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.
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Bail Rights in the Philippines: Understanding When and How They Can Be Restricted
Philippine law guarantees bail as a matter of right for most offenses. A Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may restrict it.
Serious Physical Injuries in the Philippines: The Pilares Case Explained
Understand serious physical injuries under Philippine law through the Pilares case, including penalties, evidence, and self-defense considerations.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.
Possession vs Dominion: Defining Illegal Drug Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies actual vs constructive possession of illegal drugs, and when spouses sharing a home may both be liable.
Correcting Penalties in Drug Cases: Fair Application of Republic Act No. 7659
When a drug conviction carries an impossible penalty, the Supreme Court can correct it even after finality—here's how.
When Reckless Imprudence Causes Death: Penalties, Contributory Negligence, and Voluntary Surrender
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, when contributory negligence matters, and why voluntary surrender may not reduce the sentence.
Unlawful Arrest and Admissible Evidence: Key Lessons from a Robbery Case
How the Supreme Court protected constitutional rights by excluding evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest in a robbery case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Delay in Reporting Explained
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explains why a child victim's testimony is credible despite delay in reporting and why alibi failed.
The Sanity Presumption Determining Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine law presumes every person sane. This case explains when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability.
Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder: Lessons from People v. Sumibcay
The Supreme Court explains how treachery, not conspiracy or abuse of superior strength, qualified killing to murder in People v. Sumibcay.
When Sexual Assault Is Acts of Lasciviousness, Not Attempted Rape: Perez v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness in a case with no eyewitnesses.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Intent vs Accident: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder and the Role of Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when accidental shooting claims fail, how intent to kill is proven, and why treachery must be established beyond doubt.
Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.
Prescription for Falsification of Public Documents: When the Clock Starts
Learn when the prescription period begins for falsification of public documents under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recebido v. People.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Understanding Large-Scale Fraud and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal recruitment in large scale from estafa, the penalties involved, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Lumber Transport in the Philippines: Private Land, Permits, and the Revised Forestry Code
A look at when transporting lumber from private land still requires DENR documents, and how courts compute penalties under the Forestry Code.
Credit Card Fraud Liability in the Philippines: What Ermitaño v. BPI Means for Cardholders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card fraud liability: cardholders who promptly report lost cards aren't liable for unauthorized charges.