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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Homicide vs Murder: When Sudden Anger Rules Out Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a sudden, angry shooting is homicide, not murder, because treachery was not proven.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Supreme Court Clarifies Labor Law Distinction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker is an independent contractor's employee rather than the principal company's regular employee.
Proving Guilt Beyond Doubt: How Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence and credible witness testimony can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Navigating Liability in Ship Repair: Negligence and Limited Liability Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipyard negligence, res ipsa loquitur, and limits of contractual liability limitation clauses.
The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on circumstantial evidence, dying declarations, and their weight in murder convictions.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross misconduct shows the high ethical standards required of the bench and the consequences of abuse.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting the Mentally Vulnerable Under the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape of a mentally retarded victim, explaining why force need not be proven.
Understanding Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Nava
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in murder is proven through acts showing unity of purpose, not just prior agreement.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how online posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize the Vulnerable
Philippine courts give weight to a rape victim's credible testimony, especially when vulnerable. Learn the rules from a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Who Decides Homeowners Association Disputes? The HIGC and Intra-Corporate Jurisdiction
A look at a Supreme Court ruling clarifying that disputes within homeowners associations fall under HIGC jurisdiction, not the regular courts.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.
Court Record Mishaps Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Philippine Courts
Supreme Court ruling on 1990 teachers' mass actions: strikes are not protected assembly, and back wages require exoneration.
Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Chattel Mortgages: Rights and Limitations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on acceleration clauses in chattel mortgages, good faith, and damages for wrongful foreclosure.
When Self-Defense Fails: The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and the limits of justifiable force in Philippine criminal law.
Philippine Franchise TAX Local Governments Power TO TAX Businesses Despite Prior Exemptions
Supreme Court ruling on local government power to impose real property taxes, procedural requirements, and taxpayer remedies under the Local Government Code.
Limits of Protest Striking Teachers and the Public Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on teacher strikes, free assembly limits, and public interest in education.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, minor inconsistencies, and absence of injuries in incest cases.
Resolving Conflicts Between Reconstituted and Transfer Certificates of Title in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a reconstituted title is void if an existing transfer certificate of title covers the same land.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: What It Means for Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The 90-day rule requires Philippine judges to decide cases promptly. Learn how it works, what happens on delay, and the lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
When Witnesses Can't See: Proving Robbery With Homicide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence can prove robbery with homicide even without eyewitnesses to the killing.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar property claims filed decades after a sale with pacto de retro.