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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Standing Firm Against Abuse: The Supreme Court's Stance on Rape and Incest
A father's rape of his 9-year-old daughter tests the limits of Philippine law on evidence, procedure, and the death penalty.
Incestuous Rape and Proving the Victim's Minority in Capital Cases
In People v. Canon, the Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for a father who raped his nine-year-old daughter, ruling on how minority and relationship are proven.
Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping: Intent and the Scope of Criminal Participation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice, not a conspirator, in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Father's Conviction for Raping Minor Daughter Upheld; Death Penalty Affirmed
The Supreme Court affirms the death sentence of a father convicted of qualified rape of his 14-year-old daughter, clarifying rules on victim credibility and damages.
Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny: Dismissal for Immorality and Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for illicit affair and courtroom drinking, reinforcing strict judicial ethics standards in the Philippines.
Security of Tenure: Illegal Transfers as Constructive Removal in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court ruled that transferring a permanent government employee without consent and without cause violates security of tenure and amounts to constructive removal.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and the Limits of Band Aggravation
The Supreme Court explains when conspiracy makes co-accused liable for robbery with homicide, and why "band" aggravates only when three or more armed men are proven.
Rape Conviction: Why Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Proved Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when rape is qualified or simple, and why the prosecution must prove every aggravating circumstance beyond reasonable doubt.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Enforcement
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug cases, and explains how courts protect accused persons' rights.
Failure of Election Grounds and Remedies in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election and why election protests, not annulment, address fraud claims.
Assessed Value, Not Market Value, Governs Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in actions involving title to or possession of real property, the assessed value—not market value—determines which court has jurisdiction.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
When Employment Contracts Expire: Protecting Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when contract expiration becomes illegal dismissal, and why employees cannot be forced into early retirement before age 65.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Litigants' Rights: Resolving Motions Promptly
The Supreme Court admonished a judge for failing to resolve a pending motion for over a year, affirming that promptness applies even to interlocutory matters.
When Does the Appeal Clock Start for Offended Parties in Criminal Acquittals?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 15-day appeal period begins for private offended parties appealing the civil aspect of an acquittal.
Eyewitness Testimony and Positive Identification in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, circumstantial evidence, and penalties in carnapping and homicide cases.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Mortgage Interests in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how adverse claims and buyer good faith affect mortgage rights in property transfers.
CNA Signing Bonuses: Protecting Social Security Funds From Unauthorized Disbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that the SSS cannot grant CNA signing bonuses to its employees, protecting workers' trust funds from unauthorized disbursements.
Judicial Stability Doctrine: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts Between Co-Equal Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of judicial stability and how co-equal courts resolve jurisdictional conflicts without overstepping authority.
Kidnapping for Ransom: When Victim Testimony Alone Sustains a Conviction
The Supreme Court affirmed a kidnapping-for-ransom conviction based on the victim's positive identification, showing eyewitness testimony can outweigh bare denials.
Preserving Rights When Preliminary Injunction Halts Foreclosure Consolidation
When can a preliminary injunction stop foreclosure consolidation? The Supreme Court explains the two requisites and the role of status quo.
Carnapping and Homicide: Conviction Through Circumstantial Evidence and Admissible Confessions
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence and admissions to private persons can establish guilt in carnapping and homicide cases.
Breach of Trust vs Social Justice: When Separation Pay Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may receive separation pay as social justice, using San Miguel Corporation vs. Lao.
Private Searches and Constitutional Rights: When Is Evidence Admissible
The Supreme Court clarifies that constitutional protection against unreasonable searches applies only against government action, not private individuals.