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.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Treachery Unveiled When Opportunity TO Escape Negates A Finding OF Murder
Supreme Court explains when a victim's opportunity to escape or defend himself negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Dismissal for Judicial Misconduct: Impartiality and Diligence in Granting Hospital Confinement
A judge's dismissal for granting hospital confinement without hearing shows why diligence and impartiality are non-negotiable in every judicial act.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Illegal Firearms in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence and illegal firearms possession under PD 1866.
Rape With Deadly Weapon Intimidation Consent And The Boundaries Of Legal Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape with intimidation, deadly weapon, desistance, alibi, and proof of minority.
Appeal Deadlines When Is a Delay Fatal to Your Case
Learn when late appeals are allowed in Philippine courts and when delays prove fatal to a case.
Diminished Liability When Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide
When does a killing become homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains how the absence of treachery lowers the crime and its penalty.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence Proving Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a dying victim names her assailant, that statement can convict—but only if the prosecution proves every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Attorney Negligence Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Rape and Robbery Conviction: Victim Testimony and Penalties for Heinous Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape and robbery with rape, victim testimony credibility, alibi defense, and penalties under RA 7659.
Mistake of Identity and the Limits of Treachery: Intent in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when mistaken identity negates treachery and how intent shapes murder versus homicide liability in the Philippines.
Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force and Intimidation
The Supreme Court explains how a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force and intimidation in incestuous rape cases.
Drunkenness on Duty: Upholding Ethical Standards for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a court employee for six months for drinking on duty, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Robbery With Homicide: The Marquez Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide is proven beyond reasonable doubt, and when illegal possession of firearm charges fail.
Estate Tax Deficiency: When Surcharges and Interest Apply Under the NIRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate tax deficiency surcharges, interest, and penalties under the NIRC, explained for lay readers.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Intent in Criminal Cases
When qualifying circumstances like treachery aren't proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder charge may be reduced to homicide.
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, courts may impose only a fine instead of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Simple Neglect of Duty: How Philippine Courts Distinguish Administrative Offenses
Philippine Retirement Authority v. Rupa clarifies when a public officer's delay is simple neglect, not conduct prejudicial to the service.
Treachery Unproven: Downgrading Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder conviction is reduced to homicide. This case explains the rule.
Supreme Court Affirms Murder Conviction Despite Defense Claims of Self-Defense
SC affirms murder conviction of three men who mauled victim to death, rejecting self-defense claims and upholding reclusion perpetua.