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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Compromise Agreements Enforceability and Third Party Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on spousal consortium, habeas corpus, and the limits of court-ordered cohabitation under the Family Code.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attack in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Treachery Defined: How a Sudden Attack Determines Murderous Intent in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and why sudden, coordinated attacks negate self-defense claims.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Murder to Homicide: Proving Evident Premeditation and Treachery in Philippine Law
When the prosecution fails to prove evident premeditation or treachery, a murder conviction falls to homicide. Learn the rules from People v. Aytalin.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription in Breach of Warranty Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the six-month prescriptive period for breach of warranty claims and when courts may dismiss time-barred actions.
Self Defense OR Unjustified Aggression Examining THE Boundaries OF Homicide IN Philippine LAW
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a 1993 shooting.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Security of Tenure in Philippine Law
Understand the difference between project and regular employment in the Philippines, and what security of tenure means for workers.
Hired Guns and Silent Inducements: Criminal Liability in Contract Killings Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat hired killers and those who induce them, based on a landmark 2001 murder case.
Laches and Land Ownership: When Delay Extinguishes Rights in Philippine Law
Explore how the Supreme Court applied laches to bar a 45-year-old land claim in City Government of Davao v. Monteverde-Consunji.
Rebellion Declaration and Warrantless Arrests: The Lacson Case on Presidential Powers
The Supreme Court's ruling on the May 2001 "state of rebellion" and the limits of warrantless arrests under Philippine law.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
How Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, and why conspiracy requires more than mere presence at the crime scene.
Statutory Rape: Why Consent Is Irrelevant When the Victim Is Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is immaterial. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Ablaneda.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Law: Negligence and Presumption Explained
Learn how res ipsa loquitur shifts the burden of proof in negligence cases, using a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Mistaken Identity or Intentional Act: The Fine Line Between Assistance and Kidnapping
Explore the Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Ubongen, clarifying when helping a lost child is not kidnapping under Philippine law.
Double Jeopardy Denied: The Perils of Forum Shopping in Philippine Law
When can a judge inhibit from a case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of voluntary inhibition and the dangers of forum shopping.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Defining Utter Insensitivity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity requires grave, incurable personality disorders, not mere emotional immaturity or irresponsibility.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Attempted Rape: Credibility of Witnesses Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape, witness credibility, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Attempted Rape Conviction Affirmed: Court Explains Elements and Penalties
The Supreme Court affirms an attempted rape conviction, clarifying the elements, evidentiary standards, and penalties under Philippine law.
Parental Authority and Child Abuse: Upholding Protection of Children Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a father's moral ascendancy cannot excuse acts of lasciviousness against his child under R.A. 7610.
Treachery and Intent: Differentiating Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder and when it remains homicide, in People v. Lucena.
Conditional Donations: Upholding Intent Despite Technicalities in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with donation formalities and the donor's intent prevail over technical defects in accepting conditional donations.