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.
People v. Laguerta: Why Clear Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Laguerta, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape convict due to inconsistent victim testimony, convicting him instead of acts of lasciviousness.
Maintaining Impartiality: Why a Judge's Demeanor Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's private talks with a litigant can create an appearance of bias. The Supreme Court explains why demeanor and perceived impartiality matter.
Credibility of Rape Victims in the Philippines: Why Minor Inconsistencies Don't Negate Truth
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy her credibility.
Proving Rape: Why Corroborating Testimony and Victim Behavior Matter in Philippine Courts
A child rape victim's candid testimony and medical evidence secured conviction, but the Supreme Court reduced the death penalty because the information failed to allege the qualifying circumstance of
Insanity Plea in Philippine Law: Proving Mental Capacity at the Time of the Offense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense under Article 12(1) RPC, the burden of proof, and timing requirements for psychiatric examination.
Robbery With Homicide in the Philippines: Treachery, Intoxication, and the Penalty
Understand how Philippine courts treat treachery and intoxication in robbery with homicide cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cando.
Customs Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Why Courts Cannot Interfere with Seizure and Forfeiture
Philippine courts cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.
Self-Defense vs Murder: Proving Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how treachery is proven, and why a murder conviction became homicide.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: Key Lessons From a Philippine Murder Case
The Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi in this Philippine murder case involving treachery and damages.
Credit Card Fraud Liability in the Philippines: What Ermitaño v. BPI Means for Cardholders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card fraud liability: cardholders who promptly report lost cards aren't liable for unauthorized charges.
Search Warrant Specificity: Protecting Businesses From Unreasonable Seizures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrants, particularity of items seized, and protection of businesses from unreasonable seizures.
Final Judgments in Labor Cases: Why Courts Cannot Modify Executory Rulings
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that final and executory labor judgments cannot be modified, even for separation pay, after five years.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Key Lessons from People v. Cabigting
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape victim credibility, minor inconsistencies, medical evidence, and damages in People v. Cabigting.
Lost in Time: Why Expired Labor Court Decisions Cannot Be Revived
The Supreme Court explains why a labor arbiter loses jurisdiction once a decision becomes final and executory, and why expired judgments cannot be revived.
Avoiding Forum Shopping: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Jeopardize Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how filing multiple cases over the same dispute can lead to dismissal for forum shopping, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Laches and Forgery in Philippine Property Law: The Isabela Colleges Case
Philippine property law: can laches defeat a forgery claim? The Supreme Court's ruling in Isabela Colleges v. Heirs of Rivera explains why delay can be deadly.
Olongapo's Market Fees: Balancing Local Autonomy and Equitable Taxation
The Supreme Court affirms that factual disputes over market rental rates require trial, ensuring local taxation remains equitable and just.
Proving Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: Key Insights from Marcos v. Marcos
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity justifies marriage annulment, and why a medical exam is not always required.
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Land Classification Matters in Titling
Philippine land titling depends on classification as alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains in De Ocampo v. Arlos.
Ombudsman's Discretion: Understanding the Limits of Judicial Review in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ombudsman's discretionary power and the boundaries of judicial review in graft cases.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Why Circumstantial Evidence Must Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused, clarifying that circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Sheriff's Duty in Property Attachment: Custody Rules and Misconduct Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff's duty to keep attached property in custody, not deposit it with the plaintiff.
Piercing the Veil of Unregistered Organizations When Philippine Representatives Become Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when officers of unregistered associations face personal liability for organizational debts.