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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Treachery Defined: When a Sudden Attack Qualifies as Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, qualifying a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Psychological Incapacity in Annulment: Mere Difficulty vs Grave Dysfunction
The Supreme Court clarifies that ordinary marital conflict and immaturity do not amount to psychological incapacity for annulment under Philippine law.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Proper Remedy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal and certiorari are mutually exclusive remedies, and why procedural rules matter in extraordinary actions.
Publisher's Knowledge Not Required for Libel Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules a publisher can be convicted of libel even without knowledge of the libelous article, citing Article 360 of the Revised Penal Code.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Are Punished Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, showing how sudden attacks on unsuspecting victims qualify for the highest penalties.
Explosives Intent and Complex Crimes: Murder, Frustrated Murder, and Attempted Murder in the Philippines
A single explosive act can yield one complex crime—murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder—under Philippine law.
Co-Ownership Rights: Limits on Selling and Legal Redemption of Shares
A co-owner can sell only their own share, not the whole property. Learn the limits of sale and legal redemption rights under Philippine law.
Upholding Lease Agreements When Non-Payment of Rent Justifies Ejectment
Learn when non-payment of rent justifies ejectment under Philippine law, and why consignation matters for tenants facing disputes.
When Social Media Abuse Qualifies for Higher Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Explaining labor-only contracting under Philippine law, and when a principal employer is liable as the true employer of contractor-supplied workers.
Vasectomy and Mutilation: Defining the Boundaries of Reproductive Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lawful vasectomy and criminal mutilation, affirming reproductive rights under Philippine law.
Labor-Only Contracting: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan explains labor-only contracting rules, when workers become regular employees, and employer liability under Philippine law.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Understanding Its Application in Murder Cases
Learn how treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law, its elements, and how courts apply it in criminal cases.
From Murder to Homicide When Sudden Attacks Lack Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery and when it does not, reducing murder to homicide.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: Consent, Credibility, and the Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy, intimidation, and credibility shape rape convictions and the sweetheart defense.
Overload Pay and 13th Month Pay: Defining Basic Salary in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies whether teaching overload pay forms part of basic salary for 13th month pay computation under Philippine law.
Family Home vs Co-Ownership: Balancing Heirs' Rights in Property Partition
When heirs dispute partition, the family home enjoys special protection. Learn how Philippine law balances co-ownership rights with family home exemptions.
Fraudulent Land Acquisition Titles Obtained Through Deceit Lack Indefeasibility
Land titles obtained through fraud are void and do not gain indefeasibility. Philippine law protects true owners from deceitful schemes.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.
The Boundaries of Buy-Bust Operations: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence, and penalties in illegal drug sale cases under Philippine law.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Salary Withholding: Balancing Government Interest and Employee Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the government may withhold a public employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply it to the debt.
When Landlocked Property Demands Passage: Establishing a Legal Right of Way in the Philippines
Philippine law allows landlocked owners to demand a right of way, but only after meeting four strict requirements. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Victim's Mental Incapacity: People v. Constantino
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction where the victim had the mental age of a child, clarifying that mental incapacity negates consent under Philippine law.