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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Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases: positive identification by victims outweighs denial and alibi defenses.
Protecting Vulnerable Witnesses Upholding THE Testimony OF Deaf Mute Rape Victims IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the sign-language testimony of a deaf-mute victim, clarifying rules on witness competence and alibi.
Ejectment Actions Unaffected By Ownership Disputes Germinanda Heirs VS Judge Salvanera
The Supreme Court clarifies that in ejectment suits, courts may provisionally rule on the plaintiff's death and ownership issues without barring separate actions.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality and Bar Sanctions
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Violence: Defining Liability Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to hold two accused liable for murder in a group stabbing incident.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
GSIS Foreclosure Redemption: Balancing Member Needs and Fund Solvency
Supreme Court ruling on GSIS foreclosure redemption rights, explaining when members can repurchase foreclosed property and the limits of that right.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Homicide Cases
In People v. Yungot, the Supreme Court explains how flight after a crime can strengthen the prosecution's case and weaken an alibi defense.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Philippine Courts Weigh Witness Testimony
In the Sanchez rape-with-homicide case, the Supreme Court explains why trial court findings on witness credibility are rarely overturned on appeal.
Protecting Condominium Buyers: Annulling Mortgage Foreclosure for Undeclared Encumbrances
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a condominium buyer from foreclosure due to undeclared mortgages, and what this means for property buyers.
Publicity vs Fair Trial: Reassessing Damages in Heinous Crime Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies that pervasive media coverage does not automatically deny an accused a fair trial, and adjusts excessive damage awards.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Law: Why Fictitious Contracts Are Void
A simulated deed of sale has no legal effect, and the resulting title must be cancelled. The Supreme Court explains why in pari delicto does not apply to fictitious contracts.
Protecting Condominium Buyers: Annulling Improperly Foreclosed Mortgages
When a developer mortgages condominium units without required approval, buyers can annul the mortgage and foreclosure. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Unlawful Aggression Must Be Proven in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a barangay captain's self-defense plea failed in a homicide case, and what elements must be proven.
Terminal Leave Pay: Highest Salary Rule for Retiring Government Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on computing terminal leave pay using highest monthly salary, including acting capacity designations.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Treachery Unveiled When Opportunity TO Escape Negates A Finding OF Murder
Supreme Court explains when a victim's opportunity to escape or defend himself negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Deceptive Sales The High Cost of Confidence Scams Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat confidence scams, the elements of estafa, and the penalties for deceptive sales practices.
Rape Intimidation and Threat Sufficient for Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on threats and intimidation, ruling that absence of physical resistance does not negate the crime.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Illegal Firearms in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence and illegal firearms possession under PD 1866.
Questioning Authenticity When A Deed Of Sale Fails The Test Of Due Execution
When can a deed of sale be declared void? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due execution and authenticity.
Dismissal for Judicial Misconduct: Impartiality and Diligence in Granting Hospital Confinement
A judge's dismissal for granting hospital confinement without hearing shows why diligence and impartiality are non-negotiable in every judicial act.
Self-Defense Claims and Treachery: Lessons from People vs. Mazo
A look at how the Supreme Court weighed self-defense, witness credibility, and treachery in a homicide conviction.
Dismissal of Judge for Extortion-Adjacent Misconduct: Public Trust in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Muro for gross misconduct in releasing a detained accused—a lesson on judicial integrity and due process.