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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Reasonable Doubt Prevails: The Importance of Evidentiary Precision in Philippine Rape Cases
A look at People v. Ladrillo, where the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused due to the prosecution's failure to prove the date and facts beyond reasonable doubt.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: The Salary Grade 27 Rule Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a public official's position classification, not actual salary, determines Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
How Eyewitness Credibility Decides Murder Cases in Philippine Courts
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
Why Illegal Dismissal Cases Belong in Labor Courts: A Guide to Jurisdiction
Learn why illegal dismissal cases belong in labor courts and how the Supreme Court protects probationary employees' security of tenure.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Examining Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighs eyewitness credibility against alibi defenses in Philippine criminal cases, and why positive identification prevails.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi, and when treachery applies in criminal cases.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
Ejectment and Your Business: Understanding Privity to Avoid Surprises
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a business can be bound by an ejectment case even if not named as a party-defendant.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Splitting Appeals: Why Concurrent Jurisdiction Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
A single decision cannot be split between two courts. Learn why the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over mixed-penalty appeals.
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Intent, Treachery, and the Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery and self-defense must be proven, not presumed.
Unwavering Witness How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Rape Conviction In Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on a single eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining why alibi fails and damages are awarded.
Reconstitution of Burned Court Records: When Late Filing Is Not Fatal
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file for reconstitution of burned court records within six months does not automatically bar the remedy.
Victim Testimony as Sole Basis for Rape Conviction in the Philippines: People v. Capillo
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on a single eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining evidentiary rules for Philippine rape cases.
Suing the Right Entity: Why Naming the Correct Defendant Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why suits must name the real party in interest, not its officers or agents.
Unconscionable Quitclaims: When Employee Waivers Are Void in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are unconscionable, void, and contrary to public policy.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that medical reports are not required for rape convictions; credible victim testimony alone can suffice.
Philippine Retirement Law: Understanding Discretionary Service Extensions for Government Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies discretionary service extensions for government employees and the legal limits of such authority.