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.
Understanding Evident Premeditation and Self-Dense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation and evaluate self-defense claims, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Probation After Appeal Understanding THE Waiver Rule IN THE Philippines
Learn how appealing a conviction waives probation eligibility in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Probation Law.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: A Case Study
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery in a murder case, explained in plain language for everyday readers.
Lease Renewal vs Extension Understanding Your Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension, and why verbal assurances of renewal may not hold up in court.
Litis Pendencia Understanding When A Prior Lawsuit Bars A NEW Case IN THE Philippines
Learn the elements of litis pendencia and how a prior case can bar a new lawsuit in Philippine courts.
Sheriffs Authority: Understanding the Limits of Property Attachment in the Philippines
Learn the limits of a sheriff's authority in property attachment in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court administrative case.
Employee Transfers: Understanding Employer Rights and Limits in the Philippines
Learn the rules on employee transfers in the Philippines—when employers can validly transfer workers and what limits the law imposes.
Initiative vs Referendum: Understanding Direct Democracy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the difference between initiative and referendum, and how Filipinos can directly propose or reject laws.
Consent and Rape: Understanding the Nuances of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Bawar case shows how Philippine courts weigh consent, credibility, and behavior in rape cases—crucial for understanding sexual assault law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using People v. Villegas to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
Retirement Pay in the Philippines: Understanding Employee Rights Before RA 7641
Philippine Scout Veterans case explains when retirement pay was not yet guaranteed by law, and how RA 7641 changed the rules for Filipino employees.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing to murder, using a 1996 case as a clear example.
Insurance Proceeds and Trust Relationships: Understanding Fiduciary Duties
When an insurer holds insurance proceeds for insureds pending settlement, a trust may arise, creating fiduciary duties.
When Can Election Results Be Set Aside? Understanding Failure of Elections in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when election results may be set aside and what documents can prove the true will of the electorate.
Understanding Labor-Only Contracting: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains labor-only contracting, employer liability, and employee rights in PSBA v. NLRC.
When Does a Brawl Become Murder? Understanding Conspiracy and Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine law on conspiracy and homicide explained through a landmark Supreme Court case on robbery with homicide.
Understanding the Limits of General Powers of Attorney in Real Estate Sales
Learn how Philippine courts treat general powers of attorney in real estate transactions and why specificity matters.
Understanding Locus Standi When Can You Sue Over Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine courts allow taxpayer suits over public funds, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Anti-Graft League v. San Juan.
Understanding Litis Pendentia: Avoiding Duplicate Lawsuits in the Philippines
Learn how litis pendentia prevents duplicate lawsuits in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Cokaliong Shipping Lines v. Amin.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
Fugitive From Justice: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies what "fugitive from justice" means for election disqualification under the Local Government Code.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Understanding Acquisitive Prescription in the Philippines
Can a forged deed ripen into ownership through prescription? The Supreme Court explains why bad faith blocks acquisitive prescription on titled land.
Rape Conviction Understanding Credibility OF Witnesses AND Victim Testimony IN Philippine LAW
Philippine courts rely on credible witness testimony in rape cases. This article explains how trial courts assess victim credibility and prosecution evidence.