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.
Overseas Recruitment Agencies: Solidary Liability for Deployed Workers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint and solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and deployment violations.
Docket Fees vs Filing Brief: Understanding Grounds for Appeal Dismissal in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file an appellant's brief is not the same as non-payment of docket fees for appeal dismissal.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
Conclusiveness of Judgment: When Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
Learn how the doctrine of conclusiveness of judgment prevents relitigation of settled issues between the same parties, even in different cases.
Res Judicata and Security of Tenure: When a Land Registration Judgment Cannot Oust a Tenant
A land registration victory does not automatically allow ejectment of an occupant claiming tenant rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, flight, and denial in People v. Corre Jr.
Alibi vs Positive Identification: The Physical Impossibility Test in Criminal Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when alibi fails against positive identification, requiring proof of physical impossibility to be at the crime scene.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against denial in robbery with homicide, and what it means for the burden of proof.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld: Positive Identification Beats Alibi
Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide conviction, ruling positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial defenses.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Violence: Robbery With Homicide Liability
How Philippine courts establish liability for robbery with homicide in group attacks, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: The Imperative of Evidence in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court acquits Jesus Patriarca of murder, underscoring that circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Expropriation and Urban Development: When Can a City Take Private Land for Socialized Housing?
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-stage process of expropriation and when compliance with RA 7279's acquisition priorities must be shown.
How the Prosecution Proves Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court explains how intent to gain is proven in robbery with homicide cases, using People v. Del Rosario as a guide.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Quasi-Delict and Vehicular Accidents: When Overtaking Leads to Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Court Funds in Personal Accounts: A Lesson in Public Fiduciary Duty
Court employee fined for depositing court-entrusted funds in personal account. A lesson on public trust and ethics.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Custodial Investigations
A suspect's confession is inadmissible without effective, independent counsel during custodial investigation. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Patungan.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.
Intent Matters Distinguishing Robbery With Rape From Separate Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual assault followed by taking property is one complex crime or separate offenses.
Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Uriarte Doctrine
A look at how Philippine courts handle conspiracy, witness credibility, and conflicting medical evidence in homicide cases.
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.
Credible Eyewitness Testimony Overcomes Alibi in Philippine Murder Case
Explore how credible eyewitness testimony defeats alibi in Philippine murder cases, citing People v. Panela and key legal principles.