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.
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Recanted Testimony and Witness Credibility: Resolving Conflicting Accounts in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, recanted testimony, and treachery in murder cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Protecting THE Vulnerable THE Supreme Court Upholds Conviction IN Child Rape Case
When a Guilty Plea Doesnt Guarantee Conviction Ensuring DUE Process IN Capital Offenses
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guilty plea in capital offenses requires strict compliance with due process, ensuring the accused fully understands the consequences before conviction.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability Even Without Inflicting the Fatal Blow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspirators in robbery with homicide are liable as principals even if they did not inflict the fatal wound.
Weaponizing Fear: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Victim's Delay in Reporting
The Supreme Court has ruled that a victim's delay in reporting a rape does not destroy her credibility, especially when the delay is explained by threats and fear.
When Ombudsman Suspension Is Final: One Month Without Pay Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that a one-month suspension without pay by the Ombudsman is final and unappealable under R.A. 6770.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity
A look at how the Supreme Court balances police discretion in buy-bust operations against the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Judge Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Upholding Judicial Ethics in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court reprimands a Cebu RTC judge for berating a lawyer in open court, reaffirming strict standards of judicial conduct and courtesy.
Upholding Integrity: Disbarment for Bar Exam Leakage and the Duty of Care in Protecting Confidential Informati
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for leaking bar exam questions, and reprimanded the examiner for negligence in safeguarding confidential materials.
Presidential Power vs Constitutional Limits: The Illegality of Declaring a State of Rebellion
The Supreme Court ruled that declaring a "state of rebellion" is a superfluity with no legal effect, clarifying the limits of presidential power under the Constitution.
Justice Tempered: Due Process and Conviction in the Chiong Sisters Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of seven men for kidnapping and murdering the Chiong sisters, analyzing due process rights.
Age Verification in Rape Cases: Protecting Children and Ensuring Fair Trials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on age verification in rape cases, balancing child protection with the accused's right to a fair trial.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Forcible Entry Survey Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how Philippine courts resolve unlawful detainer cases, why Torrens titles prevail, and what summary procedure means for possession disputes.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deeds: Resolving Land Possession Disputes
In Co v. Militar, the Supreme Court ruled that a Torrens title prevails over unregistered deeds of sale in an ejectment case, and that title can only be cancelled directly.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
When Courts Can Grant Unprayed Relief: The Taduran Case on Judicial Admissions
Explaining when Philippine courts may grant relief not explicitly prayed for, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Arroyo v. Taduran.
Debt Recovery Without Specific Claim: Equity and Unjust Enrichment in Arroyo v. Taduran
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering debt even without a specific prayer in the complaint, citing equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Court Can Grant Unprayed Relief When Facts Warrant It: Arroyo v. Taduran
Supreme Court affirms P500,000 award despite no prayer for indemnity, citing judicial admissions and the rule on relief based on factual allegations.