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.
Supreme Court Upholds Murder Conviction Despite Fugitive Status
The High Court affirms a murder conviction even as the accused remains at large, ruling on treachery, alibi, and the retroactive application of procedural rules.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
The Weight of a Minor's Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility vs Presumption of Innocence
How Philippine courts weigh a minor rape victim's testimony against the presumption of innocence, and when delay in reporting does not destroy credibility.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: Credibility in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness positive identification, rejecting alibi and affirming treachery in People v. Estrada.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Misappropriated Funds
Supreme Court ruling on when misappropriating advance payments constitutes estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Elements and Implications in Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, why proof must be clear, and when a killing becomes homicide instead.
How Youth and Voluntary Surrender Affect Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when voluntary surrender is a mitigating circumstance and how self-defense claims are judged.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Self-Defense Claims and Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from People v. Tadeo
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how intoxication, provocation, and surrender affect criminal liability in homicide cases.
Passion and Obfuscation: How Jealousy Can Reduce Murder to Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when passion and obfuscation can downgrade a murder charge to homicide, and how self-defense claims are weighed.
Passion and Obfuscation in Homicide: When Jealousy Mitigates Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a betrayed spouse's passion and obfuscation can reduce murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Defense of a Stranger: Limits of Justification in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of a stranger justifies a killing, and when it does not.
Simple vs Qualified Rape: Why Allegations in the Information Matter
The Supreme Court explains why the death penalty for qualified rape requires both minority and relationship to be alleged in the information.
Usury Law Suspension, Freedom to Contract, and Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether courts can reduce interest rates agreed upon by parties after the Usury Law suspension.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.
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.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Certifications from the Register of Deeds Suffice
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
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.
Self-Defense or Murder: The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and treachery turns a killing into murder under Philippine law.
When Do Labor Tribunals Have Jurisdiction Over Employer Claims? Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court clarifies when labor tribunals, not regular courts, hear employer claims for damages arising from an employee's resignation.
Optional Retirement and Illegal Dismissal: The Ondevilla Case on Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's early retirement is voluntary, and the rights of illegally dismissed employees who reach compulsory retirement age.
Forgery Claims and Document Production: The Right to Examine Evidence in Court
When can a court deny a motion to examine documents for forgery? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion.