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.
Solidary Liability When Negligence in Construction Leads to Shared Responsibility
When two parties' separate negligent acts combine to cause one injury, Philippine law treats them as joint tortfeasors solidarily liable for all damages.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason and RA 9346
The Supreme Court clarifies rape of a mentally disabled victim, the distinction from person, and applies Republic Act No. 9346, which prohibits the death penalty. The ruling is significant for prosecu
Mortgaging Co-Owned Property: Limits on a Co-Owner's Authority
A co-owner cannot mortgage or encumber the entire co-owned property without the consent of all other co-owners. This article explains the limits of a co-owner's authority under Philippine law.
Lease Agreements and Inheritance: What Tenants Should Know About Property Transfers
A lessee's occupancy does not create a vested right to buy property. Learn the limits of tenant rights when ownership changes.
Incestuous Rape: Why Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony in Parental Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victims' credible testimony, explaining why intact hymen and minor inconsistencies don't defeat prosecution.
Incestuous Rape: Child Victims' Testimony and Parental Responsibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies attempted rape vs. acts of lasciviousness distinction.
Marriage Validity: Intent vs Motive in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a marriage entered for immigration purposes is valid if consent is freely given; motive alone does not void it.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Demand Is Key: Determining the Prescription Period for Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not from the date of non-payment.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Consent and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lupac on proving rape through circumstantial evidence and the limits of consent when the victim is unconscious.
Condominium Common Areas: When Utility Installations Inside a Unit Belong to the Corporation
Learn when electrical panels and utility installations inside a condominium unit are common areas under RA 4726 and the master deed.
Encroachment Disputes and Land Ownership Rights: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies how registered owners can recover encroached land through accion reivindicatoria, demolition, and damages.
Corporate Rehabilitation Dismissed for Rule Violations and Creditor Opposition
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of corporate rehabilitation petition where debtor violated procedural rules and faced substantial creditor opposition.
Valid Warrantless Arrest Upholding Drug Conviction Based on In Flagrante Delicto
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction, ruling warrantless arrest valid when suspect caught in flagrante delicto exchanging shabu.
Adverse Claims and Execution Liens: Priority Rules in Philippine Property Law
When an adverse claim is annotated on a title before a levy on execution, the earlier claim prevails. This case explains the priority rule.
Zoning Regulations Balancing Property Rights and Community Welfare in Urban Development
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning laws, property rights, and homeowners associations opposing high-rise construction in commercial zones.
Judicial Ethics: When Judges Squabble, Both Face Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on two RTC judges fined for a public altercation shows why decorum is a non-negotiable judicial duty.
When Can a Generic Term Like "Ginebra" Be Protected as a Trademark?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a generic word like "Ginebra" may acquire trademark protection through secondary meaning, and why preliminary injunctions demand a clear right.
Intersection Collisions and Driver Negligence: Who Has the Right of Way in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies right of way rules, driver negligence, and fault in intersection collisions under RA 4136.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Circumstantial Evidence and DNA in Rape with Homicide: When Conviction Stands Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when inconclusive DNA results do not warrant acquittal.