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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COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
Who Decides Plebiscite Disputes? COMELEC's Power to Annul Results
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC has jurisdiction over plebiscite result disputes, not the RTC, in Buac v. COMELEC.
Double Jeopardy and Forum Shopping: When Filing Redundant Claims Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple suits for the same cause of action constitutes forum shopping and why dismissal is proper.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Mental Capacity Challenges
Upholding Judicial Competence Timeliness IN Appeals AND Consequences OF Legal Ignorance
Treachery Must Be Proven Clearly to Elevate Homicide to Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the killing itself; otherwise, the crime is homicide, not murder.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
When a Judge Serves as Attorney-in-Fact: Ethical Limits on Fiduciary Roles
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's private role as attorney-in-fact crosses into an ethical violation under the Code of Judicial Conduct.
When Judges Can't Serve as Attorneys-in-Fact: Fiduciary Limits Under the Code of Judicial Conduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's private role as attorney-in-fact violates judicial ethics, even for relatives.
Rape vs Illegal Detention: Distinguishing Intent in Criminal Liability
When does illegal detention become absorbed in rape? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction based on the offender's intent.
Local Autonomy vs National Mandate: Limits of City Ordinances in Liga ng mga Barangay Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that city ordinances cannot override the Liga ng mga Barangay's own election rules, and explains proper remedies.
Valid Elections Require Informed Voters: Notice and Special Senate Seats
The Supreme Court explains when a special election for a vacant Senate seat is valid despite COMELEC's failure to give separate notice.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony Matters in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's credible testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies, delay, and alibi.
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Need for HLURB Approval in Mortgage Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a developer's mortgage over subdivision lots is void without HLURB approval, and what this means for lot buyers and banks.
Annulment of Judgment and Correction of Civil Registry Entries: Barco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment correcting civil registry entries may be annulled, and why publication binds the whole world in Rule 108 proceedings.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy, Identification, and Fair Sentencing Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld robbery with homicide convictions on conspiracy evidence but reduced death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Properly Alleging Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why the death penalty cannot rest on a victim's age or kinship with the offender unless both are alleged in the Information.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Upholding Conviction Despite Minor Inconsistencies A Look Into Drug Trafficking AND THE Burden OF Proof
Conjugal Property Rights Clarifying Ownership AND Sale Validity IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conjugal property shares, sale validity, and co-ownership rights in a landmark Quezon City land dispute.
Proving Loss of Filipino Citizenship in Election Disputes: The Matugas v. COMELEC Standard
What evidence proves a candidate lost Filipino citizenship? The Supreme Court's ruling in Matugas v. COMELEC sets the standard.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Balancing Corporate Independence and Labor Rights
When can courts disregard corporate fiction to hold officers liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.