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.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Killings: Lessons from Bartocillo v. People
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when conspiracy and treachery fail in group attack cases, and why credible eyewitness testimony matters.
Protecting Vulnerable Witnesses Upholding THE Testimony OF Deaf Mute Rape Victims IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the sign-language testimony of a deaf-mute victim, clarifying rules on witness competence and alibi.
Judges Must Decide Cases on Time: Lessons from the Calingin Administrative Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for delayed decisions. Learn the rules on the 90-day period and what counts as valid excuses.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality and Bar Sanctions
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
GSIS Foreclosure Redemption: Balancing Member Needs and Fund Solvency
Supreme Court ruling on GSIS foreclosure redemption rights, explaining when members can repurchase foreclosed property and the limits of that right.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Violence: Defining Liability Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to hold two accused liable for murder in a group stabbing incident.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Homicide Cases
In People v. Yungot, the Supreme Court explains how flight after a crime can strengthen the prosecution's case and weaken an alibi defense.
Protecting Condominium Buyers: Annulling Improperly Foreclosed Mortgages
When a developer mortgages condominium units without required approval, buyers can annul the mortgage and foreclosure. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Publicity vs Fair Trial: Reassessing Damages in Heinous Crime Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies that pervasive media coverage does not automatically deny an accused a fair trial, and adjusts excessive damage awards.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Law: Why Fictitious Contracts Are Void
A simulated deed of sale has no legal effect, and the resulting title must be cancelled. The Supreme Court explains why in pari delicto does not apply to fictitious contracts.
Questioning Authenticity When A Deed Of Sale Fails The Test Of Due Execution
When can a deed of sale be declared void? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due execution and authenticity.
Reversion of Land Titles: Fraud, Public Domain, and the Limits of Possessory Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsino v. Republic on reversion of fraudulently issued free patents to public domain.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Treachery Unveiled When Opportunity TO Escape Negates A Finding OF Murder
Supreme Court explains when a victim's opportunity to escape or defend himself negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Self-Defense Claims and Treachery: Lessons from People vs. Mazo
A look at how the Supreme Court weighed self-defense, witness credibility, and treachery in a homicide conviction.
Rape Intimidation and Threat Sufficient for Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on threats and intimidation, ruling that absence of physical resistance does not negate the crime.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Illegal Firearms in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence and illegal firearms possession under PD 1866.
Terminal Leave Pay: Highest Salary Rule for Retiring Government Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on computing terminal leave pay using highest monthly salary, including acting capacity designations.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay Computation
Supreme Court rules a designated Acting Secretary's higher salary, even for one day, determines terminal leave pay basis.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Unlawful Aggression Must Be Proven in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a barangay captain's self-defense plea failed in a homicide case, and what elements must be proven.
Parricide vs. Accident: When a Fatal Shooting Is Not an Exempting Circumstance
The Supreme Court explains why the defense of accident fails when intent to kill is shown by overt acts, affirming a parricide conviction.
Finality of Labor Rulings: Appeal Limits in Union Registration Cases
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on appeal limits and finality in labor cases, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.