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.
From Murder to Homicide: Understanding the Absence of Treachery in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven, a killing is homicide, not murder. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Protecting Property Rights: The Absolute Right to Possess Foreclosed Property After Redemption Period
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property rights, redemption, and the right to possess foreclosed property after the redemption period.
Failure of Elections vs Election Protests: Defining COMELEC's Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failure of election petition is proper and when the remedy should be an election protest after proclamation.
Sufficiency of Information: The Critical Element of Manifest Partiality, Bad Faith, or Gross Negligence in Gra
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that an information under Section 3(e) of RA 3019 must allege manifest partiality, bad faith, or gross negligence.
Bumping Passengers Airline Liability for Overbooking and Bad Faith
When airlines overbook and bump confirmed passengers, they face liability for damages. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Immorality and Judicial Conduct: Substantiation of Charges in Administrative Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability, the need for substantial evidence, and the duty to avoid impropriety.
Forged Signatures and Land Titles: Upholding Property Rights Against Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged special powers of attorney, nullifying land transfers and protecting property rights against fraud.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court dismisses two clerks of court for misappropriating judiciary funds, affirming that public trust breach warrants the ultimate penalty.
Friar Lands Ownership and Due Process in Land Disputes: Alonso v. Cebu Country Club
The Supreme Court rules on friar lands ownership, due process, and reconstituted titles in a decades-long dispute over Cebu property.
Erroneous Identification Leads to Acquittal Safeguarding Due Process in Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court acquits a murder convict when a suggestive police showup and unreliable eyewitness identification violate due process.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.
Rape by Intimidation: The Supreme Court's Stance on Fear and Consent
How the Supreme Court ruled that fear of death can vitiate consent in rape cases involving kidnapping and illegal detention.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches Incident Thereto: Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests and incidental searches are valid under Philippine law, using a marijuana transport case.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and why treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short: The Burden of Proof in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that conspiracy in robbery with homicide requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, but concerted acts establish liability.
Court Employee Misconduct: When Drunkenness at Work Means Simple Misconduct
A court aide who showed up drunk at the Palace of Justice was fined P5,000 for simple misconduct. Learn the rules on decorum for judiciary employees.
Credibility of Testimony Can Overcome Medical Findings in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony even when medical findings show no hymenal laceration.
Lenient Application of Procedural Rules Upholds Justice in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules courts may relax procedural rules to serve substantial justice, citing a 2003 agrarian case.
Statutory Rape: Why Physical Injury Is Irrelevant for Victims Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate statutory rape of a child under twelve, and what evidence matters.
Staggered Payment of Docket Fees: Balancing Access to Justice and Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may allow staggered payment of docket fees and why such discretion deserves respect on appeal.
When Rape Conviction Stands But Attempted Rape Fails: Lessons from People v. Pancho
The Supreme Court clarifies when a stepfather's acts constitute rape versus attempted rape, and the evidentiary rules that govern each.
Voice Recognition as Evidence Identifying the Accused in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voice recognition evidence in rape cases, admissibility standards, and the importance of credible victim testimony.
Gross Receipts Tax: When Withheld Interest Income Still Counts for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 20% final withholding tax on banks' passive income forms part of gross receipts for the 5% gross receipts tax.
Deportation and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Treatment for Foreign Nationals
The Supreme Court clarifies deportation rules for foreign nationals, balancing immigration enforcement with due process rights under Philippine law.