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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Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Arson Cases
How a credible lone eyewitness can overcome alibi and denial in Philippine arson prosecutions, with practical lessons.
Gross Ignorance of Law Improper Denial of Preliminary Investigation Rights
SC rules judge liable for undue delay and improper denial of reinvestigation, violating accused's right to preliminary investigation.
Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery With Homicide: Positive Identification Prevails
The Supreme Court affirms that positive, credible eyewitness identification outweighs bare denials in robbery with homicide cases, citing People v. Sorila.
Crediting Prior Government Service for Judicial Retirement: Ensuring Fair Pension Benefits
Supreme Court rules prior Sangguniang Bayan service counts toward judges' 20-year retirement requirement under R.A. 910.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Positive Identification in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms that a victim's clear, positive identification outweighs an accused's denial and alibi in robbery with homicide.
Conspiracy and Group Criminal Acts: How Philippine Courts Weigh Evidence in Drug Cases
In Dacles v. People, the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction based on police testimony and explained how courts treat defenses of denial and frame-up.
Courts Hold Sole Power to Remove Elective Local Officials, High Court Rules
Supreme Court affirms only courts can remove elective local officials like barangay captains, limiting sanggunian disciplinary powers.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholds Conviction in Double Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms double murder conviction, ruling that positive identification by eyewitnesses prevails over alibi and denial.
Theft vs Robbery: Intent to Gain and Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies theft elements, intent to gain, and why positive identification beats denial and alibi in criminal cases.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law: Affirmative Testimony vs Denial
How Philippine courts weigh affirmative testimony against bare denial in criminal and civil cases, with practical guidance.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reinterpreting Appeal Deadlines for Fair Adjudication
The Supreme Court clarifies the fresh period rule, allowing appeals within 15 days from denial of reconsideration, promoting substantial justice.
Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities: Who Has Jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court clarifies which body—the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the courts—has jurisdiction over municipal boundary disputes under the Local Government Code.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Homicide Cases: Lessons from Lascano v. People
The Supreme Court reaffirms that credible eyewitness identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases, explaining why appellate courts respect trial court credibility findings.
The Perils of Procedural Missteps: Navigating Appeal Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Victory Liner v. Malinias shows how procedural errors, not the merits, can doom a case. Learn the rules on appeals, relief, and certiorari.
Challenging Alibis in Rape Cases: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's positive testimony against denial and alibi, and why delay in reporting does not defeat a conviction.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible child witness testimony, explaining delay in reporting and denial defenses.
Upholding Electoral Mandates: The Province's Duty to Implement Sangguniang Panlalawigan Seat Increases
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to order proclamation of additional Sangguniang Panlalawigan members when a province's reclassification entitles it to more seats.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Unexpected Assaults and the Denial Defense in Philippine Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts treat denial and alibi defenses in rape cases, and why the victim's credible testimony prevails.
Bare Denials Cannot Overcome Positive Testimony in Buy-Bust Drug Convictions
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed drug convictions despite denials, emphasizing the weight of positive police testimony in buy-bust operations.
Missed Appeal Deadlines Understanding THE Fresh Period Rule IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the fresh period rule in Neypes v. CA changed appeal deadlines in Philippine courts, giving litigants a full 15 days after denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Mental Health AT SEA Compensability OF Schizophrenia Under THE Poea Contract
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
Local Autonomy Prevails Defining Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities AND Highly Urbanized Cities
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over LGU boundary disputes, which belong to sanggunians under the Local Government Code.