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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Conspiracy and Consent: Examining the Elements of Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies rape elements, consent, and qualifying circumstances in a father's conviction for raping his 10-year-old daughter.
The Fine Line Between Homicide and Murder: Examining Intent and Superior Strength in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a shooting is homicide versus illegal discharge of firearm, and why conspiracy must be proven.
Determining Jurisdiction in Reconveyance Cases: RTC vs MTC Competence
When does the RTC, not the MTC, hear a reconveyance case? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Copioso v. Copioso.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Examining Delays in Witness Testimony in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a witness's delayed report of a murder doesn't automatically destroy credibility, especially when fear of reprisal is involved.
Self Defense VS Homicide Determining Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
Parental Authority vs Child Abuse: Examining the Limits of Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine law defines the line between lawful parental discipline and child abuse. Learn the legal standards, penalties, and practical guidance.
Rape and Consent: Examining Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for statutory rape of a six-year-old, clarifying that force is presumed when the victim is under twelve.
The Sanity Presumption Determining Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine law presumes every person sane. This case explains when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Examining Intent and Unlawful Aggression in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a victim's bad character matters in murder cases and why treachery negates self-defense claims.
Homicide vs Murder: The Fine Line in Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, by examining treachery and evident premeditation.
Navigating Authority Determining THE Appointing Power OF Provincial Health Officers IN THE Armm
Mining Rights vs State Control: Balancing Private Investment and Public Interest in Diwalwal
The Supreme Court affirms that mining permits are privileges, not vested rights, and the State may study direct utilization of mineral resources.
Custodial Trust AND Betrayal Examining THE Deliberate Failure TO Return A Minor
A babysitter's brief custody of a newborn becomes a kidnapping conviction under Article 270, explaining deliberate failure to return.
Judicial Discretion in Determining Probable Cause for Arrest Warrants
Explaining the judge's exclusive duty to personally determine probable cause for arrest warrants and the limits of judicial discretion.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Examining Criminal Liability in Joint Offenses
Explore how conspiracy and treachery shape criminal liability in joint offenses under Philippine law, with insights from recent jurisprudence.
Breach of Trust: Examining Parental Accountability in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
A father convicted of raping his daughter twice. The Supreme Court affirms the conviction, clarifies penalties, and awards damages.
Religious Ties and Criminal Liability: When Alibi Fails in Murder Cases
Examining conspiracy and accountability in murder, and why alibi and lack of motive cannot overcome positive eyewitness identification.
Moral Ascendancy and Intrafamilial Rape: Examining the Boundaries of Consent
A look at how the Supreme Court treats rape by a trusted neighbor and the limits of consent in close relationships.
Priority in Litigation: Determining Which Case Prevails in Overlapping Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve overlapping contract disputes and which case prevails when judgments appear to conflict.
Quantum Meruit Determining Fair Legal Fees When A Contract IS Unclear
The Boundaries of Conspiracy: Examining Intent in Frustrated Homicide Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts determine conspiracy in frustrated homicide, using the Salvatierra case to explain shared intent and liability.
Corporate Residence vs Actual Place of Business: Determining Proper Venue in Damage Suits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in the articles of incorporation, not its actual place of business.