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.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Treachery and Identification in Philippine Murder Cases
How a lone eyewitness's positive identification and the suddenness of attack led to a murder conviction qualified by treachery.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Why Strong Prosecution Evidence Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused on reasonable doubt, explaining why prosecution evidence must stand on its own merit.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.
Moral Damages for Unfounded Lawsuits in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Winning a baseless lawsuit does not automatically entitle you to moral damages. Learn the rules from Expertravel v. CA.
When Can an Appellate Court Remand an Ejectment Case? Key Rules
Explains when RTCs may remand ejectment appeals for further evidence, and when remand is improper under Section 21(d).
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.
Abuse of Superior Strength as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how abuse of superior strength elevates homicide to murder under Philippine law, with key insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
AWOL vs Abandonment: When Reinstatement and Backwages Still Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between AWOL and abandonment of work, and when illegally dismissed employees get reinstatement with backwages.
Deficiency Tax Collection: When BIR Warrants Are Premature Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when BIR collection of deficiency taxes is premature, and why the OSG must represent the CIR.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Credibility in Murder Cases
A single credible witness can convict for murder. Learn how Philippine courts weigh testimony and credibility.
Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Drug Cases: The Lagmay Acquittal
How the Supreme Court applied the presumption of innocence to acquit a drug suspect when prosecution evidence fell short of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Beyond Kicking: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man who kicked a murder victim, explaining when mere presence or minor acts do not prove conspiracy.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: What It Means for Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The 90-day rule requires Philippine judges to decide cases promptly. Learn how it works, what happens on delay, and the lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Philippine Security of Tenure: Why Fixed-Term Employment Can't Sidestep Regularization
The Supreme Court strikes down a fixed-term contract scheme that blocked an employee's regularization, reaffirming constitutional security of tenure for Philippine workers.
Complex Crime vs Separate Offenses: When Multiple Murders Are Not a Single Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple killings form one complex crime or separate offenses, and the effect on penalties.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
When a Confirmed Flight Doesn't Extend Ticket Validity: Cervantes v. PAL
Learn from Cervantes v. PAL: confirming a flight does not extend a ticket's validity, and agents cannot bind the airline beyond their authority.
Unraveling Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases: Collective Guilt and the Limits of Self-Defense
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy doctrine and rejected self-defense in a murder case where three men ganged up on a victim.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Why Silence Is Not Consent (People v. Marabillas)
Explaining how Philippine courts define force and intimidation in rape, and why a victim's silence or lack of resistance does not mean consent.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Dismissal Is Too Harsh in the Philippines
Philippine labor law requires penalties to fit the offense. Learn when dismissal is disproportionate and how the Supreme Court applies this rule.