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.
Defining Common Carriers When A Limited Clientele Doesnt Equal Private Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a shipping firm with a limited clientele can still be a common carrier under the Civil Code.
Property Rights vs Due Process: When Forceful Eviction Is Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers, without court order. Know your rights.
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder TO Homicide Based ON Absence OF Evident Premeditation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, absent proof of evident premeditation, and explains conspiracy liability.
The Perils of Second Pre-Trials: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a second pre-trial without proper notice violates due process, and explains the proper appeal route for COSLAP decisions.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employees become regular workers entitled to security of tenure and full backwages.
Treachery in Robbery With Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can aggravate robbery with homicide when the victim is killed treacherously, affecting penalty imposition.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: False Statements and the Limits of Bribery Claims in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing an unproven bribery complaint against a judge while penalizing false statements under judicial ethics.
The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Overstep Supervisory Bounds and Circumvent Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on when reprimanding a complainant violates due process, and why withdrawing an administrative complaint does not end the case.
Accountability in Group Crimes: Defining Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Law
Explaining how Philippine courts define conspiracy and liability in group crimes, with rules on fiduciary duty for court personnel.
Intrafamilial Rape: Conviction Upheld on Minor's Credible Testimony and Parental Relationship
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father convicted of raping his 13-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony and proven relationship.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Innocence: The Complexities of Self-Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not negate force in rape cases, affirming a father's conviction.
Judicial Employee Accountability: Delayed Remittance of Fiduciary Funds Is Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerks of court: delayed remittance of judiciary funds constitutes dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Carnapping With Homicide: Conspiracy and Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on carnapping with homicide, conspiracy among co-accused, and when extrajudicial confessions to private persons are admissible.
Rape and Consent: Understanding Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation prove rape without consent, and when minority aggravates the crime.
Eyewitness Identification and the Immateriality of Motive in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, clarifying that motive, the murder weapon, and ballistic reports are not essential to prove guilt.
Reviving Criminal Cases: Balancing Speed and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived, balancing the State's right to prosecute with the accused's right to due process.
Judicial Efficiency vs Protracted Delay: The Duty of Judges to Resolve Motions Promptly
The Supreme Court clarifies that provisional dismissal of criminal cases requires the accused's express consent and notice to offended parties.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Checks AS Guarantee Lagman VS People When A Bounced Check Becomes A Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a check issued as a guarantee, not payment, falls under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Judicial Overreach Limits MCTC Authority in Libel Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that only specific courts may conduct preliminary investigations in libel cases under Article 360.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Conspiracy and Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy can be proven through concerted action and why eyewitness identification prevails over denial and alibi.
When Land Disputes Stay in Regular Courts: The DARAB Jurisdiction Test
The Supreme Court clarifies that DARAB only has jurisdiction over land disputes when a true tenancy relationship exists between the parties.
The Indispensable Hearing Safeguarding Rights in Bail Petitions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds trial courts that bail in capital offenses requires a full hearing, not just a motion.