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.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Wrongful Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts scrutinize buy-bust operations to protect the accused's rights and prevent wrongful convictions in drug cases.
How Philippine Courts Weigh Identification and Alibi in Robbery with Rape Cases
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when victim identification prevails over alibi and how courts distinguish robbery from robbery with rape.
Jurisdiction Over Maritime Crimes: Where Can You Be Tried?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue for crimes committed on board vessels in transit, explained in plain language.
Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Copyright Infringement: Protecting IP Rights and the Prospectivity of New Rules
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on search warrants in copyright cases and why new judicial doctrines apply prospectively.
Chattel Mortgage Coverage of Future Loans: The Acme Shoe Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a chattel mortgage can cover future loans and why full payment extinguishes the security.
Chattel Mortgage and Future Debts: What Philippine Law Allows
Can a chattel mortgage secure debts incurred after its execution? The Supreme Court explains the limits under the Chattel Mortgage Law.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.
Anti-Fencing Law in the Philippines: Possession and Legal Presumptions
The Anti-Fencing Law criminalizes dealing in stolen goods. Mere possession creates a presumption of fencing. Learn how to protect yourself.
Failure of Election vs. Election Protest: Key Differences Explained
Learn the legal distinction between a failure of election and an election protest, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Borja vs. COMELEC.
Buy-Bust Operations: When Is a Warrantless Arrest Valid in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why buy-bust arrests are valid warrantless arrests in drug cases, and clarifies the rules on entrapment and searches.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Buyer Beware Protecting Yourself From Land Title Fraud IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts view taxpayer suits and land transactions, and what this means for protecting property rights.
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.
Fugitive From Justice: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies what "fugitive from justice" means for election disqualification under the Local Government Code.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
When Can an Employee Claim Retirement Benefits After Termination: Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee terminated for redundancy can still claim voluntary retirement benefits under a company program.
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.
Mandamus vs. Quo Warranto: Choosing the Right Remedy for Public Office Disputes
Learn when to file mandamus or quo warranto in Philippine law, and how the Supreme Court's ruling in Garces v. CA guides the choice.
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.
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.
Recto Law Explained: Deficiency Claims After Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure
Understand Article 1484 (Recto Law) and when sellers can still recover attorney's fees after foreclosing on installment-sold personal property.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the label on the document does not always determine the true agreement.