder and homicide convictions.
Kabit System and the Right to Sue: The True Owner's Standing Despite an Illegal Arrangement
When can a jeepney buyer under the kabit system sue for damages? The Supreme Court explains the real-party-in-interest rule and its limits.
When Eyewitness Testimony Meets Reasonable Doubt in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction based on a single credible eyewitness, explaining how conspiracy and credibility are assessed.
Written Authority is Key: Upholding Property Rights in Corporate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why written consent matters in property deals involving mortgaged assets—and what parties must prove to claim possession.
Clerk of Court Fined for Delayed Fund Remittance Despite Full Restitution
Supreme Court holds clerk of court administratively liable for delayed remittance of judiciary funds, imposing fine despite full restitution after retirement.
COA Oversight and Private Auditors in Government Banks: The DBP Case
Supreme Court rules COA audit power over government banks is not exclusive; private external auditors may conduct concurrent audits.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Independence AND Diligence IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing certiorari is counted from receipt of the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Moral Ascendancy and Intrafamilial Rape: Examining the Boundaries of Consent
A look at how the Supreme Court treats rape by a trusted neighbor and the limits of consent in close relationships.
Unlawful Searches Protecting Vehicle Privacy IN THE Philippines
When can police search a vehicle without a warrant? The Supreme Court explains probable cause, plain view, and consent rules.
Judicial Employees and Ethical Conduct: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Justice System
How Philippine courts police their own ranks to preserve public trust and the rule of law.
When a Quarrel Precedes an Attack, Treachery May Not Qualify a Killing as Murder
A prior heated argument can negate treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Safeguarding Confessions: Independent Counsel and Admissibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial confessions are inadmissible for lack of competent and independent counsel during custodial investigation.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Power and Due Process Rights in Guillen v. Cañon
When can a judge cite someone for contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial authority and due process in Guillen v. Cañon.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Factor: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
When Words Wound: Understanding Simple Slander Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of simple slander in Baula v. People, and explains when spoken words cross the line into criminal defamation.
Estoppel Bars Investor from Questioning Contract After Enjoying Its Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on estoppel: an investor cannot question a trading agreement's validity after benefiting from it and suffering losses.
Contractual Obligations: Estoppel Bars Challenge to Futures Trading Agreement
In Jefferson Lim v. Queensland Tokyo Commodities, Inc., the Supreme Court ruled that a party who enjoys the benefits of a contract cannot later question its validity.
Dying Declarations Establishing Consciousness of Impending Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dying declarations and the requirement of consciousness of impending death in criminal cases.
Intent vs Accident: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder and the Role of Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when accidental shooting claims fail, how intent to kill is proven, and why treachery must be established beyond doubt.
Slightest Penetration Enough for Consummated Rape: Key Philippine Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the slightest penetration of the vagina consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.
Slightest Penetration Consummated Rape Defined in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slightest penetration of the labia consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.
Invalidation of BOI Manual of Operations Incentives for Registered Enterprises
Supreme Court voids BOI's unpublished manual that reduced tax credit incentives for registered export producers.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Rules on Social Media Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of abusive Facebook posts and raises penalties when ICT is used in VAWC cases.
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.