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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Challenging the Frame-Up Defense: Upholding Convictions in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains why the frame-up defense rarely succeeds in drug cases and what prosecutors must prove.
When a Lease Renews Month-to-Month: The Right of First Refusal and Tacita Reconduccion
The Supreme Court explains what happens to a lease's option-to-buy clause when the lease renews on a month-to-month basis after expiration.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Positive Identification and Use of Deadly Weapon Establish Guilt Beyond Reasonable Dou
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification and the use of a knife prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Lease Renewal vs Implied New Lease: What Tenants and Landlords Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lease renewal carries over all original terms—and when it doesn't.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice of Dishonor Requirement in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a BP 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor was served on the drawer.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Preliminary Investigation in Election Offenses
When a judge conducted preliminary investigation on an election offense, the Supreme Court ruled this exceeds judicial authority and constitutes gross ignorance of the law.
Upholding Voluntary Arbitration When A Signed Agreement Overrides Prior Waiver In Labor Disputes
A signed submission agreement to voluntary arbitration prevails over a prior waiver of grievance machinery, the Supreme Court ruled.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, emphasizing that sudden, unexpected attacks from behind constitute treachery, not self-defense.
Self-Defense and Treachery: How the Supreme Court Evaluates Both in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery applies, using a 2003 murder case as a guide.
Rape and the Absence of Consent: Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault elements, emphasizing that force is presumed when the victim is under 12.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and child with another woman, ruling infidelity is gross immorality warranting removal from the bench.
Good Faith in Administrative Actions: Protecting Public Officials From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith in filing administrative cases shields public officials from disciplinary liability, but lawyers must still respect courts.
Conspiracy and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Direct Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, hearsay, and extrajudicial confessions in robbery with homicide cases, explaining why the accused was acquitted.
Self-Defense Claims and Witness Credibility: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims, witness credibility, and treachery in murder cases, explained through a 2003 Supreme Court ruling.
Regular Employment Status: Necessity of Work and Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers become regular employees based on necessity of work and security of tenure under Article 280.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status and security of tenure protections.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, using the case of People v. Muñez.
Reclaimed Lands and the Constitution: Limits on Government Transfers to Private Corporations
The Supreme Court voids a land reclamation deal transferring public lands to a private corporation, reaffirming constitutional limits on alienable lands.
Incestuous Rape: Broad Complaint Dates and Victim Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms an incestuous rape conviction, ruling that inexact complaint dates are allowed and a young victim's credible testimony suffices.
Litis Pendentia in Lease Disputes: When Concurrent Actions Can Proceed
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia bars a second lease case, distinguishing claims that matured after the first suit was filed.
Upholding Judicial Accountability When Refusal to Execute a Final Judgment Constitutes Gross Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds that a judge's deliberate refusal to execute a final judgment is gross misconduct, not mere ignorance of the law.
Pre-Trial Conferences and Dismissal of Cases: The Imperative of Preventing Unwarranted Delays
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot dismiss cases merely for failure to submit a compromise agreement, and pre-trial conferences must proceed.
PCGG's Authority to Vote Sequestered Shares: Lessons from the ETPI Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the PCGG may vote sequestered shares, balancing state interest and stockholder rights.
Deposit Insurance Coverage and the Usual Course of Business Rule in Bank Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on PDIC coverage for deposits made before a bank's closure, defining "usual course of business."