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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Certiorari Denied: Why the Wrong Appeal Mode Kills Your Case
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed a petition for certiorari as a wrong remedy, and how choosing the right appeal mode matters.
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employee Rights in Philippine Administrative Law
When can a 90-day preventive suspension be extended? The Supreme Court clarifies employee rights and the limits of disciplinary authority.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony: Positive Identification vs. Alibi in Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness identification against alibi and duress claims in a murder case, affirming convictions.
Union Registration Mixed Composition Bars Legal Standing In Labor Disputes
A union with mixed supervisory and rank-and-file members lacks legal personality to file petitions in labor disputes.
Finality of Compromise Agreements: Binding Share Valuation in Corporate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, finality of appraisals, and binding share valuation in corporate disputes.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation and General Dates in Informations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies moral ascendancy as intimidation and the validity of general dates in criminal informations.
Union Registration and Legal Personality in Certification Election Cases
A union must strictly comply with registration requirements to gain legal personality for certification elections. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Minor Inconsistencies Don't Undermine Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not defeat conviction when credibility is established.
Statutory Rape: Why Pleading Qualifying Circumstances in the Information Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why prosecutors must allege both the victim's minority and relationship to the accused to justify the death penalty.
When Police Officers Face Summary Dismissal: Due Process and the Limits of Extraordinary Remedies
A police officer's summary dismissal for extortion upheld despite dismissal of criminal case; certiorari and mandamus cannot substitute for appeal.
Delayed Remittances Upholding Honesty AND Integrity IN Public Office
A clerk of court was fined for delayed remittances of judiciary funds, underscoring the high standard of honesty and integrity in public office.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Inconsistencies and Recanted Testimony Lead to Acquittal in Rape Cases
When a rape victim's testimony has material inconsistencies, plus evidence of frame-up and a recanted affidavit, reasonable doubt may compel acquittal.
Incestuous Rape: Why Explicit Allegations Matter for the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court acquits a stepfather of rape, stressing that material inconsistencies in the victim's testimony and evidence of frame-up defeat conviction.
Circumstantial Evidence Sufficiency Convicting Accused IN Rape With Homicide Cases
When can circumstantial evidence convict in rape with homicide? The Supreme Court explains the rules in People v. Gannaban.
Rape and Intimidation: When a Father's Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, moral ascendancy, and why the death penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua.
Deceptive Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when deceptive job promises abroad constitute both illegal recruitment and estafa, and how conspirators share liability.
Confession and Criminal Liability: Disentangling Rape and Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a confession proves homicide but not rape, and how Philippine courts distinguish the two crimes.
Defining Qualified Rape: The Critical Elements for Imposing the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape with homicide warrants the death penalty, requiring proof of both crimes beyond reasonable doubt.
Breach of Postal Integrity: Balancing Intent and Accountability in Public Service
A postmaster opened a widow's mail to settle debts—was it grave misconduct or good faith? The Supreme Court weighs intent.
Statutory Rape and Parental Authority: Why the Supreme Court Upheld a Father's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining how parental moral ascendancy substitutes for force and why proof of age matters for the death penalty.
Private vs Common Carriers: Who Bears Liability for Damaged Cargo?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a trucking company is a private carrier and how liability for damaged cargo is determined.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Victim's Testimony and a Minor's Inability to Consent
In People v. Serado, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, ruling that a child under twelve is legally incapable of consenting to sexual acts.
Due Process in Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Mandatory Formal Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that a formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer disciplinary cases, remanding a dismissed complaint for further proceedings.
Balancing Corporate Discretion and Regulatory Oversight: The BCDA Compensation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a government corporation's power to grant employee benefits beyond Central Bank standards.