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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Treachery in Philippine Law: When a Sudden Attack Becomes Murder
The Supreme Court explains how a sudden, unexpected attack from behind constitutes treachery, qualifying a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Self-Defense in Philippine Law: When Killing a Brother Is Justifiable Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when killing in self-defense is justified under Philippine law, using the Cano brothers' fatal confrontation as a case study.
Stepfather’s Deceit: Defining Rape and Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that slightest penile penetration consummates rape, and digital penetration is sexual assault.
Ethical Standards in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Improper Solicitation by Court Personnel
Court stenographer dismissed for soliciting money from litigants. Learn the ethical rules and penalties for court personnel under Philippine law.
Incestuous Rape and the Death Penalty: Protecting Child Victims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his minor daughter, clarifying the rules on incestuous rape, evidence, and damages.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases Under Philippine Law
When does a sudden attack qualify as treachery in Philippine murder cases? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Pedrigal.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Treachery and the Passage of Time: Examining the Boundaries of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a brief pause between an argument and a fatal shooting does not negate treachery, affirming a murder conviction.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Treachery vs. Evident Premeditation: Distinguishing Murder and Rape in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from evident premeditation in murder, and why charging documents matter in rape cases.
Rape in Philippine Law: Why Full Penetration Is Not Required
The Supreme Court ruled that the slightest entry of the male organ into the labia consummates rape, and that age in statutory rape must be strictly proven.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Credibility, Threats, and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a victim's credible testimony and threats of death outweigh claims of normal behavior.
The Element of Surprise: Defining Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Simple Arson vs Destructive Arson: Intent and Degree of Damage in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple arson and destructive arson, focusing on intent, degree of damage, and the properties burned.
Rape and Intimidation: Why the Absence of Resistance Does Not Mean Consent
The Supreme Court ruled that a rape victim need not resist to the death; submission brought about by intimidation is not consent under Philippine law.
Surety Bond Execution Timeliness and Due Notice Requirements in Philippine Law
Learn when a claim against an injunction bond must be filed and the notice rules for surety liability under Philippine law.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, where a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation in securing conviction.
Percentage Tax on Pawnshops: Defining Lending Investors Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether pawnshops are lending investors subject to 5% percentage tax under the NIRC.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases—when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as a qualifying circumstance under Philippine law.
Divorce Abroad and Child Custody: Reconciling Foreign Decrees With Philippine Law
Philippine courts can recognize a foreign divorce but still decide child custody and support, as Roehr v. Rodriguez explains.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Rape and the Absence of Consent: Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault elements, emphasizing that force is presumed when the victim is under 12.
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.