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.
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.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Promptly Execute Writs and Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court holds deputy sheriff liable for delay in executing writs and filing returns, imposing two-month suspension.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
Fencing in the Philippines: Knowledge and Presumptions Under the Anti-Fencing Law
Explaining the elements of fencing under P.D. 1612, the presumption of knowledge from possession, and how receipts can rebut it.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Know Your Rights Against Illegal Police Tactics
The Supreme Court explains the crucial difference between entrapment and instigation, and why instigation can invalidate a case.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.
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.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.
Rape Conviction and Consent: Credibility and Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape clarifies consent, credibility, and evidence standards in criminal cases.
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.
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.
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.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.
Overseas Workers Compensation Who Pays When Injury Strikes Abroad
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that overseas employers may not be liable for medical benefits when the host country's social insurance law places that burden on a state fund.
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.
Amending Pleadings: When Can You Change Your Legal Strategy Mid-Case?
Learn when Philippine courts allow supplemental or amended complaints to change relief sought mid-case, based on Superclean Services v. HDMF.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Murder vs. Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, distinguishing it from homicide in People v. Compendio.
Illegal Dismissal: When Can an Employer Terminate an Employee in the Philippines
Philippine law requires just cause and due process for valid termination. This case explains serious misconduct and loss of confidence rules.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When does a witness's positive identification suffice for conviction? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Compendio.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
Enforcing Labor Rights Understanding Prescription AND Jurisdiction IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor claim prescription, jurisdiction, and enforcement of compromise agreements in MWSS v. NLRC.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Credibility of Child Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's testimony is credible and how statutory rape is proven.