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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The Perils of Superior Strength: How Conspiracy Elevates Homicide to Murder
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can raise a killing from homicide to murder.
Agrarian Reform Landowners Retention Rights Prevail Over Tenant Emancipation Patents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how landowner retention rights under agrarian reform interact with tenant emancipation patents.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Upholding Murder Conviction
When a credible eyewitness positively identifies an accused, a weak alibi cannot prevail. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Agrarian Reform Landowners Retention Rights Prevail Despite Prior Land Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landowner retention rights under RA 6657 and PD 27, even after land transfer.
Attorney Neglect, Due Process, and Accountability in Philippine Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney negligence, due process, and accountability in legal representation under the Rules of Court.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Granting Bail: Key Lessons from Goodman v. De la Victoria
A judge who grants bail without a real hearing may face administrative liability. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Unilateral Rescission Limits in Philippine Contract Law: PNCC v. Mars Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral rescission, contract interpretation, and damages in PNCC v. Mars Construction (G.R. No. 133909).
Eyewitness Testimony and the Defense of Alibi: Scrutinizing Identification in Criminal Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi, and treachery in murder convictions, explained in plain language.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Upholding Accountability and Efficiency
A Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism in the judiciary, explaining the rules on AWOL and the duty of public servants to remain accountable and efficient.
Standing to Sue: When Can a Neighboring Landowner Challenge a Fencing Permit?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies who may question a fencing permit, explaining why neighboring lot owners lacked legal standing to file a certiorari petition.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee has a right of first refusal to buy leased property, and when a sale to a third party stands.
Friar Lands Ownership: When Full Payment Confers Title Even Without Deed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on friar lands: full payment of purchase price vests ownership in the buyer, even without a final deed of conveyance.
Judicial Ethics: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's misconduct shows why judicial ethics demand conduct beyond reproach, even outside court.
Attachment and Fraud: When Promises Fail to Secure Preliminary Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fraud justifies preliminary attachment and limits on dissolving the writ.
Strikes and Dismissal: When Illegal Acts Forfeit Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when illegal strikes and violent acts during a strike can lead to valid dismissal or forfeiture of employment.
When Alibi Fails and Positive Identification Prevails in Kidnapping Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping, alibi defense, and illegal possession of explosives explained in plain language.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.
Overtaking at a Curve: Determining Negligence and Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on overtaking at curves, negligence presumption, and common carrier liability for passenger deaths.
When Self Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression as a Prerequisite in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why self-defense fails when unlawful aggression ceases, using a police officer's homicide conviction as the key example.
Continued Possession Prevents Prescription in Land Reconveyance Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an action for reconveyance cannot be barred by prescription when the plaintiff remains in possession of the disputed land.
Breach of Trust: Safeguarding Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal of court employees for immorality, highlighting integrity standards and due process in administrative cases.
Police Power and Civilian Employees: Defining Authority Within the PNP
Supreme Court ruling on NAPOLCOM Resolution 93-032: civilian PNP employees cannot exercise police powers reserved for uniformed personnel.
When a "Sale" Is Really an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Aguirre v. Tupas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under the Civil Code.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Defamation: The Liang Case and Limits of Official Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ADB staff immunity, defamation, and why diplomatic immunity is not absolute for criminal acts.