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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Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Boundaries of Justification in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill prevails in frustrated homicide cases under Philippine law.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
Rape Conviction Affirmed THE Importance OF Victim Testimony AND Corroborating Evidence IN Philippine LAW
Accommodation Party Liability: Personal Checks for Corporate Debt
When a corporate officer issues personal checks for a company loan, they may be personally liable as an accommodation party under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine courts require strict chain of custody for seized drugs. Learn the rules and what happens when police break them.
Self-Defense vs Homicide: Understanding Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and homicide stands, explaining unlawful aggression, dying declarations, and criminal liability.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
How Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength Shape Murder Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength are proven in murder cases, and why each participant bears equal liability.
Novation Requires Clear Intent: Upholding Lease Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that novation of a lease into a deposit requires clear intent, not mere inference from circumstances.
Wage Deductions VS Post Employment Claims Protecting Employee Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in wage deductions, labor-only contracting, and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Annulment of Judgment: Who Can Sue and When It Is Allowed Under Philippine Law
Learn who may file annulment of judgment under Rule 47, the limited grounds, and why non-parties have other remedies.
Regular Employment vs Consultancy: Defining the Line in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A consultant labeled regular employee: how control and supervision define employment status in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
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.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Statutory Rape AND Acts OF Lasciviousness Under Philippine LAW
Unbroken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases, showing how proper evidence handling secures convictions under RA 9165.
Shared Negligence Apportioning Liability IN Ship Repair Contracts Under Philippine LAW
Supreme Court ruling on shared negligence, limitation of liability clauses, and subrogation in ship repair contracts under Philippine law.
Overseas Job Offers: Illegal Recruitment and Fraudulent Promises Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when overseas job offers become illegal recruitment and estafa, and what victims must prove.
Defining Attempted Rape: Proving Penile Penetration in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that consummated rape requires proof of penile penetration of the labia; mere touching may constitute only attempted rape.
Unlocking VAT Refunds: The Transitional Input Tax Credit Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prior tax payment is not required to claim the 8% transitional input tax credit under the NIRC.
Hotels' Duty of Care: Guest Safety and Foreseeable Harm Under Philippine Law
When is a hotel liable for a guest's murder? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty of care hotels owe their guests under Philippine law.
Dual Citizenship and Elective Office: The Imperative of Sworn Renunciation in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires dual citizens seeking elective office to execute a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship. The Supreme Court explains why.
Unexplained Wealth Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Properties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forfeiture of unexplained wealth works under RA 1379, including due process rights and the finality of judgments.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Proving Force and Intimidation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Lumpayao shows why force, threat, or intimidation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to prove every link in the chain of custody of seized shabu.