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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Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: Judicial Delay and Accountability in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay shows why judges must decide cases promptly—and the consequences when they don't.
Why Alibi Often Fails in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains why alibi is a weak defense when eyewitnesses positively identify the accused in robbery with homicide cases.
Limits of Guardianship Court Jurisdiction and Preliminary Attachment Under Philippine Law
A guardianship court exceeded its authority by issuing preliminary attachment. The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional limits and judicial accountability.
When Good Samaritans Become Targets: Arson, Murder, and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how burning an inhabited house and shooting a Good Samaritan helper constitute arson and murder with treachery.
Work-Related Heart Disease: Proving Your Employee Compensation Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on work-related heart disease claims under PD 626, and what evidence employees need to prove compensability.
Discretionary Execution Pending Appeal: When Philippine Courts Can Enforce Judgments Immediately
Learn when Philippine courts may order execution pending appeal, the "good reasons" required, and how the Supreme Court applies Rule 39.
When Eyewitness Testimony Fails: Acquittal in Double Murder With Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court acquits Edgar Bacalso after prosecution witnesses' improbable testimony fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Probate Court Powers Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs in Philippine Estate Law
When can a probate court resolve property disputes among heirs? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cortes v. Court of Appeals.
Proving Work-Related Illness Claims: Substantial Evidence Standard in Philippine Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies substantial evidence standard for work-related illness compensation claims under P.D. 626, as amended.
Habeas Corpus Appeals in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule Explained
The Supreme Court confirmed that habeas corpus appeals now follow the 15-day period under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, replacing the old 48-hour rule.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Philippine Courts Test the Validity of Drug Busts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and invalid instigation in drug cases, using a marijuana buy-bust case as guide.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Grave Consequences and Legal Safeguards
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape shows how Philippine law treats a father's sexual abuse of his minor daughter, and what safeguards protect child victims.
Supreme Court on Good Faith Bargaining and Union-Busting: The Letran Case
The Supreme Court ruled on an employer's duty to bargain in good faith and what constitutes union-busting in Colegio de San Juan de Letran v. AEFL.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Medical Exam Not Indispensable in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling medical examination is not indispensable and clarifying damages for multiple counts of rape.
Bouncing Checks: Understanding Liability and Penalties Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court interprets BP 22 bouncing checks law, including liability, penalties, and defenses in the Philippines.
Exclusive Distributorship Breach: Key Lessons from Bayer vs. Bompat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exclusive distributorships: breach, compulsory counterclaims, storage fees, and damages explained for businesses.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Why Proper Charges and Proof Matter
A look at how the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to properly allege qualifying circumstances.
Breach of Trust When a Father's Authority Masks Sexual Abuse in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape by a father, moral ascendancy as intimidation, and proper penalties.
Homicide vs Robbery With Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Proving the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide stands, when it falls to homicide, and how intent to gain is proven in carnapping.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Courts Scrutinize Compromises Involving Public Assets
The Supreme Court explains why sequestered assets like SMC shares require Sandiganbayan approval before any compromise takes effect.
Nicknames and Initials on Ballots: The Villarosa v. HRET Precedent
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on nickname and initials votes in Villarosa v. HRET, and what it means for ballot validity.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery Homicide Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, alibi, and treachery in murder cases, using People v. Bergonio.
The Unwavering Eye: How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining why a single eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and minor inconsistencies.