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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to a Complete Preliminary Investigation
When an incomplete preliminary investigation leads to a warrant of arrest, the Supreme Court steps in to protect the accused's right to due process.
On Duty or Off Target: Defining Course of Employment in Police Compensation Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's death is compensable under employees' compensation law, applying the 24-hour duty doctrine.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Penetration, Not Hymen Damage, Is the Key
An intact hymen does not negate rape. The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for conviction.
The Boundaries of Consent: Statutory Rape and the Exploitation of Minors in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Jalosjos clarifies that statutory rape applies regardless of consent, especially when minors are exploited.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Rape: SC Upholds Conviction But Reduces Death Penalty
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua for lack of qualifying circumstances.
Moral Turpitude and Bouncing Checks: Disqualifying Election Candidates in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that conviction for violation of B.P. Blg. 22 (Bouncing Checks Law) involves moral turpitude, disqualifying candidates from public office.
Specific Tax on Stemmed Leaf Tobacco: Exemptions for Manufacturers Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when stemmed leaf tobacco transfers between manufacturers are exempt from specific tax under the NIRC.
Judicial Responsibility in Ensuring Timely Justice and Efficient Court Management
When a judge blames lost court records for a two-year delay, the Supreme Court clarifies that efficient case management is a judicial duty.
Usury Under Scrutiny: How the Supreme Court Uncovers Hidden Interest in Loan Agreements
In First Metro Investment Corp. v. Este del Sol, the Supreme Court exposed underwriting and consultancy fees as cloaks for usurious interest in a 1978 loan.
Moral Conduct in Public Service: When Personal Lives Affect Professional Reputation
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how a court employee's unauthorized mediation and ignored requests led to a fine for simple misconduct and violations of R.A. No. 6713.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Identification and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying voice and sight identification, consent, and damages in sexual assault cases.
Proving Victim’s Age in Rape Cases: When Death Penalty Fails
In People v. Virrey, the Supreme Court ruled that minority must be proven beyond reasonable doubt before the death penalty can be imposed in rape cases.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Public Officials' Duty to Act Promptly: Lessons from a Clerk of Court's Misconduct
A Supreme Court ruling reminds public officials of their duty to act promptly on requests and maintain propriety in office.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: A Binding Contractual Obligation
When is a right of first refusal enforceable in Philippine property sales? The Supreme Court clarifies in PUP v. Firestone Ceramics.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Case Resolution and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed case decisions underscores the duty of Philippine judges to resolve cases within reglementary periods.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Supreme Court Upholds Statutory Rape Conviction Despite Reporting Delay
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting the crime does not automatically undermine her credibility.
Delayed Reporting in Statutory Rape: When Delay Does Not Destroy Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why delayed reporting of statutory rape does not automatically undermine a minor victim's credibility.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Timeliness and Impartiality in Court Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's duty to decide cases promptly and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may grant reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26, reversing CA's strict application of Bercede guidelines.
Upholding Possessory Rights When Injunction Protects Possession Over Public Use
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on injunction, possessory rights, and claims that a lot is part of public domain.
Uninhabited Places and Cruelty: Defining Aggravating Circumstances in Robbery with Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when cruelty and uninhabited place aggravate robbery with rape, and affirms the death penalty in a Quezon City case.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Issuing Postdated Checks Leads to Imprisonment
The Supreme Court affirms imprisonment for twelve counts of B.P. 22 violations, clarifying when fines alone are insufficient and why each worthless check is a separate offense.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Voice Identification and the Requirement of Pleading Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on voice identification but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege qualifying circumstances.