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.
Evident Premeditation: Proving Intent and Cool Thought in Philippine Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation to qualify a killing as murder, and why treachery was rejected in People v. Belga.
Failing to Answer Interrogatories in Philippine Courts: What Santiago Land Development Teaches Us
Learn the consequences of failing to answer interrogatories in Philippine courts, and why dismissal is discretionary, not automatic.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Requirements and Limitations
Understand when alibi works as a defense in Philippine criminal cases, its legal requirements, and why courts view it with suspicion.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Alevosia and Its Implications
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using the 1996 Paragua decision as a guide.
Employee Misconduct and Valid Dismissal: Lessons from Flores v. NLRC
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for misconduct? The Supreme Court's ruling in Flores v. NLRC provides clear guidance.
Res Judicata in Land Registration: Ramirez v. Court of Appeals Explained
When does a final denial of a land registration application bar a later one? The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in Ramirez v. Court of Appeals.
Navigating Annulment in the Philippines: Due Process, Collusion, and the Role of Legal Counsel
The Tuason case clarifies due process, counsel's negligence, and the state's role in Philippine annulment proceedings.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.
Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt: When Convictions Get Overturned
The Supreme Court explains when flawed eyewitness testimony and trial court speculation require acquittal under the reasonable doubt standard.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.
Due Process Rights in Labor Organization Registration: A Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how the Supreme Court protected due process rights in canceling a labor federation's registration, emphasizing the right to be heard.
Understanding Finality of Judgments and Avoiding Contempt of Court
Learn how the Supreme Court defines finality of judgments and why filing repeated motions can lead to contempt of court.
Circumstantial Evidence Proving Guilt Beyond A Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict beyond reasonable doubt, explained through People v. Danao.
Warrantless Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Buy-Bust Operations Mean for Your Rights
Learn when warrantless arrests and drug evidence are valid in buy-bust operations, and how Philippine courts handle frame-up defenses.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Conviction in Murder and Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms murder and frustrated murder conviction, ruling positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.