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.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Tolerance Is Key to a Successful Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court explains why owners must prove tolerance to win an unlawful detainer case, and what happens when they fail.
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder to Homicide Based on Evidence of Intent and Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder or homicide, requiring proof of treachery and intent beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt When Police Testimony Fails in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police conduct an invalid warrantless arrest and break chain of custody rules.
Unlawful Detainer Complaints: Why Alleging Tolerance Matters for Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court explains why an unlawful detainer complaint must allege initial lawful possession by tolerance—or the case fails for lack of jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: When Ejectment Cases Fail
Understand when an ejectment case fails and why accion publiciana is the proper remedy for recovering possession of property.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and accion publiciana, and why filing the wrong action can get your case dismissed.
Treachery and the Sanctity of the Home: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and dwelling in murder cases, ruling on a fatal stabbing inside the victim's home.
Prolonged Floating Status of Security Guards Is Constructive Dismissal
Security guards placed on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule from Padilla v. Airborne Security.
Abandonment Requires Clear Intent Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment of work requires clear intent to sever employment, not mere absence from work.
Warrantless Arrests and Drug Evidence: When a Tiny Sachet Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a man of drug possession, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 for minuscule amounts of shabu.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Upheld: Safe House Caretaker Liable as Co-Principal
Philippine Supreme Court rules on kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy, and multiple counts when several victims are abducted in one information.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when employee theft becomes qualified theft, punishing breach of trust with reclusion perpetua.
Constructive Dismissal: Proving Unbearable Working Conditions in Philippine Labor Law
When do employer actions become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the test in Borja v. Miñoza.
Conspiracy and Rape: When Bystanders Become Co-Principals in Group Sexual Assault
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a person who aids or abets rape through acts like recording or preventing rescue can be liable as a co-principal.
When Postponements Don't Imply Misconduct: A Lesson in Ethical Practice
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's requests for postponement do not constitute professional misconduct, emphasizing the need for clear evidence of malice.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Discernment Requirement for Minors: Key Lessons from Dorado v. People
Supreme Court clarifies that discernment, not intent, determines criminal liability of minors aged 15-18 under RA 9344.
Torrens Title vs Actual Possession: Resolving Property Disputes in Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, actual possession—not Torrens title—determines who stays on the property.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Warrantless Arrests and Chain of Custody Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless arrests are valid and how chain of custody rules apply in drug paraphernalia cases under RA 9165.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Conspiracy AND THE Standard OF Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect, emphasizing that a valid warrantless arrest must precede any search incident to arrest.
Ransom Receipt as Proof of Conspiracy in Kidnapping for Ransom Cases
Supreme Court affirms that receiving ransom money during an ongoing kidnapping establishes conspiracy and liability as a principal.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Ownership by Clear and Convincing Evidence
A look at Ibot v. Heirs of Tayco, where the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof in reconveyance actions and the limits of Torrens title challenges.