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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Homicide vs Murder: When a Sudden Attack Lacks Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, spontaneous attack with a beer bottle is homicide, not murder, for lack of treachery.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Maceda Law Protecting Installment Buyers From Improper Contract Cancellations
Learn how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers from improper contract cancellations and what the Supreme Court said about buyer rights.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Employer's Duty to Recall Employees After Six-Month Suspension of Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a bona fide suspension of business operations beyond six months makes employee termination illegal unless workers are recalled.
When a Buy-Bust Conviction Stands: The Weight of Police Testimony in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buy-bust team's testimony can convict a drug seller, and when courts will respect that credibility finding.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Loan Agreements: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold stockholders personally liable for corporate loans.
Kidnapping for Ransom: How Conspiracy and Flight Establish Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy liability, and damages in People v. Niegas.
Foreclosure Validity: Banks Can Foreclose Despite Disputed Loan Agreements
Supreme Court ruling on when banks may foreclose despite disputed interest rates, and the legal interest that applies after default.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Money Claims Against LGUs: The Province of Aklan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against local government units must first be filed with the Commission on Audit, not the regular courts.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.
Sheriffs Duty Strict Compliance With Rules ON Handling Funds IN Executing Court Writs
Sheriffs must strictly follow rules on handling funds in executing court writs; failure to do so constitutes misconduct.
Elections and Financial Regulations: Analyzing the Limits of Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Comelec's money ban resolution as moot, leaving key constitutional questions unanswered.
Proving the Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Hilarion
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution must prove a rape victim's age, and why the failure to do so downgrades statutory rape to simple rape.
Real Property Tax on Franchise Holders: When Tax Exemptions Apply
Supreme Court rules on real property tax exemptions for franchise holders, explaining what "exclusive of this franchise" means under RA 7678.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Right to Remain Silent Prevails: Silence at Custodial Investigation Not an Admission of Guilt
Supreme Court rules silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt in rape case.
Common Carriers vs Arrastre Operators: Who Bears Liability for Cargo Damage?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a common carrier's custody of cargo ends and an arrastre operator's begins, and when customs brokers become common carriers.
Onerous Donations Contract Law vs Gratuitous Intent in Property Transfers
When a donation carries a burden, contract rules apply. Learn how Philippine law treats onerous donations and revocation for ingratitude.
GSIS Funds and Contractual Obligations: When State Policy Yields to Private Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS funds may be garnished and when execution pending appeal is proper.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Notice of Loss in Chattel Mortgage Agreements
When a mortgaged vehicle is stolen, borrowers must prove they notified the bank. Learn the burden of proof rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Nullifying Contracts vs. Recovering Land Rights
When can the government nullify land titles? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in property disputes involving military reservations.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Limits for Landowners With Other Agricultural Holdings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners with other agricultural lands lose retention rights over tenanted rice lands under LOI 474.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Disregard of IBP Orders
A lawyer who neglects a client's appeal and ignores IBP directives faces a one-year suspension, reminding attorneys of their duties.