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.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.
Correcting Election Errors When Canvassers Reconvene After Proclamation
When can a board of canvassers reconvene to fix tally errors after a winner is proclaimed? The Supreme Court explains.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Technical Malversation in the Philippines: When Is Public Fund Misuse Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies technical malversation under of the Revised Penal Code and when public fund diversion becomes a crime.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Domicile Dilemmas: Residency Requirements for Philippine Election Candidates
The Supreme Court explains what "residence" really means for election candidates—and why buying property alone won't establish domicile.
Separate Legal Claims WHY Improper Case Consolidation Violates DUE Process
Why the Supreme Court ruled that separate libel complaints against a publisher cannot be consolidated against one defendant without violating due process.
Taxpayer Standing to Challenge Government Spending: Jumamil v. Cafe
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may challenge local government spending and the limits of declaratory relief in Jumamil v. Cafe.
Public Accountability: Mayor's Liability for Double Payments Despite Subordinate Reliance
A mayor cannot escape liability for double payments by blaming subordinates, especially when checks were made payable to him personally.
When One Witness Is Enough: Credibility and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A single credible witness can sustain an estafa conviction. This article explains the rule from Panahon v. People and its practical implications.
Local Governments Must Make a Valid Offer Before Expropriation
The Supreme Court nullified Pasig City's expropriation for failing to prove a valid, definite offer to the owner before filing the case.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
Compromise Agreements When Concealed Property Values Invalidate Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when concealed property values in compromise agreements constitute extrinsic fraud that invalidates settlements.
Security of Tenure vs Political Patronage: Protecting Civil Service Employees From Unlawful Dismissal
When a mayor forced a municipal engineer to resign or transfer, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that civil service security of tenure cannot be sacrificed to political patronage.
Citizenship Reacquisition Completing Repatriation FOR Elective Office Eligibility
When must a repatriated citizen complete the requirements to run for local office? The Supreme Court explains.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.