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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Sheriff’s Duty of Custody: Liability for Negligent Loss of Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for dereliction of duty when a vehicle under custodia legis was lost due to unsafe storage.
Rape and Credibility: How Courts Evaluate Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how trial courts assess rape victim testimony, identity, delay in reporting, and affidavit of desistance.
Protecting Electoral Integrity: When Delaying Tactics in Election Protests Fail
The Supreme Court rules that dilatory motions in election protests undermine the will of voters and will not be countenanced.
Accepting a Lower Position Does Not Waive an Illegally Terminated Employee’s Reinstatement Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: accepting a lower or coterminous position during reorganization does not waive an illegally terminated employee’s right to reinstatement.
Recall Elections: Defining the Process and Protecting Local Governance Stability
The Supreme Court clarifies when recall elections may be held under the Local Government Code, balancing accountability with stability.
Treachery Defined: How Precise Application of Law Ensures Justice in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery's elements in People v. Repollo, reducing a death sentence to reclusion perpetua while affirming murder convictions.
Finality of Comelec Resolutions in Election Offense Cases: Reconsideration and Judicial Review
When is a Comelec resolution final in election offense cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reconsideration and judicial review.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Unauthenticated Evidence and Lack of Due Process Can Cost Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules: retirement age, CBA benefits, and employer liability in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery Can Convict Even Without Physical Evidence
A single credible eyewitness can sustain a murder conviction despite negative paraffin test results. The Supreme Court explains when treachery qualifies the killing.
Default Orders and the Duty to Answer: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice
When does a petition for certiorari excuse a defendant from filing an answer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on default orders.
Robbery With Rape: How Intimidation Proves Lack of Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how intimidation, not physical force, suffices to prove lack of consent in robbery with rape cases.
Driving Without a License: Upholding Termination for Violation of Company Rules
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of employee who drove company vehicle without a valid license, causing damage and violating company rules.
When Drunken Brawls Lead to Deadly Stabs: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
The Supreme Court acquits an accused of murder, explaining how failure to prove treachery and identity can reduce the charge to homicide.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Father Rape Conviction and the Limits of Credibility in Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a daughter's delayed report and alleged "complex" do not destroy credibility.
Witness Credibility: Inaction During a Crime Does Not Mean False Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a witness's stunned inaction during a crime does not undermine credibility or testimony.
When a Civil Case Does Not Suspend Criminal Estafa Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil action for nullity of trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that suspends criminal estafa cases.
The Reach of Conspiracy: When Concerted Acts Establish Guilt in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy makes all participants equally liable for murder, explained in plain language.
Breach of Express Warranty: Seller Liable for Unpaid Taxes Despite Transfer of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vehicle seller's assurance that taxes were paid is an express warranty; breach makes seller liable for unpaid duties.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Credibility of Rape Victims' Testimony: The Daughter-Father Exception in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on daughter's credible testimony against father, explaining why courts give greater weight to such accusations.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Bad Faith Litigation: When Filing Suit Leads to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when filing an unfounded lawsuit constitutes bad faith, exposing litigants to moral and exemplary damages.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Must Wait for Final Acquittal, High Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a malicious prosecution suit may be filed, requiring final termination of the criminal case first.