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.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Why a Heated Argument Can Downgrade the Crime to Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a killing after a heated argument lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide under Philippine law.
Tortious Interference vs. Intra-Corporate Dispute: Jurisdiction in Corporate Conflicts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate conflict is a civil tort case or an intra-corporate dispute, and which court has jurisdiction.
Naturalization in the Philippines: Strict Compliance Required, Even for Refugees
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with all legal requirements, as shown by a recent Supreme Court ruling denying a refugee's citizenship application.
Conversion to Islam Does Not Shield You from Bigamy Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that converting to Islam does not automatically exempt a person from bigamy charges under Philippine law.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
When Can a Mother Challenge Child Legitimacy in the Philippines? The Ordoña Ruling
A mother cannot collaterally attack her child's legitimacy under Philippine law. The Supreme Court's Ordoña ruling explains why.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
Cockfighting Regulations in the Philippines: The Bonghanoy Ruling on PD 449
The Supreme Court's Bonghanoy ruling clarifies when cockfighting events for tourists and balikbayans may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449.
Calculating Redemption Price in Extrajudicial Foreclosures: BPI v. LCL Capital Explained
Learn how Philippine courts compute redemption prices in bank foreclosures under the General Banking Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in BPI v. LCL Capital.
Infanticide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts convict in infanticide cases using circumstantial evidence, as shown in People v. Adalia.
Foreign Spouses Can File for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: The Ambrose Ruling
Foreign spouses married in the Philippines have legal standing to file for nullity of marriage, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Ambrose v. Suque-Ambrose.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Key Lessons from Site for Eyes v. Daming
The Supreme Court ruled that repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat regular employment status. Learn the key lessons from this landmark case.
Consent and Intoxication in Rape Cases: Key Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine law on rape and intoxication: when severe drunkenness or unconsciousness negates consent, and why credible testimony can convict.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Property Rights vs. Military Reservations: The Balmaceda Case on Void Titles
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on why titles tracing back to cancelled certificates cannot defeat the government's claim over military reservations.
Parricide Penalties in the Philippines: How Voluntary Surrender Affects Sentencing
Learn how mitigating circumstances like voluntary surrender affect parricide penalties under Philippine law, based on People v. Padilla.
Right to Access Search Warrant Records: Due Process and Confidentiality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts balance due process rights against informant confidentiality when accused persons seek search warrant records.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Treachery vs. Superior Strength in Murder Cases: Key Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
Understand when treachery and superior strength qualify a killing as murder under Philippine law, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.