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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Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries in a Homicide Case
A Supreme Court ruling in a 1995 stabbing case clarifies how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims and the qualifying circumstance of treachery.
Perils of Independent Action: Why Government Agencies Must Heed Legal Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling reminds government agencies that the Solicitor General is their counsel of record, and that ignoring counsel can cost them their case entirely.
Discourtesy in Public Service: Court Employee Reprimanded for Sarcastic Remarks
Supreme Court reprimands court employee for discourtesy, reminding all public servants to remain courteous even when faced with rude behavior.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
When Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains how a father figure's moral ascendancy can substitute for force and intimidation in rape convictions.
Breach of Trust: When Negligence Justifies Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
When does an employee's negligence justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine labor case.
Incestuous Rape: Credibility of a Victim's Testimony in Cases of Parental Abuse
When a mentally disabled minor is raped, her testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Mabonga.
When a Criminal Case Is Acquitted, the Bail Issue Becomes Moot: Lessons from Poblete v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains why an acquittal renders a pending bail dispute moot and academic, with practical lessons for litigants and counsel.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Breach of Contract and Preliminary Attachment: D.M. Wenceslao v. Readycon
Supreme Court clarifies when a wrongful attachment claim succeeds and when a contract balance becomes due, in a construction supply dispute.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Deficiency Judgments in Foreclosure: When a Lender Can Still Collect After the Auction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling confirms that lenders may recover any shortfall after an extrajudicial foreclosure sale — the debtor remains liable for the unpaid balance.
Seaworthiness in Charter Agreements: What Vessel Fitness Really Means
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seaworthiness obligations in bareboat charters, ruling physical delivery alone does not fulfill the owner's duty.
Standby Letters of Credit Stand Outside Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why standby letters of credit are not covered by rehabilitation stay orders and remain enforceable against issuing banks.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Dismissing Graft Complaints: Kara-an v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, clarifying the proper remedy and standard of review.
Ombudsmans Discretion Investigating Complaints Against Public Officials IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's discretionary power to investigate complaints against public officials and the limits of judicial review.
Double Sale Doctrine: Prior Registration and Good Faith in Land Ownership Disputes
When two buyers claim the same land, who wins? The Supreme Court explains the double sale rule under Article 1544 and the crucial role of good faith and Torrens registration.
Execution Pending Appeal: Why "Good Reasons" Matter in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed and why courts must state good reasons for it.
Upholding Due Process: Water Service Disconnection Requires Fair Notice
Philippine Supreme Court rules that water service disconnection without prior notice violates due process and can result in damages under Article 19 of the Civil Code.
Reliability of Poseur Buyer Testimony in Drug Sale Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a single poseur buyer's testimony suffices to convict in illegal drug sale cases.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Proving Age and Relationship to Justify the Death Penalty
In People v. Ibarrientos, the Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to convict for qualified rape and when the death penalty may be imposed.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: The Limits of COMELEC's Power in Unofficial Vote Tabulations
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC Resolution 6712 for usurping Congress' sole power to canvass presidential votes.
Meralco Rate Hikes: Balancing Consumer Protection and Utility Viability
The Supreme Court affirms the ERC's power to grant provisional rate increases, balancing consumer protection with utility financial viability.