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 a Witness Conviction Based on Uncorroborated Testimony in Philippine Rape Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a single, credible victim testimony suffices to convict in rape cases, and why corroboration is not always required.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Rebutting the Presumption of Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that the presumption of malversation is rebuttable, and mere failure to produce funds does not prove conversion beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Balano
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and the absence of medical examination.
Stepfather's Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Victim Testimony
SC affirms stepfather's rape conviction, ruling a credible child victim's testimony alone suffices for conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
A look at parricide under Philippine law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabug, explaining the crime, penalties, and evidentiary rules.
Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Liability: Homicide, Conspiracy, and the Limits of Witness Testimony in the Phil
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies reasonable doubt, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder appeal that became homicide.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline clarifies duties to courts, consequences of misconduct, and how penalties apply to disbarred attorneys.
Protecting Election Integrity: The 120-Day Voter Registration Ban Under RA 8189
Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's denial of special voter registration within 120 days before elections, affirming the mandatory registration deadline under RA 8189.
State Participation in Marriage Nullity Cases: Protecting the Inviolability of Marriage
The Supreme Court remands a nullity case for retrial because the State failed to actively participate, underscoring marriage's inviolable nature.
Breach of Trust and Managerial Dismissal: Defining the Limits of Employer Discretion in the Philippines
When can a Philippine employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Motions in Estate Proceedings
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to resolve motions within 90 days is gross inefficiency, even in complex estate cases.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Become Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal instigation in drug buy-bust operations.
When Arbitration Clauses in Employment Contracts Become Unfair: The Magellan Case
The Supreme Court explains when arbitration clauses in employment contracts are void for giving one side too many arbitrators.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejecting the defenses of alibi and alleged due process violations.
Diplomatic Immunity Slander and the Limits of Protection for International Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not crimes like slander.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Protecting Land Titles: The Limits of Collateral Attacks in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects registered land titles from collateral attacks, using the 2001 Tan v. Philippine Banking Corp. case.
Faith Healing or Reckless Endangerment: Distinguishing Intent in Unlicensed Medical Practices Under Philippine
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed faith healing causing death is reckless imprudence, not murder.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: When Conspiracy Fails in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder, and the importance of witness credibility.
Arbitration Integrity Ensuring Fairness IN Corporate Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for lawful dismissal of managerial employees, focusing on procedural due process and loss of trust and confidence.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Judges Must Resolve Cases Within 90 Days or Face Administrative Sanctions
Supreme Court reminds judges to decide cases within 90 days, penalizing delay with fines for gross inefficiency.
Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.
Certiorari 60-Day Period Counted From Denial of Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day certiorari period runs from denial of reconsideration, applying procedural rules retroactively.