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.
Breach of Professional Duty Attorneys Must Avoid Representing Conflicting Interests
Lawyers who represent conflicting interests violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and face suspension from the practice of law.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Preservation of Child Welfare in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms six counts of statutory rape, underscoring that a child's consent is immaterial and that young victims' testimony deserves full credence.
Treachery in Murder: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Criminal Law
Understanding treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder cases, explained through a 2002 Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
Dismissed for Delay? Understanding Due Diligence in Philippine Court Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles procedural delays and due diligence in labor cases, using a recent illegal dismissal ruling as a guide.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
Uncertain Testimony in Rape Cases: Safeguarding Justice and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies that an imprecise date in a rape information does not void it, but failure to allege the victim's age bars the death penalty.
Sole Eyewitness Testimony Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Hermo on Murder and Abuse of Superior Strength
How a lone eyewitness's credible account led to a murder conviction, and why Philippine courts trust trial judges on witness credibility.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Examining Criminal Liability in Joint Offenses
Explore how conspiracy and treachery shape criminal liability in joint offenses under Philippine law, with insights from recent jurisprudence.
Union Disaffiliation and Freedom of Association: Philippine Skylanders v. NLRC
When can a local union validly disaffiliate from its mother federation? The Supreme Court explains in Philippine Skylanders v. NLRC.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Accused's Rights
When may a court allow amendment of an Information after the accused pleads? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between formal and substantial amendments.
Appointment vs Reassignment: Clarifying the Role of Local School Boards in Superintendent Designations
The Supreme Court clarifies when local school board consultation is required for schools division superintendent designations, distinguishing appointment from reassignment.
From Robbery With Homicide to Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, circumstantial evidence, and the distinction between attempted homicide and frustrated murder.
Positive Identification Overrules Alibi in Vergara Robbery Case
Supreme Court affirms robbery conviction, holding that a victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's alibi and bare denial.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Independence AND Diligence IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing certiorari is counted from receipt of the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Estoppel Bars Investor from Questioning Contract After Enjoying Its Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on estoppel: an investor cannot question a trading agreement's validity after benefiting from it and suffering losses.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Legal Implications
Understand treachery (alevosia) as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Funding Education Balancing Local Control AND National Mandates IN Special Education Fund Usage
Supreme Court clarifies which teacher salaries and scholarship grants may be charged to a local government's Special Education Fund.
Delayed Reporting in Statutory Rape: When Delay Does Not Destroy Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why delayed reporting of statutory rape does not automatically undermine a minor victim's credibility.
Sorsogon Cityhood: Merging Municipalities and the One Subject-One Bill Rule
The Supreme Court upholds the creation of Sorsogon City by merging two municipalities, clarifying the one subject-one bill rule and plebiscite timing.
Partnership vs Employment: Sharing Profits in Lending Ventures Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when profit-sharing in a lending business creates a partnership, not an employment relationship, and how profits are computed.
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.
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.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay Computation
Supreme Court rules a designated Acting Secretary's higher salary, even for one day, determines terminal leave pay basis.