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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Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Judges: Lessons from Manahon v. Judge Tan
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless administrative complaint against a judge, reinforcing that substantial evidence is required and frivolous charges will be reprimanded.
Safeguarding Free Speech: The Unconstitutionality of Election Survey Publication Bans in the Philippines
Why the Supreme Court struck down the ban on publishing election surveys before elections as an unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.
Statutory Rape: Why Consent Is Irrelevant When the Victim Is Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is immaterial. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Ablaneda.
Tax Exemptions Are Strictly Construed: The Sea-Land Service Ruling
Philippine tax exemptions are strictly construed. Learn how the Supreme Court denied a US shipping firm's tax refund claim in Sea-Land Service, Inc. v. CIR.
Dismissal Based on Procedural Technicalities Ensuring Compliance With Court Rules
When the Court of Appeals dismisses a petition for technical deficiencies, the Supreme Court may uphold it. Learn the rules from this labor case.
Conflict of Interest and Informed Consent in Attorney Representation
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint against a lawyer who represented clients with potentially conflicting interests, clarifying the written-consent rule.
Breach of Trust: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Abuse and Statutory Rape in Domestic Settings
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguishes statutory rape from acts of lasciviousness, and why a stepfather's breach of trust matters.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Agrarian Land Reclassification
When can landowners skip administrative appeals and go straight to court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a CARP exemption case.
When Self-Defense Fails: Robbery With Homicide and the Limits of Justifying Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies robbery with homicide, aggravating circumstances, and why self-defense claims need more than denial.
Encroachment and Good Faith: What Builders Must Know Under Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on encroachment, good faith, and accion reinvindicatoria in Evadel Realty v. Soriano.
Rape Conviction and Venue: When Aggravating Circumstances Must Be Alleged
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why aggravating circumstances like dwelling and nighttime must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Rape Conviction Overturned: The Critical Need for Explicitly Stating Aggravating Circumstances in Criminal Inf
Why the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua when aggravating circumstances weren't alleged in the Information.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Challenges to Education Law Reforms
Supreme Court explains res judicata in Manalo v. Court of Appeals, barring repeated suits over the same education law issue.
Double Jeopardy Denied: The Perils of Forum Shopping in Philippine Law
When can a judge inhibit from a case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of voluntary inhibition and the dangers of forum shopping.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Malicious Prosecution: Balancing Public Duty and Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may be sued for damages, balancing prosecutorial discretion against protection from malicious prosecution claims.
Witness Credibility and the Perils of Delayed Justice: Analyzing Testimonial Inconsistencies in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, police blotter discrepancies, and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Against Prosecutors: The Drilon v. Court of Appeals Ruling
When can prosecutors be sued for damages after filing criminal charges? The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malicious prosecution and the protection of good faith.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Mistaken Identity or Intentional Act: The Fine Line Between Assistance and Kidnapping
Explore the Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Ubongen, clarifying when helping a lost child is not kidnapping under Philippine law.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Law: Negligence and Presumption Explained
Learn how res ipsa loquitur shifts the burden of proof in negligence cases, using a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Over Circumstantial Evidence in Drug Transportation Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug transport accused, ruling that circumstantial evidence must exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi In Robbery With Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Legaspi: how positive identification defeats alibi and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: When Filing Multiple Petitions Backfires
Philippine Supreme Court explains forum shopping through a barangay captain's dismissed petition against an Ad Hoc Committee.