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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Burden of Proof in Conspiracy: When Family Ties Aren't Enough for a Homicide Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, family ties, and the burden of proof in homicide cases—what the prosecution must establish.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations in the Philippines: What Talsan v. Baliwag Transit Teaches
Learn when service of summons on a corporation is valid in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Talsan Enterprises v. Baliwag Transit.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: How Group Actions Lead to Collective Liability for Carnapping and Murde
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy makes each member of a group equally liable for crimes committed during a joint criminal enterprise.
When Shadows Speak: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Mangat, and what this means for criminal cases.
Objections to Election Returns Must Be in Writing: Lessons from Cordero v. Comelec
The Supreme Court explains why written objections and evidence are mandatory in pre-proclamation controversies under RA 7166.
Unmasking Justice: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Murder Cases
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence, not eyewitness identification, can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Accion Publiciana: Recovering Possession of Real Property in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve accion publiciana cases—recovery of real property possession—through this Supreme Court ruling on prior possession vs. occupancy permits.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi in Philippine Kidnapping Cases: People v. Ramos
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping conviction, ruling credible eyewitness identification prevails over alibi in People v. Ramos.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Dismissing One Case Doesn't Always Mean Dismissing All
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping requires two pending cases; a dismissed appeal doesn't automatically trigger the rule.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: How Philippine Law Protects Vulnerable Victims
In People v. Dizon, the Supreme Court upheld rape convictions based on the victims' credible testimony, reinforcing protections for minors and persons with mental disabilities.
Bail Hearings Are Non-Waivable: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Criminal Procedure
The Supreme Court reaffirms that bail hearings in capital offenses are mandatory and cannot be waived, dismissing a judge who granted bail without one.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Fixed-Term Contracts and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular, and why fixed-term contracts do not permit illegal dismissal.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty and Falsification in Private Transactions
Supreme Court rules on misuse of official receipts for private deals, imposing strict accountability on court personnel.
Ejectment Case Dismissed Understand Philippine Court Jurisdiction IN Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts have jurisdiction over ejectment cases. A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference between forcible entry and unlawful detainer.
Invalid Tax Assessment: Why an Affidavit for Criminal Complaint Does Not Count
The Supreme Court clarifies that a revenue officer's affidavit attached to a criminal complaint for tax evasion is not a formal assessment that can be appealed to the Court of Tax Appeals.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Delay in Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that delay in reporting and lack of resistance do not undermine victim credibility.
Managerial vs. Supervisory Employees: Unionization Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes managerial from supervisory employees and why misclassification can block unionization rights.
When Judges Are Held Liable for Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for gross ignorance of the law, setting standards for judicial competence and accountability.
Avoiding Double Lawsuits Understanding Litis Pendentia AND Forum Shopping IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts prevent duplicate lawsuits through litis pendentia and forum shopping rules, with practical guidance for litigants.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases: The Insanity Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for the insanity defense in robbery with homicide cases, requiring complete deprivation of reason.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court explains when loss of confidence justifies employee dismissal and why employers cannot rely on mere suspicion.
Self-Defense or Murder: Justifying Circumstances and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
A guide to self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in Philippine criminal law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Bitoon.
Protecting Employee Benefits: Non-Diminution and Publication Rules in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protected incumbent employee benefits under RA 6758 and voided an unpublished DBM circular that would have removed them.
Decoding Tax Treaties: Philippines Clarifies Most Favored Nation Clause in Royalty Taxation
The Supreme Court explains when the most favored nation clause in tax treaties applies to royalty withholding tax rates.