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 and the Mitigating Circumstance of Minority: Protecting Minors From Sexual Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions but applies the mitigating circumstance of minority, reducing penalties while increasing damages for the victim.
Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes: A Philippine Supreme Court Primer
Learn how the Supreme Court defines extrinsic fraud and due process in property disputes, with practical guidance for litigants.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility, Physical Evidence, and the Weight of Medical Findings
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how medical evidence and credible testimony outweigh minor inconsistencies in the complainant's account.
Philippine Red Cross Ruling: Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over Government Controlled Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that the Philippine Red Cross is a government-owned corporation, placing its employees under Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Electoral Integrity Safeguarding Votes Against Tampering And Manipulation
The Supreme Court ruled that glaring vote discrepancies in election returns, certificates of canvass, and statements of votes constitute probable cause for election offenses under RA 6646.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Minor Testimonial Inconsistencies: People v. Arafiles
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions despite minor inconsistencies in the victim's testimony, explaining why minor contradictions do not destroy credibility.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee has a right of first refusal to buy leased property, and when a sale to a third party stands.
Notarial Duty and Due Diligence: Attorneys Cannot Notarize Documents They Sign for Others
A lawyer who signs a verification for clients and then notarizes it violates the Notarial Law. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a notary's duties.
Eyewitness Testimony of a Child Upholds Double Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a double murder conviction based on a five-year-old eyewitness's clear and positive identification of the accused.
Justice for the Silenced: How Witness Testimony Overcame Trauma in a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a child eyewitness's testimony, ruling that credible witness accounts prevail over a weak alibi.
Friar Lands Ownership: When Full Payment Confers Title Even Without Deed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on friar lands: full payment of purchase price vests ownership in the buyer, even without a final deed of conveyance.
Accountability in Overseas Job Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Defined
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa liability for fake overseas job offers.
Perfecting Imperfect Titles: The Burden of Proof in Land Registration Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden of proof in land registration cases, requiring clear evidence of open, continuous possession for at least 30 years.
Judicial Ethics: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's misconduct shows why judicial ethics demand conduct beyond reproach, even outside court.
When Prison Bars the Legislative Seat: Jalosjos and the Limits of Congressional Immunity
The Supreme Court ruled that a convicted congressman cannot claim parliamentary immunity to attend sessions while detained for a non-bailable offense.
Self Defense Claim Fails Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Murder Cases
Examining the Supreme Court's ruling on self-defense claims in murder cases, and the burden of proof required to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Liberal Construction of Rules: Substantial Compliance in Appealing Civil Service Decisions
The Supreme Court rules that failure to attach certified true copies of all annexes in a Rule 43 appeal is not fatal, applying substantial compliance.
Identifying Perpetrators Upholding Convictions IN Robbery With Rape Through Credible Witness Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape convictions, ruling that credible witness identification prevails over alibi and minor inconsistencies.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases over different properties constitutes forum shopping, and when it does not.
Sheriffs Must Not Accept Funds From Litigants: Ethical Limits Explained
A sheriff accepted money from a litigant to facilitate a court order. The Supreme Court ruled this was misconduct, even without personal gain.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: Establishing Liability in Group Violence
How Philippine courts determine criminal liability when multiple persons attack a victim, using the Alberto Blanco murder case as a guide.
Attachment and Fraud: When Promises Fail to Secure Preliminary Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fraud justifies preliminary attachment and limits on dissolving the writ.
Rape Conviction Stands Even If Accused Claims Consensual Affair
A claim of a romantic relationship does not negate rape if force was used. The Supreme Court explains why consent matters.
When Alibi Fails and Positive Identification Prevails in Kidnapping Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping, alibi defense, and illegal possession of explosives explained in plain language.