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.
Religious Freedom vs Censorship: Balancing Rights in Philippine Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court ruled that the MTRCB may review religious TV programs but cannot ban them merely for criticizing other religions.
When Circumstantial Evidence Suffices: Rape with Homicide and the Limits of Alibi
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence can convict, why alibi rarely works, and the difference between reclusion perpetua and life imprisonment.
Attempted Rape in the Philippines: Elements, Intent, and Legal Consequences
Learn the legal distinction between consummated and attempted rape in the Philippines, including the elements of intent, overt acts, and interruption.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Using Force Becomes Justifiable
Philippine law allows self-defense only under strict conditions. Learn the rules, the limits of proportionate force, and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Understanding Acquisitive Prescription in the Philippines
Can a forged deed ripen into ownership through prescription? The Supreme Court explains why bad faith blocks acquisitive prescription on titled land.
Evident Premeditation: Proving Intent and Cool Thought in Philippine Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation to qualify a killing as murder, and why treachery was rejected in People v. Belga.
Amending Pleadings: When Can You Change Your Legal Strategy Mid-Case?
Learn when Philippine courts allow supplemental or amended complaints to change relief sought mid-case, based on Superclean Services v. HDMF.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Murder vs. Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, distinguishing it from homicide in People v. Compendio.
Illegal Dismissal: When Can an Employer Terminate an Employee in the Philippines
Philippine law requires just cause and due process for valid termination. This case explains serious misconduct and loss of confidence rules.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
Understanding Illegal Logging and Timber Possession Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that possessing lumber without legal documents is a crime under the Revised Forestry Code, explaining key rules on seizure and confiscation.
Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: The Least Prejudicial Rule Explained
Learn how Philippine courts choose the least prejudicial right of way under the Civil Code and the Quimen case.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Alevosia and Its Implications
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using the 1996 Paragua decision as a guide.
Fire Insurance Premiums: When Partial Payment Is Not Enough in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether partial premium payment makes a fire insurance policy valid and binding.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
The Anti-Alias Law: When Is Using Another Person’s Name a Crime?
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Anti-Alias Law in a case where a government employee signed a visitor’s logbook with another person’s name.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.
Regular vs Probationary Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular employees and their right to backwages in illegal dismissal cases.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims against treachery in murder cases, using the Lapura ruling.
Return-to-Work Orders in Philippine Labor Disputes: What Marcopper Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when employers may refuse to accept workers who defy a return-to-work order under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code.
Understanding Complex Crime When ONE ACT Leads TO Multiple Felonies IN The Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats a single act causing multiple felonies, using the robbery-with-homicide ruling in People v. Silan.