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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Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting the Mentally Vulnerable Under the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape of a mentally retarded victim, explaining why force need not be proven.
Beware Illegal Recruiters: Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence for Syndicate Preying on Job Seekers
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for large-scale illegal recruitment, warning Filipinos against unscrupulous individuals promising overseas jobs.
Parental Rape in the Philippines: The Right to Counsel and the Death Penalty
When a father is accused of raping his daughter, the Supreme Court still requires effective counsel—explained in People v. Bermas.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
When Is a Policeman's Death Work-Related? Compensability for Law Enforcement Families in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's death is compensable under PD 626, and when the 24-hour duty rule does not apply.
Understanding Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Nava
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in murder is proven through acts showing unity of purpose, not just prior agreement.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Victim Accounts Matter in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor rape victim's credible, detailed testimony alone can sustain a conviction, explaining key rules on credibility.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how online posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Supreme Court Reconsiderations: Minute Resolutions and Finality of Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats minute resolutions, second motions for reconsideration, and finality of judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize the Vulnerable
Philippine courts give weight to a rape victim's credible testimony, especially when vulnerable. Learn the rules from a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Irresistible Force: When You Are Not Criminally Liable Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when acting under irresistible force or duress exempts a person from criminal liability, acquitting a tricycle driver of robbery with homicide.
Novation Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when novation can extinguish criminal liability in estafa cases, and when it cannot.
Navigating Automatic Stay Orders Suspending Claims During Corporate Rehabilitation in the Philippines
Learn how PD 902-A's automatic stay suspends labor claims during corporate rehabilitation, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Rubberworld.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Rape Conviction Upheld Death Penalty Reduced The Importance Of Specificity In Criminal Informations
The Supreme Court upholds a father's rape conviction, clarifies the death penalty's application, and explains why vague dates in criminal informations are not fatal.
Bouncing Checks as Guarantees in the Philippines: BP 22 and Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that checks issued as guarantees or deposits still fall under BP 22 criminal liability when dishonored.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Who Decides Homeowners Association Disputes? The HIGC and Intra-Corporate Jurisdiction
A look at a Supreme Court ruling clarifying that disputes within homeowners associations fall under HIGC jurisdiction, not the regular courts.
Defining Rape in the Philippines: Is Penetration Always Necessary?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape; mere touching of the labia by the male organ suffices.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.
Justice Delayed Justice Denied: Holding Judges Accountable for Court Inefficiency
A look at how the Supreme Court penalized a judge for gross inefficiency, ignorance of the law, and delay in resolving cases.
Protecting the Accused: The Vital Searching Inquiry in Philippine Capital Offense Cases
A guilty plea in a capital case demands a searching inquiry. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Sevilleno.