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 Murder Analyzing Unexpected Attacks IN Philippine LAW
Finality of Judgments: The Prohibition Against Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine law bars second motions for reconsideration. Learn how filing one can forfeit the right to appeal and make a judgment final.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bouncing Checks and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
When do civil disputes suspend criminal cases for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on prejudicial questions in Sabandal v. Tongco.
Parental Authority vs Filial Rights: Consent Boundaries in Statutory Rape Cases
A father's rape of his 14-year-old daughter clarifies consent, parental authority, and split appellate jurisdiction in Philippine law.
Missed Your Warranty Understanding Prescription Periods FOR Express Warranties IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats express warranties and their prescription periods, and what consumers must know to protect their rights.
Surety's Solidary Liability: The True Extent of Guarantees in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, making the surety solidarily liable with the principal debtor.
Rescinding a Land Sale in the Philippines: Why a Letter Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires a judicial or notarial act to rescind a sale of immovable property—even with an automatic rescission clause.
The Testimony of a Rape Victim: Credibility and the Burden of Proof in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony against an alibi defense, and why credibility is key.
Consensual Encounter or Rape: Navigating the Fine Line of Consent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a jeepney driver of rape, explaining when courts may treat sexual intercourse as consensual despite a complainant's allegations.
Attorney’s Lien in the Philippines: Can It Attach to Real Property?
Philippine law limits attorney’s liens to judgments and client documents—not land. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
SSS Contribution Claims: When Does the Clock Start Ticking on Prescription Periods in Philippine Law
Understand how prescription periods apply to SSS contribution claims in the Philippines, based on recent Supreme Court rulings and statutory deadlines.
Miranda Rights in the Philippines: Safeguarding Confessions and Due Process
Understand how Philippine law protects suspects' rights during custodial investigation, including the Miranda doctrine, confession admissibility, and due process safeguards.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and treachery elements, reducing murder conviction to homicide in People v. Cariño.
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.
Double Jeopardy and the Immutability of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A judge who "revised" an acquittal into a murder conviction was fined for gross ignorance of the law. Learn why acquittals are final.
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom, positive identification, alibi, conspiracy, and damages under Article 267.
Serving Multiple Prison Terms in the Philippines: The Rule on Successive Sentences
Philippine law requires imprisonment terms for multiple offenses to be served successively, not simultaneously. Learn the rule under the Revised Penal Code.
When Defense Falters: Shifting the Burden in Self-Defense Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in self-defense claims, the burden shifts to the accused to prove justification, but the prosecution must still prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Timeliness of Appeals When Weekends Extend Deadlines in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts compute appeal deadlines when weekends intervene, and why timing can decide a case's fate.
Treachery in Murder and Homicide: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances Explained
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and the difference between frustrated and attempted murder under Philippine law.
Sale vs Commodatum: Property Rights and Contractual Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish sale from commodatum, and why proving ownership in recovery actions requires clear evidence of title and identity.
Accountability for Group Violence: Assessing Liability and Intent in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assign criminal liability when multiple persons conspire to commit murder, and when aggravating circumstances apply.
Mental Capacity and Rape in Philippine Law: The Hamto Case
How Philippine courts treat mentally retarded rape victims' testimony, and why mental age matters in proving rape.