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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Positive Identification Over Alibi: How Philippine Courts Establish Guilt in Murder Cases
In a 2002 murder ruling, the Supreme Court explained why positive identification prevails over alibi and denial, and how damages for loss of earning capacity are computed.
Interest Rate Clarity Ensuring Written Agreements Govern Loan Terms
The Supreme Court held that absent a written stipulation, a loan’s agreed interest rate stops at maturity, and 12% legal interest applies thereafter.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
Intoxication as a Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases: Reassessing Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies how intoxication and voluntary surrender affect criminal liability, downgrading murder to homicide in a landmark 2002 ruling.
When a Trial Judge Defies a Higher Court: Annulling a Decision Issued Despite a TRO
The Supreme Court annuls a trial court decision rendered in defiance of a Court of Appeals TRO, reaffirming judicial hierarchy and due process.
Judicial Accountability in Case Disposal: Lessons from an MCTC Audit
A Supreme Court audit of a Rizal court shows how delays in deciding cases lead to administrative liability for judges and court personnel.
Self-Defense Claims and Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from People v. Tadeo
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how intoxication, provocation, and surrender affect criminal liability in homicide cases.
Treachery and Criminal Liability: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, the rules on warrantless arrests, and the consequences of failing to object to inadmissible evidence.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in Philippine murder cases, and when abuse of superior strength qualifies the crime.
Abuse of Superior Strength in Robbery with Homicide: How the Supreme Court Weighs Intent and Force
In People v. Sabiyon, the Supreme Court explains why treachery and abuse of superior strength cannot aggravate a robbery with homicide, and how intent and force are proved.
Execution Pending Appeal and Jurisdiction: Lessons from Cordero v. Go
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal and how appeals affect jurisdiction.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attack
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, affirming conviction where a victim was attacked without warning or chance to defend.
Breach of Charter Agreement: Contractual Obligations and Remedies in Shipping Law
A Supreme Court ruling on charter party breach, ambiguous contract terms, and the right to rescind under Philippine law.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Falsification: Where the Crime Occurs Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue in falsification cases is determined by where the falsified documents were made, not where they were later used.
Uncounseled Confessions and the Right to Silence: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncounseled confessions are inadmissible and why timely objections matter in Philippine criminal procedure.
Maintaining Decorum: Court Employee Fined for Discourtesy at Supreme Court Lobby
A court employee's shouting at a security guard leads to administrative liability. The High Court reminds all judicial personnel that professionalism and courtesy are non-negotiable.
Rape Intimidation As A Substitute FOR Physical Resistance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intimidation and moral ascendancy can substitute for physical resistance in statutory rape cases.
Passion and Obfuscation: How Jealousy Can Reduce Murder to Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when passion and obfuscation can downgrade a murder charge to homicide, and how self-defense claims are weighed.
Redemption Rights Strict Compliance AND Timely Action IN Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why redemption deadlines in extrajudicial foreclosure must be strictly followed and timely action is key.
Passion and Obfuscation in Homicide: When Jealousy Mitigates Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a betrayed spouse's passion and obfuscation can reduce murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Local Governments and Environmental Compliance: Ensuring Sustainable Development Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must comply with the Environmental Impact Statement System under PD 1586.
Probation vs Appeal: Understanding the Finality of Conviction in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that filing for probation waives the right to appeal and makes a conviction final under Philippine law.
Sheriff's Execution Expenses Need Court Approval: Balanag v. Osita
The Supreme Court ruled that a sheriff must secure court approval of estimated execution expenses, and must turn over levy proceeds to the clerk of court.
Accomplice Liability: When Conspiracy in Robbery Extends to Rape
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspirators in robbery are equally liable for rape committed on the occasion, even if only one performed the rape.