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.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when the speedy disposition clock starts in Ombudsman cases, distinguishing fact-finding from preliminary investigation.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.
When a Knife Threat After Rape Does Not Qualify the Crime: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when the use of a deadly weapon qualifies rape to a graver penalty, and when it does not.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Missing Witnesses in Buy-Bust Operation
SC acquits drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during buy-bust inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Oral Sales Agreements Transfer Property and the Limits of Rescission
When does an oral deal to sell land transfer ownership? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a sale and a contract to sell, and when rescission is allowed.
Sibling Disputes and Court Filings: When Family Code Conciliation Rules Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when Article 151 of the Family Code requires earnest efforts before family members can sue each other.
Conjugal Property Rights: When a Forged Donation and Sale Divide Ownership
A forged donation of conjugal property leads to co-ownership between the buyer and the innocent spouse, each holding an undivided half.
Priority in Public Land Sales: Prior Application vs Length of Occupancy
In public land sales, the date of application generally prevails over length of occupancy. Galindez v. Firmalan explains why.
When a Bus Driver's Sabbatical Becomes a Retirement Claim: The Macuray Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's break from work is abandonment, sabbatical, or retirement—and what benefits are due.
Divorce Abroad: A Filipino Spouse's Right to Remarry After a Foreign Divorce
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Filipino can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if the Filipino initiated the divorce proceedings abroad.
Well-Founded Belief and Presumptive Death: Diligence Required for Remarriage
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict "well-founded belief" standard under Article 41 of the Family Code for declaring a missing spouse presumptively dead.
How Philippine Courts Assess Credibility and Consent in Rape Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates witness credibility, consent, and damages in rape convictions, using People v. Bugna.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Custodial Investigation and Confessions in Qualified Theft: People v. Cabanada
When does a police interview become custodial investigation? People v. Cabanada clarifies Miranda rights and confession admissibility in theft cases.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Bank's Failure to Release Loan Funds Nullifies Foreclosure of Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court rules a bank's breach of a credit agreement bars foreclosure, explaining borrower's reciprocal obligation to pay only arises after full release of loan proceeds.
Private Roads and Public Use: When a Local Ordinance Cannot Convert Private Property
A local ordinance cannot convert a private road into public property without donation, purchase, or expropriation. The Supreme Court explains.
Transnational Marital Infidelity and Psychological Violence: Jurisdiction Under R.A. 9262
Philippine courts can hear psychological violence cases under R.A. 9262 even if the illicit affair abroad caused the wife's anguish at home.
Can Pathological Gambling Nullify a Marriage? The Singson Ruling on Psychological Incapacity
The Supreme Court in Singson v. Singson clarifies when pathological gambling can—and cannot—nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Proving Filiation After Death: The Strict Rules on Inheritance Claims
Philippine law sets strict evidence rules for proving filiation after a parent's death. Learn what the Supreme Court requires in inheritance disputes.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Key Lessons from Napone v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and defense of relatives fail, and how unlawful aggression must be proven in Philippine homicide cases.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Affirmed for Abuse of Intellectually Disabled Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that mental age—not chronological age—determines a victim's capacity to consent.