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.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Fair Sentencing in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony while correcting the penalty and damages awarded.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Defense of Frame-Up: Lessons from People v. Ganenas
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction from a buy-bust operation, explaining why frame-up defenses fail and how courts weigh police testimony.
Obligations Under Contracts Defining Liens and Encumbrances in Land Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when "free from liens and encumbrances" in land contracts includes clearing squatters and what obligations bind successors.
Workplace Misconduct and Decorum in the Philippine Judiciary: Baloloy v. Flores
The Supreme Court ruled that fighting court employees violate judicial decorum, fining both parties in Baloloy v. Flores.
Witness Testimony and Positive Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and positive identification in robbery with homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman Bank Inquiries and Secrecy Laws: The Court’s Balancing Test
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may inspect bank accounts under R.A. 1405 and R.A. 6770, and why courts may hear declaratory relief on such orders.
Parental Authority vs. Filial Trust: Intrafamilial Rape and the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his minor daughter, clarifying the rules on intrafamilial rape.
Who Grants Good Conduct Time Allowance: The Bureau of Corrections' Exclusive Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the Director of the Bureau of Corrections may grant good conduct time allowances, not city jail wardens.
The Supreme Court's Supervisory Role: Balancing Judicial Independence and Administrative Oversight
A 2001 ruling clarifies the Supreme Court's administrative supervision over the Sandiganbayan, balancing institutional independence with fiscal accountability.
Land Registration Prior Title Prevails Despite Subsequent Nullification
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a land registration application filed while an outstanding Torrens title exists is invalid, even if that title is later nullified.
Credibility of Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Calimlim
The Supreme Court affirms four rape convictions, explaining how trial courts weigh victim credibility, alibi, and the limits of the death penalty.
Philippine Piracy Law: How PD 532 Ensures Justice on the High Seas and Beyond
The Supreme Court affirms piracy convictions under PD 532, clarifying jurisdiction over crimes committed in Philippine waters and beyond.
Conspiracy, Intent, and Frustrated Homicide: Lessons from Salvatierra v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and frustrated homicide in Salvatierra v. People, explaining when accomplices share liability for a crime.
Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Incestuous and Family Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy and intimidation can substitute for physical force in rape convictions.
Homestead Rights vs Land Reform: Balancing Social Justice and Private Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether homestead patents exempt landowners from agrarian reform and retention rights under PD 27 and RA 6657.
Negligence and the Burden of Proof: Establishing Liability for Damages in Property Disputes
A fire crossed from a factory to a farm, but without proof of negligence, the property owner could not recover damages. The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in civil cases.
Can Debts Be Paid in Palay? The Rule on Legal Tender in the Philippines
Learn from a Supreme Court ruling why palay cannot be used to pay money damages, and what this means for obligations in the Philippines.
Unraveling Inheritance Rights Filiation AND THE Validity OF Extrajudicial Settlements
A Supreme Court ruling on filiation, inheritance rights, and the validity of extrajudicial settlements and deeds of sale.
Lapsed Rights: How Prescription Bars Reversion of Donated Land to Delgado Heirs
A 2001 Supreme Court ruling shows that even with an automatic reversion clause, heirs must act within 10 years or lose the right to reclaim donated land.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in deciding a murder case underscores the constitutional mandate for courts to resolve cases within 90 days.
Judicial Ethics: When Can a Judge's Spouse Practice Law in His Court
Explore the ethical boundaries for judges' spouses practicing law, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, courts may impose only a fine instead of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.