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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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.
Insanity as a Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Villa
The Supreme Court rejected an insanity defense in a 2000 multiple murder case, clarifying the strict evidentiary standard required to overcome the presumption of sanity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forcible Abduction With Rape: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's alibi and denial.
Defining Jurisdiction: Courts vs Energy Regulatory Board in Overcharging Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that regular courts, not the ERB, hear disputes over electric overcharging and recovery of sums.
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.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Orio
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and denial, and when treachery or abuse of superior strength qualifies a killing as murder.
The Right to Litigate Must Be Exercised in Good Faith: Lessons from a Baseless Insurance Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a baseless lawsuit can expose a party to damages for bad faith litigation.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Property Deterioration Justifies Immediate Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal, redemption rights, and when immediate enforcement is justified to prevent property deterioration.
Judicial Misconduct Upholding Integrity and Independence in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for landowners vs. NHA in expropriation cases, emphasizing proper legal procedures and constitutional challenges.
Defining Managerial vs Supervisory Roles for Union Membership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between managerial and supervisory employees for union membership eligibility under the Labor Code.
Conspiracy and Homicide: How Group Violence Establishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in group violence makes every participant liable for murder, even without inflicting the fatal wound.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape convictions, clarifying rules on information defects, alibi, and victim credibility in incest cases.
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.
Bouncing Checks and Criminal Liability: Why Account Sufficiency Matters
Philippine Supreme Court explains when issuing a check against a closed account becomes a crime under BP 22, and why account sufficiency at issuance is key.
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.
Representation in Legal Disputes: Clarifying Counsel Rights for Local Government Officials
Learn when local government officials may hire private counsel and how service of notices affects appeals, based on a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.