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.
Liability of Public Officials, Good Faith, and the Limits of Supervisory Responsibility in Philippine Law
Philippine jurisprudence on public official liability, good faith defenses, and the boundaries of supervisory responsibility explained for lay readers.
When Injunctions Meet Supervening Events: Property Rights in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events affect injunctions in ejectment cases, protecting property rights.
When Association Isnt Conspiracy Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies The Need For Concrete Proof In Criminal Co
The Supreme Court explains when mere presence becomes criminal conspiracy, requiring proof of a common design to commit a crime.
Non-Negotiable Withdrawal Slips: Bank Liability for Delayed Dishonor Notices
When a bank delays notice of dishonor on non-negotiable withdrawal slips, is it liable for damages? The Supreme Court explains.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
How Philippine courts apply treachery to qualify killings as murder, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a sudden stabbing.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from a Philippine Homicide Case
Understanding self-defense claims in Philippine criminal law, and why unlawful aggression is the foundation of any successful defense.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.
Preliminary Investigation Protecting Individual Rights Before Trial
Learn how preliminary investigation safeguards individual rights before trial, as explained in a Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Media Confessions and Treachery: Examining the Admissibility of TV Broadcasts in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court treated a TV confession in a murder case, and the rules on treachery, unlicensed firearms, and damages.
Unlawful Arrest Evidence Obtained From Illegal Search Deemed Inadmissible
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that evidence from a warrantless search is inadmissible when the preceding warrantless arrest was unlawful.
Delayed Reporting and Sleep as Defense: When Rape Becomes Acts of Lasciviousness
A father's conviction for rape was reduced to acts of lasciviousness because the victim slept through the alleged assault. Explore the ruling.
Incestuous Rape and Parental Authority: When Consent Is Invalid in Familial Sexual Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies that a father's moral ascendancy and threats invalidate any claim of consent from a minor daughter.
Security of Tenure vs Abandonment: Reinstatement Rights in the Philippine National Police
The Supreme Court clarifies when accepting another government post during a case does not waive a dismissed officer's right to reinstatement.
Unlicensed Firearm Use: From Separate Offense to Aggravating Circumstance in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how R.A. 8294 changed unlicensed firearm use from a separate crime to an aggravating circumstance in homicide.
Marital Discord Establishing Parricide Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
How circumstantial evidence—marital fights, a chase, autopsy findings—proved parricide beyond reasonable doubt in People v. Velasco.
Sublessees Rights Establishing Superiority Over THE Original Lessors Claim IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when sublessees can assert rights superior to an original lessor's claim in property disputes.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Fair Hearings and Just Outcomes in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine courts ensure due process in labor disputes, balancing employer rights and employee protections for fair hearings.
Rape and Parental Relations: Clarifying Special Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape qualifies for the death penalty and why allegations of relationship must appear in the information.
Circumstantial Evidence and Treachery in Murder Convictions Without Direct Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conviction for murder based on eyewitness identification, treachery, and the weakness of alibi defense.
Incestuous Rape: Why Alleging Minority in the Information Matters
A father's rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the Information failed to properly allege the victim's minority.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Circumstantial Evidence and the Limits of Inference in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits in People v. Solis, showing when circumstantial evidence fails and why inferences cannot be stacked.
Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Uriarte Doctrine
A look at how Philippine courts handle conspiracy, witness credibility, and conflicting medical evidence in homicide cases.
When Flight Equals Guilt Examining Evidence AND Treachery IN Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifying flight, treachery, and evidence rules in criminal cases.
Check Fraud and Bank Liability: Lessons from Ford Philippines vs. Citibank and PCIBank
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for fraudulently negotiated checks, crossing, due diligence, and comparative negligence.