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.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Bribery in Philippine Courts
A court stenographer's dismissal for soliciting money from a litigant shows the strict ethical standards for Philippine court personnel.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Confessions and Conspiracy in Kidnapping and Murder Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court treats extrajudicial confessions and conspiracy in a kidnapping-for-ransom and murder case.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Murder and Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery work in murder and robbery cases, and what must be alleged in the Information.
Defamation and Public Interest: Balancing Freedom of the Press and Protection of Reputation
Philippine law balances press freedom and reputation protection. Learn the rules on defamation and public interest.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Impact of Victim Recantation on Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the victim recants, and why recantation alone does not automatically overturn a conviction.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Robbery with Physical Injuries Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why positive identification beats alibi in robbery with physical injuries cases, with practical takeaways.
Illegal Dismissal and Union Busting: What SPC Power v. Santos Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal becomes illegal, focusing on union busting and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
The Doctrine of Reasonable Reliance: When Public Officials Are Not Liable for Subordinates' Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of office may rely on subordinates in good faith, reversing a gross neglect finding against a Registrar of Deeds.
Good Faith vs Bad Faith in Public Office: Lessons from Abillar v. People's Television Network
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when reliance on an official's assurance amounts to good faith, and what constitutes bad faith in public office.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: When Filing Criminal Charges Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing baseless criminal complaints constitutes malicious prosecution, and what damages may be awarded.
Understanding Bad Faith in Property Encroachment: Rights and Responsibilities
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a builder is in bad faith in property encroachment cases, and what remedies a landowner has under Philippine law.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Understanding Arbitrary Detention and Murder: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling explains when police detention becomes arbitrary detention and murder, and how complex crimes are charged.
Substantial Evidence in Labor Dismissals: When the Supreme Court Steps In
Explore when the Supreme Court reviews factual findings in labor cases, and how substantial evidence supports valid employee dismissal.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Homicide Cases: What People v. Pitulan Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that credible eyewitness identification can prove homicide even without the murder weapon or forensic testing.
Eyewitness Testimony and Homicide Conviction: Proving Identity Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, ruling that denial cannot prevail over credible testimony.
Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty in Philippine Courts: Lessons from a Clerk's Dismissal
The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty through a court clerk's dismissal for tampering with case records.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Condominium Board Disputes and Slander: When Words Cross the Line
A condominium board dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn the legal boundaries of speech and the consequences of public accusations.
Calling Someone a Thief in Public Can Be Slander: Key Lessons from a Condo Dispute
A heated condo dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn when public accusations of theft become criminal oral defamation in the Philippines.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Conspiracy and Intent: When Multiple Assaults Do Not Prove Discernment in Minors
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to kill and conspiracy do not automatically prove a minor's discernment, requiring separate proof for criminal liability.
Falsification of Public Documents: Intent to Injure Not Required for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intent to injure is not an element of falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Treachery Defined: Examining the Elements of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery and the elements of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code in People v. Almosara.