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.
Forcible Abduction and Rape in the Philippines: Insights from People v. Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court treats forcible abduction with rape, victim credibility, and penalties under Philippine law.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
When a Knife Threat After Rape Does Not Qualify the Crime: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when the use of a deadly weapon qualifies rape to a graver penalty, and when it does not.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Indefinite TRO and Delay in Resolving Case
SC penalizes judge for issuing an indefinite TRO and for undue delay, clarifying rules on multiple administrative offenses.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.
Sheriffs Duty to Serve Notice Before Implementing Writs: Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff who enforces a writ without prior notice violates due process. Learn the rules and penalties under Rule 39.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Calendar Days vs. Working Days: How Suspensions Are Counted for Philippine Government Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspensions for government employees are served in calendar days, including weekends and holidays, not working days.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Estafa Under Trust Receipt Agreements: The Osental Case and PD 115
Failure to comply with a trust receipt agreement can lead to estafa charges. Learn the rules from the Osental case.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
AWOL and Dropping from the Rolls: Employee Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn the rules on AWOL in the Philippine civil service, including the 30-day rule, non-disciplinary separation, and employee rights.
RA 10951 Penalty Adjustments Apply Even After Final Judgment: The Elbanbuena Case
The Supreme Court allows reopening final judgments to apply RA 10951's reduced penalties, remanding cases to trial courts for recomputation.
Retroactive Penalty Adjustment Under RA 10951: The Elbanbuena Guidelines
The Supreme Court explains how convicts can seek reduced sentences and possible release under RA 10951, even after final judgment.
Best Evidence Rule in Disbarment Cases: Goopio v. Maglalang Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that photocopies cannot prove lawyer misconduct, dismissing a disbarment case for violating the Best Evidence Rule.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Termination: Mamaril v. The Red System Company
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's repeated violation of safety rules justifies dismissal for willful disobedience under the Labor Code.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder to Homicide Based on Evidence of Intent and Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder or homicide, requiring proof of treachery and intent beyond reasonable doubt.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.