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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Circumstantial Evidence in Carnapping with Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a carnapping conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining the rules on identification, alibi, and damages.
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Consent and Jurisdiction in Rape Cases Involving Mental Retardation
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape complaint filed by police is valid when the victim is mentally incapacitated, affirming conviction.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: Why Precision in Criminal Charges Matters
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction but spares his life because the information misstated his relationship to the victim.
Mistaken Identity vs Positive Identification: When a Wrong Name Does Not Exonerate a Killer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a witness's wrong name for the accused destroys identification and exonerates the killer.
When Does a Fistfight Turn Into Murder? Understanding Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack from behind qualifies as treachery, and when it does not, in a Philippine homicide case.
Attorneys Fees and Simulated Sales: Protecting Lawyers' Rights in the Philippines
A lawyer's right to collect contingent fees can extend to challenging simulated sales that defeat payment, as the Supreme Court ruled in Alberto v. Court of Appeals.
Bouncing Checks Intent Is Irrelevant Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that under the Bouncing Checks Law, criminal intent and purpose are irrelevant. Issuing a bad check is malum prohibitum.
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Rape Convictions in the Philippines — People v. Santos
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining the law on statutory rape, delayed reporting, and victim credibility.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Victim Vulnerability
Understand treachery and abuse of superior strength in Philippine criminal law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lazarte.
Rape Conviction Reversal: Why Victim Conduct After the Alleged Assault Matters
Philippine Supreme Court reverses rape conviction, ruling that a complainant's post-incident behavior—writing to and seeking out the accused—can cast reasonable doubt on credibility.
When an Honest Mistake Becomes a Crime: Rape, Consent, and Credibility in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, explaining how a complainant's conduct—before and after the alleged assault—can create reasonable doubt.
Attorney Discipline: Understanding Disbarment and Suspension in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between disbarment and suspension for Philippine lawyers, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Dumadag v. Lumaya.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Killing: Homicide and Justification in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when killing is murder, not self-defense, and how treachery is proven in Philippine criminal law.
Modal Institutions in Philippine Wills: Heirs' Obligations and the Rabadilla Ruling
Learn how modal institutions in Philippine wills impose enforceable obligations on heirs, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rabadilla v. Court of Appeals.
Reclassifying Highway Robbery: When a Single Robbery Becomes Robbery With Homicide
Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between highway robbery under PD 532 and robbery with homicide under the Revised Penal Code.
Public Sector Strikes: Balancing Employee Rights and Government Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public school teachers' mass actions, explaining why government employees cannot strike and the limits of constitutional rights.
When the Supreme Court Sits En Banc: Jurisdiction in Philippine Land Disputes
Learn when the Supreme Court sits en banc in land disputes, and how jurisdiction and land classification shape property rights in the Philippines.
Ombudsman Decisions: When Are They Immediately Executable?
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory, using the Lapid case as a guide.
Mandamus and Judicial Duty: Enforcing Court Orders in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on interlocutory orders, summary judgment, and the ministerial duty of courts to execute final judgments.
Indispensable Parties in Philippine Appeals: When the Government Need Not Be Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the Office of the President is not an indispensable party in appeals from its decisions.
Forcible Abduction and Rape: When "Elopement" Is Actually a Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forcible abduction, rape, and grave coercion in People v. De Lara, distinguishing consensual elopement from criminal force.
When Judges Delay Forcible Entry Cases: Gallego v. Judge Doronila
A Supreme Court ruling holds a judge liable for gross inefficiency after seven months of delay in a forcible entry case governed by the Rules on Summary Procedure.
Right to Photocopy Ballots in Philippine Election Protests: Due Process and Fair Elections
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on a COMELEC order declaring a ghost precinct, and the due process rights of voters in election protests.
Lost Court Exhibits: When Court Personnel Are Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's liability for lost firearms held as court exhibits, explaining duties of clerks of court.