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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Self-Defense or Murder: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is justified self-defense, not murder, and how unlawful aggression and treachery are judged.
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Res Judicata and Land Rights Prior Judgments and Exceptions in Philippine Law
Understand prior judgments, res judicata, and exceptions in Philippine land rights cases. Learn how courts treat final decisions.
When Banks Fail to Protect Vulnerable Parties: Mortgage in Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Spouses Anay: banks cannot claim good-faith mortgagee status when they ignore obvious signs of vitiated consent.
Probable Cause in Trafficking Cases: The Two Kinds of Determination Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in trafficking cases, and why judges should not dismiss cases prematurely.
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.
When Investment Promises Fall Short: Estafa and Other Deceits Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a broken investment promise is estafa, and when it becomes
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
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Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duty: Consequences of Improper Acknowledgment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a notary public for notarizing a deed without the seller's husband personally appearing—a reminder that notarization is never a routinary act.
Res Gestae vs Dying Declaration: Homicide Without Treachery in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies res gestae vs dying declaration, and why treachery must be proven to convict for murder.
Premature Attachment of Public Funds and Provisional Remedies in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when garnishment of government funds is premature, and why administrative complaints cannot replace lost judicial remedies.
Unexplained Wealth Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Assets Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forfeiture of unlawfully acquired assets under RA 1379, including the burden of proof and evidentiary standards.
When Public Servants Cross the Line: Extortion Under the Guise of Authority
Philippine law on extortion by public officers, the elements of the crime, and what constitutes abuse of authority.
Unlicensed Contractors and Unfulfilled Promises: Recouping Losses From Defective Renovations
Learn how Philippine law treats defective renovation work by unlicensed contractors and the remedies available to homeowners seeking compensation.
Third Party Interference: Protecting Exclusive Distributorship Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when third parties can be liable for interfering with exclusive distributorship contracts under Philippine law.
Maritime Liens vs Preliminary Attachment: Enforcement Rules Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a maritime lien suffices and when a writ of preliminary attachment is proper.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Where to File Certiorari Against PDIC Decisions on Deposit Insurance Claims
Learn where to file certiorari against PDIC decisions on deposit insurance claims, and what makes a deposit insurable under Philippine law.
Rape and Intimidation: The Victim's Testimony and the Element of Fear in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how force and intimidation in rape are judged from the victim's perspective, not by an objective standard.
Chain of Custody: Why Immediate Marking of Drug Evidence Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the crucial requirement of immediate evidence marking.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits an accused because police failed to properly mark seized shabu, breaking the chain of custody.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Victim Testimony Prevails Over Resistance Myths in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that lack of physical resistance does not negate rape and victim testimony suffices.
When a Crime Becomes More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Complex Crimes in Philippine Law
A drug case acquittal shows how the Supreme Court treats procedural lapses in buy-bust operations, and what that means for criminal liability in the Philippines.