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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When Oversight Falters: Judicial Error and the Limits of Discretion in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that the condonation doctrine applies only to reelected elective officials, not to reappointed appointive officers found guilty of simple neglect of duty.
Self-Defense vs Murder: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails in murder cases, focusing on unlawful aggression as its primordial element.
Stepfather Convicted of Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a stepfather for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against his minor stepdaughter, clarifying penalties and damages.
When Death and Procedural Choices End Criminal Complaints: The ABS-CBN v. Ombudsman Case
Explaining how the Supreme Court applied the Bayotas rule on death of respondents and why procedural choices in filing claims can affect criminal complaints.
When Can Courts Relax Procedural Rules? The Go v. Chaves Appeal Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates an appeal dismissed on technical grounds, explaining when courts may relax procedural rules in the interest of substantial justice.
Conspiracy and Kidnapping for Ransom: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in kidnapping for ransom cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability and how courts prove agreement.
Sheriffs' Duty of Care in Implementing Writs: Lessons from Tomboc v. Velasco
When a sheriff demolishes the wrong property, who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty of diligence in writ implementation.
Sale of Conjugal Property Without Spousal Consent: Void Contracts and Heirs' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void sales of conjugal property without spousal consent, heirs' rights, and prescription periods explained.
Breach of Contract: The Necessity of Specificity in Contractual Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a party terminating a contract must specify which provisions were violated, or face liability for breach.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Redefining Agency Functions and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying limits on security of tenure claims.
Midnight Appointments and the Judiciary: The De Castro Ruling on the Constitutional Ban
The Supreme Court explains why the ban on midnight appointments does not apply to judicial posts, including the Chief Justice.
Trademark Rights in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether trademark rights come from prior use or registration, and why distributors cannot own the marks they sell.
Cyber Harassment: Defining Violence Against Women Through Digital Means in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that sending a manipulated nude photo via cellphone constitutes violence against women under R.A. 9262, even as a single act.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Statutory Rape Cases Despite Familial Settings
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's statutory rape conviction, ruling that a child victim's failure to resist or shout does not negate rape.
Reversion of Public Land: Only the Government Can Sue
The Supreme Court rules that only the government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, may file an action for reversion of public land.
When Pawnshops Were Exempt From VAT: TFS, Inc. v. CIR
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling cancelled a pawnshop's deficiency VAT assessment and relaxed procedural rules to prevent unjust enrichment.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
The Perils of Crossed Checks: Navigating Holder in Due Course Status
A crossed check warns holders to verify the indorser's title. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in Dino v. Judal-Loot.
Establishing Illegal Dismissal: The Employee's Burden to Prove Dismissal First
Employees must first prove they were dismissed before employers must justify termination. A Supreme Court ruling explains the evidence required.
Proximate Cause in Homicide: Liability for Unintended Fatal Consequences
A punch that led to a fatal fall still means homicide. The Supreme Court explains proximate cause and criminal liability under Article 4 of the RPC.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee's Burden to Establish Termination
Employees must first prove they were dismissed before employers must justify termination. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Challenging Notarized Documents in Philippine Property Co-Ownership Disputes
When can a notarized affidavit be challenged in a Philippine property dispute? The Supreme Court explains the limits of notarization.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity for a Fair Trial
How the Supreme Court in Balarbar v. People clarified that minor gaps in drug evidence handling do not automatically void a conviction.
Probationary Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: What Schools Must Prove to Avoid Illegal Dismissal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how probationary employment rules apply to teachers on fixed-term contracts, and what employers must prove.