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.
Self-Defense and Treachery: How the Supreme Court Evaluates Both in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery applies, using a 2003 murder case as a guide.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, emphasizing that sudden, unexpected attacks from behind constitute treachery, not self-defense.
Upholding Voluntary Arbitration When A Signed Agreement Overrides Prior Waiver In Labor Disputes
A signed submission agreement to voluntary arbitration prevails over a prior waiver of grievance machinery, the Supreme Court ruled.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and child with another woman, ruling infidelity is gross immorality warranting removal from the bench.
Good Faith in Administrative Actions: Protecting Public Officials From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith in filing administrative cases shields public officials from disciplinary liability, but lawyers must still respect courts.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status and security of tenure protections.
Regular Employment Status: Necessity of Work and Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers become regular employees based on necessity of work and security of tenure under Article 280.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, using the case of People v. Muñez.
Reclaimed Lands and the Constitution: Limits on Government Transfers to Private Corporations
The Supreme Court voids a land reclamation deal transferring public lands to a private corporation, reaffirming constitutional limits on alienable lands.
Incestuous Rape: Broad Complaint Dates and Victim Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms an incestuous rape conviction, ruling that inexact complaint dates are allowed and a young victim's credible testimony suffices.
Litis Pendentia in Lease Disputes: When Concurrent Actions Can Proceed
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia bars a second lease case, distinguishing claims that matured after the first suit was filed.
Pre-Trial Conferences and Dismissal of Cases: The Imperative of Preventing Unwarranted Delays
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot dismiss cases merely for failure to submit a compromise agreement, and pre-trial conferences must proceed.
Proving Smuggling Without the Seized Goods: Witness Testimony as Corpus Delicti
The Supreme Court rules that smuggling can be proven by credible witness testimony alone, even without presenting the seized contraband in court.
PCGG's Authority to Vote Sequestered Shares: Lessons from the ETPI Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the PCGG may vote sequestered shares, balancing state interest and stockholder rights.
When Ambush and Conspiracy Lead to a Complex Crime: Murder and Attempted Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an ambush with conspiracy forms a complex crime of murder and multiple attempted murder under Article 48.
Betrayal of Trust: Rethinking Penalties for a Father's Rape of His Daughter
Supreme Court ruling on father raping daughter highlights proof requirements for death penalty in qualified rape cases.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Double Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms double murder conviction, ruling positive identification by eyewitnesses prevails over weak alibi defense.
Reimbursement for Utility Payments When a Subsequent Tenant Pays Another's Debt
When a new tenant pays a former tenant's unpaid utility bills, can they get their money back? The Supreme Court explains.
Undue Delay in Resolving Motions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges who unreasonably delay resolving motions face administrative sanctions under Rule 140, even without a specific reglementary period.
Upholding Ethical Standards in Court Liability for Discourtesy, Negligence, and Premature Judgments
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial misconduct in issuing TROs over customs seizure cases, reinforcing ethical standards for judges.
Deposit Insurance Coverage and the Usual Course of Business Rule in Bank Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on PDIC coverage for deposits made before a bank's closure, defining "usual course of business."
Rape Information Defects and Statutory Rape Convictions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective rape informations, statutory rape elements, and penalties for common-law stepfathers.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liberal construction of verification and non-forum shopping rules in labor cases.
Civil Law Leases and Tenant Rights: Clarifying Landowner Control in Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when civil law lessees may install tenants, and the limits of landowner control under agrarian reform laws.