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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Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide Intent IS KEY
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is mere homicide, not robbery with homicide, and explains the intent requirement.
Execution OF Judgment When Possession Cannot BE Awarded Beyond THE Courts Original Order
Court Personnel and Delay in Executing Writs: Domingo v. Malana
The Supreme Court suspended a sheriff for delaying a writ of demolition, reminding court personnel that judgments left unexecuted are rendered inutile.
VFA Constitutionality Upheld: Balancing Sovereignty and International Agreements
The Supreme Court upheld the Visiting Forces Agreement as constitutional while striking down detention agreements that violated its terms.
Drug Sale Conviction Affirmed: Entrapment Evidence and Legal Presumptions in Shabu Cases
Supreme Court affirms drug sale and possession conviction, explaining buy-bust operations, entrapment evidence, and presumptions in Philippine drug cases.
Just Compensation Determining Fair Market Value IN Eminent Domain Cases IN THE Philippines
Rape and Relationship: Upholding a Conviction Based on the Victim's Testimony and Medical Evidence
In People v. Sulima, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction built on the victim's credible testimony and medical findings, rejecting denial and alibi.
The 24-Hour Rule in Cargo Claims: Carrier Liability Under Philippine Shipping Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 24-hour claim rule under the Code of Commerce for damaged cargo and its effect on carrier liability.
Lost Inheritance: Proving Kinship in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why heirs must prove kinship to claim inherited property, and the limits of Torrens title challenges.
Estafa and the Timing of Deceit: Lessons from the Cardenas Case
When must deceit exist for estafa by postdated check? The Cardenas ruling clarifies the timing requirement under Article 315.
Dropping from the Rolls for Unsatisfactory Ratings: Court Stenographer Case
Supreme Court affirms dropping a court stenographer from the rolls for two consecutive unsatisfactory performance ratings, citing public service demands.
Court Stenographer Dropped From Rolls: The Duty of Judicial Personnel to Maintain Accurate Records
Learn when a court employee can be dropped from the rolls for unsatisfactory performance, and why accurate court records are a public duty.
Revocability of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney: Agrarian Reform Limits on Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable power of attorney over agrarian reform land may still be challenged and revoked.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Balancing Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice requirement in employee dismissal—opportunity to be heard, not actual hearing, is the essence of due process.
Unsatisfactory Performance When CAN A Government Employee BE Dropped From THE Rolls
Estafa AND THE Timing OF Deceit Cardenas V People
Real Action vs Annulment: How Courts Determine Proper Docket Fees in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an annulment of sale case is a real action requiring higher docket fees based on property value.
Ejectment Jurisdiction Resolving Ownership IN Unlawful Detainer Cases
Courts may provisionally resolve a plaintiff's death and ownership issues in ejectment cases to determine possession.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Learn how the Supreme Court applied quasi-delict rules in a vehicular accident case, clarifying negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Buy-Bust Operations Are Valid in Philippine Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in buy-bust operations, using Cruz v. People.
Finality vs Jurisdiction: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts resolve property disputes, where finality of judgments and jurisdictional rules intersect, and what this means for litigants.
Statutory Rape: Protecting Children and Ensuring Due Process in Criminal Law
A father's conviction for statutory rape upheld, but due process requires every element—including relationship—be alleged in the information.
Breach OF Trust Disbarment FOR Attorneys Misappropriation OF Client Property
Treachery in Murder: What the Supreme Court Requires for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining what evidence proves it and why evident premeditation failed in this case.