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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Superior Strength in Murder: Philippine Jurisprudence on Armed Assaults
When is a killing murder by abuse of superior strength? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Rollon.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
When a Search Warrant Fails: Probable Cause in Illegal Firearm Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a search warrant for illegal firearms was void—no probable cause on lack of license—and seized items inadmissible.
Attorney Negligence and Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A lawyer who takes a client's fee but fails to file the case faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying a Final Judgment in a Disbarment Case
A disbarred lawyer's repeated refusal to return client funds leads to indirect contempt, fines, and a writ of execution.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attack Establishes Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery as sudden, unexpected attack and clarifies rules on unlicensed firearms, penalties, and damages in murder cases.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in Sugarcane Farming
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugarcane workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Failure OF Election VS PRE Proclamation Controversy Safeguarding Electoral Integrity IN THE Armm
Proving Online Abuse: Social Media Evidence in VAWC Cases
How the Supreme Court allows circumstantial evidence to prove authorship of harmful social media posts in psychological abuse cases.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Substantiate Claims and Observe Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Atlas Farms v. NLRC clarifies employer burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and due process requirements.
The Fine Line Between Homicide and Murder: Examining Intent and Superior Strength in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a shooting is homicide versus illegal discharge of firearm, and why conspiracy must be proven.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms: Navigating Murder and Frustrated Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, unlicensed firearm aggravating circumstances, and penalties in murder and frustrated murder cases.
Remand and Redistricting: The Supreme Court's Ruling on BAA 77 and BARMM Elections
The Supreme Court struck down BAA 77 as unconstitutional, halting the October 13, 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections. Learn the key rules.
Treachery in Murder: How Circumstantial Evidence and Unlicensed Firearm Possession Interact
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence proves treachery in murder, and why using an unlicensed firearm may not be a separate crime.
Can a Non-Party Be Bound by an Injunction? The Due Process Rule
A preliminary injunction binds only parties to the case. Here's what Mabayo Farms v. Santos means for due process.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and the Limits of Band Aggravation
The Supreme Court explains when conspiracy makes co-accused liable for robbery with homicide, and why "band" aggravates only when three or more armed men are proven.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct: Delaying Justice and Abusing Court Processes
A lawyer's dilatory tactics and groundless suits against judges led to disbarment for violating the lawyer's oath and obstructing justice.
Entrapment and Illegal Possession: Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on entrapment operations, illegal drug and firearm possession, and the limits of police conduct.
Agrarian Reform Protecting Farmers Rights Against Illegal Land Transfers
Learn how the Supreme Court protects farmer-beneficiaries from illegal land transfers under PD 27, including rules on abandonment and reallocation.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: When a Lawyer Can No Longer Contest a Decision
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment and punishing defiance of court orders.
Navigating Authority Determining THE Appointing Power OF Provincial Health Officers IN THE Armm
Protecting Farmer Beneficiaries Security OF Tenure Prevails Over Unauthorized Land Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on farmer beneficiaries' security of tenure versus unauthorized land transfers under agrarian reform.
Land Redistribution Upholding THE Rights OF Farmer Beneficiaries TO Homelots
The Supreme Court affirms that farmer-beneficiaries under PD 27 are entitled to homelots, even if these lie outside their awarded farmlots.