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.
Due Process in Capital Offenses: Ensuring Informed Guilty Pleas in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory requirements for accepting guilty pleas in capital cases, emphasizing due process and the accused's right to informed judgment.
Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force and Intimidation
The Supreme Court explains how a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force and intimidation in incestuous rape cases.
Drunkenness on Duty: Upholding Ethical Standards for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a court employee for six months for drinking on duty, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Robbery With Homicide: The Marquez Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide is proven beyond reasonable doubt, and when illegal possession of firearm charges fail.
Estate Tax Deficiency: When Surcharges and Interest Apply Under the NIRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate tax deficiency surcharges, interest, and penalties under the NIRC, explained for lay readers.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Intent in Criminal Cases
When qualifying circumstances like treachery aren't proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder charge may be reduced to homicide.
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
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.
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.
Simple Neglect of Duty: How Philippine Courts Distinguish Administrative Offenses
Philippine Retirement Authority v. Rupa clarifies when a public officer's delay is simple neglect, not conduct prejudicial to the service.
Treachery Unproven: Downgrading Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder conviction is reduced to homicide. This case explains the rule.
Supreme Court Affirms Murder Conviction Despite Defense Claims of Self-Defense
SC affirms murder conviction of three men who mauled victim to death, rejecting self-defense claims and upholding reclusion perpetua.
Ignorance of the Law Excuses No One: Erroneous Application of Mitigating Circumstances
A judge's error in appreciating mitigating circumstances leads to a fine for gross ignorance of the law, explaining the rules on plea of guilty and voluntary surrender.
Serving Multiple Prison Terms in the Philippines: The Rule on Successive Sentences
Philippine law requires imprisonment terms for multiple offenses to be served successively, not simultaneously. Learn the rule under the Revised Penal Code.
When Rape Charges Are Not Qualified: The Importance of Specific Allegations in the Information
A Supreme Court ruling shows why qualifying circumstances in rape must be specifically alleged in the information to warrant the death penalty.
Rape Conviction Modified: When Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged
The Supreme Court modifies a rape conviction, acquitting the accused on three counts for insufficient evidence and ruling on the necessity of alleging qualifying circumstances.
Mental Capacity and Rape in Philippine Law: The Hamto Case
How Philippine courts treat mentally retarded rape victims' testimony, and why mental age matters in proving rape.
Treachery Defined: Justice for Victims Attacked While Defenseless
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, ruling that attacking a sleeping victim qualifies, ensuring justice for defenseless victims.
Vindication and Unlicensed Firearms: When Personal Offense Mitigates Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies how a grave personal offense can mitigate murder and how unlicensed firearms affect sentencing.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Upheld for Child Victim
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape of a five-year-old, ruling the child's testimony and medical evidence proved consummated rape.
Incestuous Rape: Upholding the Sanctity of Filial Trust and the Severity of Betrayal
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for four counts of rape against his daughter, underscoring the gravity of incestuous abuse.
Parental Incest Establishing Minority of the Victim Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts prove a rape victim's minority for the death penalty, using parental incest as the key example.