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.
When Can the LRA Refuse to Issue a Decree of Registration? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the Land Registration Authority may validly refuse to issue a decree of registration and why mandamus cannot compel it.
Volunteer or Employee? The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the control test determines employee status in the Philippines, using the landmark Filipinas Broadcasting v. NLRC case.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when public social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.
Defense of a Relative in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression
Philippine law allows defense of a relative, but only if unlawful aggression is clearly proven. A Supreme Court case shows why.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Intent and Participation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy and guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Private vs Common Carriers: Understanding Liability for Cargo Damage in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes private from common carriers, affecting liability for cargo damage. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions
Learn how Philippine courts penalize judges for delayed case resolutions, with rules on fines, retirement benefits, and judicial accountability.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Habitual Absenteeism of Government Employees: Penalties and Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
Habitual absenteeism is a grave offense for Philippine government employees. Learn the rules, penalties, and key lessons from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal firearm possession cases, from warrantless searches to penalties under RA 8294.
Voluntary Resignation and Bonus Entitlement: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Learn when resigned employees lose their right to CBA bonuses under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using People v. Reboltiado to show how sudden, planned attacks qualify.
Kidnapping vs. Illegal Detention: The Role of Intent Under Philippine Law
Philippine law distinguishes kidnapping from illegal detention by the offender's intent. The Supreme Court explains the difference in People v. Dadles.
The Clerk’s Duty: Accurate Case Reporting and the Efficient Administration of Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk fined for issuing a subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, underscoring diligence in court duties.
Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: Consent and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats carnal knowledge of a woman deprived of reason as rape, regardless of apparent consent. This case explains why.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Why Newspaper Publication Is Mandatory
Why newspaper publication is a mandatory requirement in Philippine land registration, and how failing to comply can invalidate your application.
Unintended Consequences: Criminal Liability for Foreseeable Outcomes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability, dying declarations, and witness credibility in murder cases under Philippine law.
Criminal Conspiracy and Exempting Circumstances: Duress and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court defined conspiracy, duress, and imbecility defenses in a kidnapping and homicide case.
Parricide in the Philippines: Proving Intent in Family Killings
Understand parricide under Philippine law and how courts prove intent in family killings, with lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.
Self-Defense and Voluntary Surrender: Key Lessons from a Philippine Murder Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when self-defense fails and voluntary surrender mitigates murder liability. Learn the rules.