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.
Trafficking Conviction Upheld Despite Acquittal on Child Prostitution Charges
Supreme Court affirms trafficking conviction even where child prostitution charges fail for lack of proof of minority, clarifying key evidentiary rules.
Rape and Adoption: When Retroactive Laws Cannot Elevate a Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why a 2012 rape involving an adopted child could not be elevated to qualified rape under a later law.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
Vicarious Liability of Schools: When Teachers Answer for Student Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when school principals and teachers are vicariously liable for student acts causing injury to third persons.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
Combating Human Trafficking: Understanding Philippine Law and Your Rights
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified trafficking conviction, explaining the elements of the crime, conspiracy, and penalties under RA 9208.
Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Human Trafficking Conviction Affirmed: Protecting Child Victims Under RA 9208
The Supreme Court affirms a cybersex trafficking conviction, reinforcing heightened legal protection for child victims under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Competency of Witnesses With Intellectual Disabilities: Safeguarding Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a witness, provided they can perceive and communicate their perceptions.
Protecting Children: Understanding Sexual Assault Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between rape by sexual assault and sexual assault under RA 7610, protecting child victims.
Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.
Rape vs. Sexual Abuse: When Force and Lack of Consent Elevates a Crime
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sexual acts with a minor constitute rape under the Revised Penal Code rather than sexual abuse under R.A. 7610.
Decoy Solicitation in Trafficking Cases: Entrapment vs Instigation
The Supreme Court clarifies when police decoy solicitation in trafficking cases is valid entrapment, not instigation, in People v. Mendez.
Qualified Trafficking of a Minor: Key Lessons from People v. Cañas
A look at qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cañas means for child protection.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
Child Pornography Prosecution After Repeal: The Doctrine of Reenactment in the Philippines
Can a repealed law still lead to conviction? The Supreme Court clarifies how reenactment preserves criminal liability for child pornography offenses.
Child Custody in the Philippines: The Best Interest of the Child Standard
Philippine courts decide child custody disputes by one standard: the child's best interest. Learn the factors, the law, and a landmark 2024 ruling.
Human Trafficking in the Philippines: Qualified Trafficking and Child Protection Under RA 9208
Philippine law treats trafficking of minors as qualified trafficking with severe penalties. A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how victim testimony secures convictions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Leads to Acquittal
A broken chain of custody can overturn drug convictions. Learn the strict rules under RA 9165 and what the Cordova ruling means.
Qualified Rape vs. Statutory Rape: Supreme Court Clarifies Child Sexual Abuse Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper legal designation for child sexual abuse cases, distinguishing qualified rape from statutory rape under Philippine law.
Child Trafficking Conviction Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Villaria
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for eight counts of qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying that a child victim's consent is irrelevant.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Work-Related Illness and Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness for seafarer death benefits under the POEA-SEC, shifting the burden of proof to employers.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and the Role of Minority
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape becomes qualified and how minority and relationship must be alleged and proven in Philippine criminal cases.