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.
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Smuggling and the Presumption of Guilt: Possession and Tax Obligations in Philippine Law
When does possession of untaxed goods create a presumption of smuggling under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains in Rieta v. People.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Sheriffs' Duty to Timely Execute Writs and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to enforce writs promptly and their accountability for actions that delay execution.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: When an Ejectment Case Does Not Bar a Later Ownership Claim
Explains when res judicata applies in property disputes, distinguishing ejectment from accion reinvindicatoria under Philippine law.
Foreign Corporations and the Right to Sue: Estoppel in Philippine Law
When can an unlicensed foreign corporation sue in Philippine courts? The Supreme Court clarifies the estoppel rule in this 2004 ruling.
Proof of Payment: Why Vouchers Aren't Receipts Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why disbursement vouchers are not receipts and what actually proves payment in civil cases.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: Understanding BP 22 in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, the reason for issuing a bouncing check is immaterial to criminal liability. Learn the rules.
Fencing Conviction Reversed: Proving Knowledge of Stolen Goods in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits jeweler of fencing, stressing the need for competent proof of value and knowledge that goods were stolen.
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction, clarifying how force and lack of consent are established in Philippine law.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Imperative of Fair Preliminary Investigations in Philippine Law
A lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks underscores the continuing duty of good moral character and the importance of fair preliminary investigations.
Murder Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, focusing on treachery, witness credibility, and proper damages in People v. Escote.
Rescission Rights Understanding Contract Breaches AND Obligations IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contract rescission is allowed—and when a breach is too slight to justify it.
Sudden Violence or Planned Attack: Homicide vs Murder in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden, anger-fueled stabbing is homicide, not murder, because treachery was not proven.
Retirement Benefits vs Separation Pay: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes retirement benefits from separation pay. Learn the rules, when each applies, and what employees should know.
Bank Liability for Forged Checks: Protecting Depositor Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for forged checks, depositor rights, and negligence in the banking relationship.
The Sanctity of the Home Safeguarding Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures
Philippine law protects homes from unlawful searches and seizures. Learn the rules, exceptions, and remedies for violations.
Self-Defense in Philippine Law: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
Learn what Philippine courts require to prove unlawful aggression in self-defense, and why mere threats or insults do not justify killing.
When Can a Lessee Stop Paying Rent? Peaceful Enjoyment Rules Explained
Learn when Philippine law allows a lessee to suspend rent payments and what "peaceful enjoyment" really means under Civil Code Articles 1654 and 1658.
Rape and Mental Disability: Understanding the Limits of the Death Penalty in Philippine Law
A father's rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove his knowledge of the victim's mental disability.
When Government Action Excuses Contractual Performance: Force Majeure in Philippine Law
Philippine law on force majeure and how government acts may excuse contractual performance, explained for everyday readers.
Sexual Assault and the Definition of Rape: Expanding Protection Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts interpret rape with homicide, custodial rights, and the evolving definition of sexual assault in criminal cases.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Cornerstone of Fair Trial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the right to speedy disposition of cases and why delays alone do not violate the Constitution.