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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Intent vs Action: Differentiating Attempted From Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a stabbing is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why the subjective phase matters.
Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.
Survival of Actions: Protecting Property Rights After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights and heir substitution.
Redefining Rape: Sexual Assault and Its Implications Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 redefined rape to include sexual assault by inserting fingers or objects into a victim's genital or anal orifice.
Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.
Self Defense IN Philippine LAW Establishing Unlawful Aggression FOR Justification 3
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Establishing Murder and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
How sudden, unexpected attacks establish treachery, qualifying killings as murder and frustrated murder under Philippine law.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery in Murder Convictions: People v. Buban
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining treachery, alibi, and damages under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining how intimidation and threats overcome the need for physical resistance.
Breach of Trust Proving Theft Through Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts convict for theft using circumstantial evidence when an internal auditor pockets company funds.
Tax Assessments and the Imperative of Timely Protests in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on tax assessment finality and why timely protests are crucial for taxpayers in the Philippines.
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.
Resolutory Conditions and Airport Expansion: Land Ownership Reversion in Philippine Law
When government stops using expropriated land for its stated purpose, ownership may revert to the original owner under a resolutory condition.
Perfecting Appeals Timeliness AND Required Documents IN Philippine LAW
Learn the rules on timely appeals and required documents in Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in National Power Corporation v. Codilla.
Valid Service of Court Orders: When a Security Guard's Receipt Counts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of court orders on a security guard counts as valid receipt, affecting deadlines for appeals.
Unreasonable Seizure Reclaiming Property Unlawfully Held BY Authorities
Philippine law on unreasonable seizure and reclaiming property unlawfully held by authorities explained through a landmark Supreme Court decision.
Intent to Kill: Understanding the Nuances of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill and treachery are established in murder cases, using a fatal explosive bottle attack as the example.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Credibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how intimidation, victim credibility, and medical evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Warrantless Vehicle Searches: When Can Police Search Your Car in the Philippines
Philippine law allows warrantless vehicle searches under certain conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber transport.
Bouncing Checks in Property Deals: Why a Bad Check Can Lead to Estafa in the Philippines
Learn when a bounced check or misused funds becomes estafa under Philippine law, and the key defenses that fail in court.
When Can a Court Reinstate a Dismissed Appeal: Procedural Lapses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural lapses in appeals may be overlooked to serve substantial justice, with rules on prescription of mortgage actions.
Treachery and Intent: Understanding Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
A single Supreme Court case clarifies how treachery distinguishes murder from homicide, and what damages families can claim.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Legal Framework and Victim Protection
Understanding Philippine law on incestuous rape through a landmark Supreme Court case, including penalties, evidence rules, and victim protections.