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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Treachery Unveiled: The Standard for Qualifying Circumstances in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven with equal certainty as the crime itself, not presumed from the killing.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Weak Identification Leads to Acquittal in Theft Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits theft accused where prosecution failed to prove identity beyond reasonable doubt, emphasizing weak identification cannot sustain conviction.
Treachery in Murder Cases: When a Killing Is Only Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a killing lacks treachery and is homicide, not murder, using People v. Ilo.
Diminished Liability Understanding Homicide Conviction IN THE Absence OF Treachery
When a killing lacks treachery, the crime is homicide, not murder. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith Purchaser Doctrine Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how the good faith purchaser doctrine protects buyers who rely on Torrens titles, even when fraud taints the original transfer.
Reasonable Doubt and Evidentiary Integrity in Criminal Convictions
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on frustrated homicide clarifies the burden of proof, credibility of witnesses, and the limits of damages.
Rape and the Illusion of Safety: Challenging Alibi and Affirming Survivor Testimony
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence underscores how alibi fails against positive identification and why survivor testimony holds weight.
Reckless Abandon Establishing Driver Identity IN Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence homicide, witness identification, and the penalty for abandoning victims at the scene.
Protecting Seafarers: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process Rights in Maritime Employment
When can a shipowner dismiss a Filipino seafarer? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause and due process rules for maritime employment.
Perfecting Land Titles: Proving Alienability and Possession in Public Land Registration
Learn the dual requirements for registering public land: proving alienable character and open possession since June 12, 1945.
When a Gunshot Is Not Murder: Conspiracy, Intent, and the Equipoise Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies when simultaneous gunfire is not conspiracy and how the equipoise rule can lead to acquittal.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Importance of Age Verification in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, emphasizing that a minor victim's delayed reporting does not weaken her credible testimony.
Rape Conviction Stands but Death Penalty Falls: Proving the Victim's Age
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua, clarifying the burden of proving the victim's age.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Falsifying DTRs and Pocketing Colleague's Salary
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for forging DTRs and special powers of attorney to steal a colleague's salary for nearly two years.
Reviving Election Mandates: How the Supreme Court Ensured the People's Choice Prevails
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the people's choice by reversing a disqualification and ordering the proclamation of the winning mayoral candidate.
The Fine Line Between Homicide and Murder: Examining Intent and Superior Strength in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a shooting is homicide versus illegal discharge of firearm, and why conspiracy must be proven.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Delay in Reporting Explained
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explains why a child victim's testimony is credible despite delay in reporting and why alibi failed.
Insufficient Notice, Insufficient Funds: Safeguarding Rights in Bouncing Check Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why proper written notice of dishonor is essential before a person can be convicted under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Annulment of Elections vs Election Protests: What Macabago v. COMELEC Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies when election fraud claims belong in an election protest, not an annulment case.
Checks as Guarantee in Loan Agreements: No Estafa Without Deceit
Supreme Court clarifies that postdated checks as loan guarantees do not constitute estafa absent proof of fraud or deceit.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Substantiate Claims and Observe Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Atlas Farms v. NLRC clarifies employer burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and due process requirements.
Silence Is Not Always Acquiescence: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a child victim's silence and delayed reporting do not weaken a rape conviction, and clarifies penalties for sexual assault.
When Courts Decide Rate Cases: Income Tax and Property Valuation in Public Utility Regulation
The Supreme Court ruled on how income tax and property valuation methods affect electricity rate determinations by the Energy Regulatory Board.
Meralco Rate Hike Ruling: Consumers Win as Supreme Court Shields Public From Utility's Income Tax
Supreme Court rules Meralco cannot pass income tax to consumers as operating expense, ordering refund of excess rate collections.