法律洞察

When a Rape Conviction Is Set Aside: The Right to Counsel and Clear Judicial Decisions

The Supreme Court nullified a rape conviction because the trial court's decision lacked factual and legal basis, and the accused was deprived of effective counsel.

Surety Bond Execution Timeliness and Due Notice Requirements in Philippine Law

Learn when a claim against an injunction bond must be filed and the notice rules for surety liability under Philippine law.

Judicial Accountability and Timely Resolution: Lessons from People v. Servano

The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Servano clarifies incest rape rules while underscoring the judiciary's duty to resolve cases without delay.

Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, where a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation in securing conviction.

Timely Execution: A Sheriff's Duty to Report and the Consequences of Delay

A Philippine Supreme Court ruling reminds sheriffs that writs of execution must be returned and reported on time, and that delay carries administrative liability.

Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Intact Hymen

Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies that intact hymen does not negate rape.

Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Inconsistencies THE Importance OF Child Witness Testimony

Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Positive Identification Conflicts With Inconsistent Testimony

A murder conviction reversed because the prosecution's sole eyewitness gave inconsistent testimony, undermining the claim of positive identification.

Percentage Tax on Pawnshops: Defining Lending Investors Under Philippine Law

Supreme Court ruling on whether pawnshops are lending investors subject to 5% percentage tax under the NIRC.

Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth: The Power of Presumptions in Forfeiture Cases

How the Supreme Court ruled that presumptions and admissions can justify summary judgment in recovering Marcos ill-gotten wealth under RA 1379.

Self-Defense Plea Fails When Ambush Claim Is Uncorroborated in Homicide Case

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery must be proven in homicide cases.

Adoption Rights CAN AN Adoption Decree BE Rescinded After THE Child Adoption LAW OF 1998

Airline Breach of Contract When a Confirmed Flight Turns Into a Legal Dispute

When an airline confirms a booking then cancels it, a contract of carriage arises. Learn the legal rules on damages from China Airlines v. CA.

Acquisitive Prescription Good Faith AND Just Title IN Land Ownership Disputes

Learn how good faith and just title affect acquisitive prescription in Philippine land ownership disputes, based on Supreme Court rulings.

Breach of Confidence When a Lawyer's Duty Collides With Self-Defense

A lawyer cannot use confidential client information to defend himself in an unrelated case. The Supreme Court explains the limits of attorney-client privilege.

Timely Justice Reckoning Deadlines In Default Order Motions

Learn how the 90-day period for resolving motions is counted, based on a Supreme Court ruling on default orders.

Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case

The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.

Partnership Dissolution Determining THE Return OF Equity Upon Withdrawal

Reinstatement After Election Protest: Oath of Office Not Always Required

Supreme Court clarifies when a reinstated local official need not retake the oath to validly reassume office after an election protest.

Credibility in Rape Cases: Corroborating Testimony and Rejecting the Sweetheart Defense

How Philippine courts weigh victim credibility, corroborating medical evidence, and the sweetheart defense in rape convictions.

When Constitutional Limits Bar Recovery of Illegally Acquired Property

Philippine Supreme Court explains why an alien who bought land through a Filipino cannot recover the property or his money.

The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.

Upholding DUE Process THE Dismissal OF Charges DUE TO Lack OF Evidence IN Administrative Cases

Safeguarding Suffrage: Residency and Congressional Oversight in Overseas Voting

The Supreme Court upholds overseas absentee voting law, clarifying residency rules, COMELEC's proclamation powers, and limits on congressional oversight.