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.
Revoking a Donation for Ingratitude in the Philippines: The Noceda Case
Philippine law allows donors to revoke gifts when donees show ingratitude, such as usurping the donor's property. Learn the rules and limits.
Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt Extends to Co-Accused Despite Withdrawn Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an acquittal based on reasonable doubt affects co-accused and withdrawn appeals in criminal cases.
Conspiracy in Check Fraud: When Signing Another's Check Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court explains when signing checks from another person's account does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases.
When Familial Bonds Become Fatal: Murder, Treachery, and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A brother kills his elder brother. The Supreme Court explains treachery, relationship as an aggravating circumstance, and voluntary surrender.
Reexamining Eyewitness Testimony and Guilt in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-homicide conviction, explaining how minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony and alibi defenses are weighed.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: When Discrepancies Do Not Destroy Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that minor inconsistencies in rape testimony do not create reasonable doubt when material facts are credible and consistent.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Pablo
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery define murder in the Philippines, using the 2001 People v. Pablo ruling.
No Conspiracy No Murder: Independent Liability in Criminal Actions
Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in People v. Pablo, distinguishing murder from attempted homicide and refining damage awards.
Redemption by Heirs After Tax Sale: Tondo Foreshore Lot Case
When a co-owner repurchases property after a tax sale, the redemption may benefit all heirs. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.
The Weight of Testimony: Understanding Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts assess witness credibility in murder cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Alo.
Leasehold Improvements in the Philippines: Rights of Lessors and Lessees
Learn how Philippine law treats leasehold improvements, when Article 1678 applies, and why contract stipulations usually prevail over default rules.
Rape of a Mentally Disabled Victim: How Courts Assess Force and Intimidation
The Supreme Court explains how force and intimidation in rape are measured when the victim is mentally disabled, citing the Dumanon case.
Airport Security Checks and Your Rights: The Johnson Case Explained
Understand your rights during airport security frisks in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Johnson.
Campus Press Freedom vs School Authority: Balancing Student Rights and Institutional Discipline in Philippine
How the Supreme Court balanced campus press freedom under RA 7079 with a school's disciplinary authority in Miriam College v. Court of Appeals.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: SSS Coverage for Farmworkers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a "pakyaw (piece-rate) basis considered an employee entitled to compulsory Social Security System (SSS) coverage? The ruling is a reminder that the label used b
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
Due Process and Eyewitness Identification: Safeguarding Fair Trials in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts test eyewitness identification for impermissible suggestion, and why due process demands fair procedures in criminal trials.
Attempted Robbery With Homicide: Key Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Understand the special complex crime of attempted robbery with homicide under Philippine law, using insights from People v. Macabales.
Navigating Inheritance for Distant Relatives in the Philippines: Understanding the Rule of Proximity
Learn how Philippine intestate succession works for distant relatives, including the rule of proximity and who inherits when no immediate family exists.
Accretion vs. Avulsion: How River Course Changes Affect Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats land gained or lost through river shifts—accretion, avulsion, and erosion explained with the Bagaipo case.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Reasonable Necessity in Philippine Law
When does self-defense hold up in Philippine courts? The Supreme Court explains unlawful aggression and reasonable necessity in People v. Dela Cruz.
Bouncing Checks and the Importance of Written Notice: Domagsang v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court rules that a mere verbal demand is not enough to convict under the Anti-Bouncing Check Law—written notice of dishonor is required.