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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Local Governments and Environmental Compliance: Ensuring Sustainable Development Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must comply with the Environmental Impact Statement System under PD 1586.
Finality of Judgments: The Limits of Annulment in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine courts treat annulment of judgments, finality of decisions, and the strict limits on reopening concluded cases.
Qualified Carnapping and the Death Penalty: People v. Lobitania Explained
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a police officer convicted of qualified carnapping with murder, clarifying aggravating circumstances under Philippine law.
Defense of a Stranger: Limits of Justification in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of a stranger justifies a killing, and when it does not.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A confession is inadmissible if the accused lacked truly competent, independent counsel during custodial investigation.
Diminished Intent When A Brawl Tempers A Murder Charge IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a challenge to a fight negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
From Murder to Homicide When Doubt Clouds Treachery in Philippine Law
When can a killing be downgraded from murder to homicide? The Supreme Court explains how treachery must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Novation and Trust Receipts: When a Debt Restructuring Agreement Extinguishes Criminal Liability
Learn when a debt restructuring agreement novates trust receipt obligations and extinguishes criminal liability under Philippine law.
Premeditation AND Treachery Defining Murder AND Alibi Defense IN Philippine LAW
Confession and Criminal Liability: Disentangling Rape and Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a confession proves homicide but not rape, and how Philippine courts distinguish the two crimes.
Bouncing Checks and Estafa: How Issuing Worthless Checks Can Lead to Fraud Convictions
Learn how issuing postdated checks with closed accounts can result in both B.P. 22 violations and estafa convictions under Philippine law.
Deceptive Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when deceptive job promises abroad constitute both illegal recruitment and estafa, and how conspirators share liability.
Fleeing Justice: How Absence Can Imply Guilt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when flight from arrest signals guilt, and why absence alone cannot prove conspiracy or treachery.
Timeliness Matters: A Judge's Duty to Promptly Resolve Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction while reminding judges of their duty to decide cases promptly, exploring the importance of timely justice.
Preemptive Rights in Philippine Corporations: Making Your Right of First Refusal Valid
Learn how Philippine law treats preemptive rights and right of first refusal in corporations, and how to make these rights valid and enforceable.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: The Millares Ruling on Fixed-Term Overseas Work
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees under Philippine law, and explains the limits of Article 280.
Seafarers' Employment Status: Contractual, Not Regular, Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Standing Firm Against Abuse: The Supreme Court's Stance on Rape and Incest
A father's rape of his 9-year-old daughter tests the limits of Philippine law on evidence, procedure, and the death penalty.
Failure of Election Grounds and Remedies in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election and why election protests, not annulment, address fraud claims.
Parental Authority vs Child Abuse: Examining the Limits of Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine law defines the line between lawful parental discipline and child abuse. Learn the legal standards, penalties, and practical guidance.
Intoxication Defense in Parricide: Understanding Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine courts treat intoxication as a mitigating circumstance in criminal cases, and why it failed in this parricide appeal.
Rape With a Deadly Weapon: Understanding Penalties and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
A guide to how Philippine courts treat rape with a deadly weapon, the penalties involved, and when aggravating circumstances apply.
Rape and Consent: Examining Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for statutory rape of a six-year-old, clarifying that force is presumed when the victim is under twelve.