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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Representation in Legal Disputes: Clarifying Counsel Rights for Local Government Officials
Learn when local government officials may hire private counsel and how service of notices affects appeals, based on a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.
Rape With Intimidation: The Standard of Resistance and Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that in rape, intimidation can substitute for physical resistance, and aggravating circumstances need not be alleged in the information.
MMDA vs. Bel-Air Village: The Limits of Authority Over Private Roads
The Supreme Court ruled the MMDA cannot open private subdivision roads to public traffic without a local ordinance, clarifying its administrative role.
When Defense Falters Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Philippine LAW
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery elevates a killing to murder and why alibi fails without proof of physical impossibility.
Child Rape in the Philippines: What People v. Lomerio Teaches About Credible Testimony
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on convicting a child rapist on the victim's testimony, the meaning of carnal knowledge, and how aggravating circumstances are weighed.
The Perils of Superior Strength: How Conspiracy Elevates Homicide to Murder
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can raise a killing from homicide to murder.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner Consent Is Paramount in Agricultural Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; possession and cultivation alone do not create agricultural leasehold rights.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Deadly Weapon and Aggravating Circumstances Justify Death Penalty
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape committed with a deadly weapon and two aggravating circumstances, clarifying civil indemnity rules.
Rape Conviction and Death Penalty: The Mendiona Case on Aggravating Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape with deadly weapon and aggravating circumstances, clarifying civil indemnity rules under Article 335.
Unlicensed Firearm in Homicide: A Special Aggravating Circumstance, Not a Separate Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in homicide is a special aggravating circumstance, not a separate offense.
Unlicensed Firearm Use as Aggravating Circumstance: Key Ruling on Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that under R.A. 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in homicide is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate crime.
When Judges Notarize: Limits on Ex Officio Notarial Powers in Property Cases
A judge's unauthorized notarization of a private property document leads to a fine, clarifying ex officio notarial limits.
Rape Conviction Examining THE USE OF A Deadly Weapon AND Aggravating Circumstances IN Philippine LAW
Eminent Domain: Necessity, Procedure, and the Writ of Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the government may expropriate private land, the necessity requirement, and the rule on writs of possession.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what proves intent and deprivation of liberty in kidnapping-for-ransom cases involving minors.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When an Unexpected Attack Qualifies as Murder
Explore when treachery elevates a killing to murder under Philippine law, and why courts demand clear proof before appreciating it.
Evidentiary Burden in Robbery and Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Proof Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves robbery, rape, and aggravating circumstances in this 1999 ruling.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
Breach of Lawyer's Oath: Disbarment for Immoral Conduct and Bigamy in the Philippines
A lawyer's illicit affair and bigamous marriage led to disbarment, showing that private misconduct can end a legal career.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: The Prohibition Against Private Practice for Judges
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges cannot serve as private administrators or practice law, and the narrow exceptions allowed.
When Group Action Turns Deadly: Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can elevate a deadly group attack to murder in the Philippines.
Fishpond Ownership in the Philippines: When BFAR Jurisdiction Overrides Court Decisions
Philippine courts cannot declare private ownership over public land designated for fishponds—only BFAR holds that authority. Learn the rules.