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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape and sexual assault against a six-year-old child, clarifying key legal principles.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim’s Credibility and the Weight of Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, detailing how a victim's credible testimony and positive identification outweigh denial and alibi defenses.
Credibility in Rape Cases: The Weight of the Victim's Testimony and Positive Identification
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony alone can convict. This article explains the rules on credibility, identification, and damages.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Misappropriated Court Funds and Neglect of Duty
Court personnel who mishandle judiciary funds face dismissal or suspension, as the Supreme Court reaffirms strict accountability for clerks of court.
VAT Refunds: Strict Compliance With the 120+30 Day Rule and Invoicing Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims and invoicing requirements in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Toledo Power Company.
Extrinsic Fraud and Annulment of Judgment: What Litigants Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud, and explains the strict requirements for annulling a final judgment under Rule 47.
In Pari Delicto Exception: Unjust Enrichment in Illegal Subcontracts
When an illegal contract leaves one party unjustly enriched, Philippine courts may set aside in pari delicto to prevent inequity.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
VAT Refund Timeliness: Strict Deadlines for Appealing BIR Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund judicial claims, citing CBK Power v. CIR.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: How Philippine Law Protects Children From Sexual Abuse
A Supreme Court ruling explains the two modes of rape under Philippine law, why the victim's age and the charge in the Information matter, and how lesser offenses apply.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Injury Claims: Proving Self-Inflicted Harm
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer can defeat a seafarer's disability claim by proving the injury was self-inflicted.
Sheriff’s Duty on Expense Handling: Strict Compliance With Court Rules to Prevent Misconduct
A sheriff who demanded and received execution expenses without court approval or liquidation was suspended for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Protecting Children: High Court Clarifies Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors constitute rape versus acts of lasciviousness, and explains the rules on conviction.
Integrity of Evidence Prevails: Non-Compliance With Drug Evidence Procedures Not Always Fatal to Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police failure to follow Section 21, R.A. 9165, emphasizing evidence integrity.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient FOR Rape Conviction Examining Standards OF Evidence
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, penalties, and damages in People v. Con-ui.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Affirmed; Damages Fixed at P300,000 Per Victim
SC affirms kidnapping-for-ransom conviction, sets damages at P300,000 per victim with 6% interest, and clarifies rules on witness credibility and alibi.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Drug Cases
Why strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is vital in drug cases, and how its breach led to an acquittal.
Incestuous Rape: Child Victims' Testimony and Parental Responsibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies attempted rape vs. acts of lasciviousness distinction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Buy-Bust Lapses and Drug Convictions: What Taculod Teaches About Section 21
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite procedural lapses, clarifying when non-compliance with Section 21 is excusable and why objections must be raised early.
Balancing ACT When Courts Weigh Conflicting Lawsuits AND Unconscionable Interest Rates
Incestuous Rape: Why Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony in Parental Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victims' credible testimony, explaining why intact hymen and minor inconsistencies don't defeat prosecution.