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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Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165, highlighting the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Treachery and the Sanctity of the Home: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and dwelling in murder cases, ruling on a fatal stabbing inside the victim's home.
Safeguarding Children: Distinguishing Sexual Abuse and Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape under the Revised Penal Code and sexual abuse under RA 7610 are separate crimes, and a single act can give rise to both offenses without violating double jeopardy
Probable Cause in Toll Bypass Cases: Theft of Telephone Services Under Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on probable cause for theft in toll bypass operations, clarifying what constitutes unlawful taking of telephone services.
Land Title Registration Proving Alienable AND Disposable Status Under Philippine LAW
Proving Filiation After Death: The Strict Rules on Inheritance Claims
Philippine law sets strict evidence rules for proving filiation after a parent's death. Learn what the Supreme Court requires in inheritance disputes.
Homicide vs Murder: When Abuse of Superior Strength Fails in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies that abuse of superior strength requires simultaneous attack and deliberate advantage, reducing murder to homicide.
Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.
PAGCOR Tax Liabilities Clarifying Income and VAT Exemptions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and VAT exemption.
PAGCOR Tax Landscape: Franchise Tax vs Income Tax Obligations Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liabilities: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in Road Widening Projects
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in expropriation cases, ensuring just compensation for land taken for road widening projects.
Syndicated Estafa Liability and Investor Protection Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms syndicated estafa conviction under PD 1689, clarifying liability of corporate officers and investor protection.
Accidental Shooting or Intentional Harm: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal shooting is homicide, not murder, and why the information must allege treachery as a fact.
Insanity Plea and Arson: When Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder, in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the insanity defense, the proof needed for murder, and when arson is a separate crime.
Self-Defense in Philippine Law: The Imperative of Unlawful Aggression
Philippine Supreme Court explains why unlawful aggression is the primordial element of self-defense, and what happens when it is absent.
Treachery Prevails Establishing Murder Without Evident Premeditation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery—not evident premeditation—qualifies a killing as murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to mark seized shabu, stressing the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Mastermind Liability When Inducement Leads to Robbery and Carnapping
When a mastermind induces others to commit robbery and carnapping, Philippine law holds them fully liable for all consequences.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Property Purchasers After Foreclosure
Learn when subsequent purchasers of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession, and the hearing requirement under Philippine law.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Child Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a victim's positive identification against an alibi defense in child rape cases under RA 7610.
Proving an Agrarian Tenancy Relationship: Key Elements Under Philippine Law
Learn the six elements required to prove an agrarian tenancy relationship in the Philippines, and why consent and harvest sharing are crucial.