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 Acquittal Based on Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and when reasonable doubt requires acquittal in robbery cases.
Threat of Force Nullifies Consent: Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling threats of death negate consent and proving force is unnecessary in statutory rape.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences For False Attestation In Legal Documents
Supreme Court revokes notary commission and suspends lawyer for notarizing a deed after the signatory had already died, underscoring strict notarial duties.
Drug Cases and the Requirement to Allege Aggravating Circumstances in the Information
In Li Ka Kim v. People, the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence because the aggravating circumstance was not alleged in the Information. Here is what that means.
Illegal Dismissal and Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in illegal dismissal cases, including the employer-employee relationship test and due process requirements.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: What Employers Must Prove in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment and due process requirements in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights under the Labor Code.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Penetration, Alibi, and the Child Victim's Word
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration suffices and a child's candid testimony prevails over alibi.
Possession and Due Process: Protecting Third-Party Rights in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules an ex-parte writ of possession cannot eject third-party possessors not in privity with the mortgagor.
Succession and Disqualification: Determining the Lawful Mayor in Philippine Elections
When a winning mayoral candidate is disqualified after the election, the vice mayor succeeds—not the second placer. Here's why.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, physical injury not required, and the moral ascendancy doctrine in incest cases.
Incestuous Rape Credibility of Testimony and Establishing the Qualifying Circumstance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape, credibility of a child victim's testimony, and the need to prove qualifying circumstances for the death penalty.
Disqualification of Votes: Ensuring Electoral Integrity Through Proper Comelec Procedures
When can a disqualified candidate's votes be voided? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on disqualification, stray votes, and succession.
The Improvident Plea Protecting Rights in Heinous Crimes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the rights of minors accused of heinous crimes, from improper pleas to mitigating circumstances.
Diminished Liability When Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide
Learn how the Supreme Court reduced a murder conviction to homicide when the prosecution failed to prove treachery, affecting penalties and damages.
Attorney's Fees: How Philippine Courts Determine Reasonable Compensation for Legal Services
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under Rule 138 and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Preserving Client Confidences Understanding Attorney Client Privilege AND ITS Limits IN THE Philippines
When does the duty to keep client secrets begin and end? A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege.
The Two-Notice Rule: Safeguarding Employee Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law requires two written notices before dismissal. A 2004 Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to comply makes termination illegal.
Mutuality of Contracts: No Unilateral Price Escalation Without Clear Basis
Contractors cannot unilaterally raise prices without proof and written authority. The Supreme Court explains mutuality of contracts.
Judicial Ethics Upholding Impartiality AND Efficiency IN Court Services
Court Employees' Brawl: Misconduct in Office and the Judiciary's Image
The Supreme Court fined six court employees for a workplace brawl, stressing that fighting in court offices erodes public trust and warrants discipline.
Rape Shield Under Scrutiny: Credibility in Sexual Assault Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on simple rape clarifies credibility standards, qualifying circumstances, and damages in sexual assault cases.
Support Obligations in Nullified Marriages: Protecting Child Welfare After Annulment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that child support survives a nullified marriage and can be modified as needs and resources change, but only with proper evidence.
Due Process in Arraignment: The Right to Counsel and Valid Pleas in Philippine Courts
When a judge rushes an arraignment without counsel, the guilty plea is void. This case explains the mandatory rules.
Anonymous Complaints and Civil Service Discipline: Ensuring Fair Process in Government Oversight
When can anonymous complaints trigger civil service discipline? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on initiating administrative cases against government employees.