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.
Credibility Counts: Why Witness Testimony Decides Drug Cases in the Philippines
In drug case appeals, the Supreme Court defers to trial courts on witness credibility. Learn why from People v. Lacson.
Compromise Agreements in the Philippines: Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A lawyer cannot compromise a client's case without a special power of attorney. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Self-Defense in Philippine Murder Cases: When Does It Hold Up?
Philippine law requires clear proof of unlawful aggression for self-defense to succeed in murder cases, as shown in People v. Meneque.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Who Is Bound Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue stipulations in contracts and who is bound, including assignees and privies.
Treachery in Abduction: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Group Killings
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions for five abductions and killings, applying treachery and circumstantial evidence rules.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Financial Distress
When is a deed of absolute sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how courts protect borrowers who sign sale documents under financial pressure.
Ombudsman's Discretion and Insufficiency of Evidence in Graft Charge Dismissals
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges for insufficiency of evidence, clarifying limits of certiorari review.
Unexpected Assault Equals Treachery: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
CSC Resolution Cannot Be Enforced While Pending Appeal: Due Process Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that a CSC resolution pending appeal cannot be immediately enforced, upholding due process rights of public officials.
Client Funds in Trust: Why Lawyer Accountability Matters in the Philippines
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust and render an accounting, explained through a Supreme Court suspension case.
When Silence Implies Guilt: Co-Conspirator Testimony in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a co-conspirator's uncorroborated testimony can convict in robbery with homicide cases.
Employer Liability in Philippine Negligence Cases: Independent Civil Actions for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the right to file independent civil actions for damages.
Establishing Minority in Qualified Rape Cases: The Weight of Parental Testimony in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts treat parental testimony and qualifying circumstances in rape cases, from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Gabiana.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Why Evidence Is Paramount in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows why proof beyond reasonable doubt, not outrage, determines rape convictions in the Philippines.
Muslim Marriages Before the Muslim Code: Property Regime and Estate Settlement
Supreme Court clarifies which law governs property relations in Muslim marriages contracted before the Muslim Code, remanding estate case for further proceedings.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Avoiding Illegal Drug Charges in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in Philippine drug cases, using a Supreme Court ruling.
Suspension of Arraignment: Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With DOJ Review
When can a court suspend arraignment to await DOJ review? The Supreme Court explains the balance with speedy trial rights.
Double Jeopardy and Split Prosecution: Evalle v. People on Falsification and Theft
Supreme Court acquits accountant on double jeopardy grounds after State split one act into separate falsification and theft cases.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Frustrated Murder vs Homicide: The Decisive Role of Premeditation in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder? The Supreme Court explains why evident premeditation is essential and how its absence downgrades frustrated murder to homicide.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability in Group Violence: Lessons from People v. Barro
When multiple attackers kill together, conspiracy makes each equally liable. The Barro case explains how courts infer conspiracy.
Motion to Dismiss Trap: Why Filing One Can Waive Your Right to Claim Damages in Philippine Courts
Learn how filing a motion to dismiss in Philippine courts can waive your right to claim damages, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Understanding Docket Fees AND Counsels Duty IN Philippine Courts
Learn how unpaid docket fees and counsel's negligence can get an appeal dismissed, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Duty to Monitor Appeal Status and Retroactivity of Court Rules
The Supreme Court affirms that procedural rules apply retroactively and that counsel must monitor appeal status, even under old rules.