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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Eminent Domain: Necessity, Procedure, and the Writ of Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the government may expropriate private land, the necessity requirement, and the rule on writs of possession.
Rape Conviction Upheld Even Partial Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that partial penetration—touching the labia—is enough to consummate rape.
Real Party in Interest and Proper Grounds for Unlawful Detainer Actions in the Philippines
Learn the rules on real party in interest and jurisdictional grounds for unlawful detainer cases under Philippine law.
Injunctions and Property Rights: Safeguarding Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine law protects possession through injunctions and property rights. This article explains how courts balance these interests.
Multiple Victims, Separate Crimes: Complex vs. Multiple Offenses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple shootings of several victims constitute separate crimes, not a complex crime, under Article 48.
Accomplice vs Principal in Murder Cases: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is a principal rather than an accomplice in murder, and how complex crimes apply to multiple shootings.
Beyond Consanguinity: Redefining Consent in Familial Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Servo clarified that stepfathers can commit rape through moral ascendancy, not just physical force.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When an Unexpected Attack Qualifies as Murder
Explore when treachery elevates a killing to murder under Philippine law, and why courts demand clear proof before appreciating it.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
Electrocution and Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative liability for electrocution, negligence, and damages under Philippine law.
Positive Identification in Philippine Law: Why Eyewitness Testimony Matters in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a credible eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and negative paraffin test results in Philippine criminal cases.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
When Can Election Returns Be Rejected: Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
Learn when election returns may be excluded from canvassing and why Philippine law limits pre-proclamation controversies to summary proceedings.
Selling a Homestead Too Soon in the Philippines Can Cost You Everything
Philippine law bars selling homestead land within five years of the patent. Learn the rule and its consequences.
Beneficial Ownership VS Legal Title Understanding Trust Relationships IN Philippine LAW
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish beneficial ownership from legal title in trust relationships, using a landmark case on employee dismissal and quitclaims.
Decoding Redemption Periods in Philippine Property Law: The 12-Month Rule
Understand the 12-month redemption period under Philippine law, how it is computed, and why timing matters in property auctions.
Self-Defense in Philippine Law: Understanding Justifiable Homicide and the Burden of Proof
Explaining self-defense and justifiable homicide under Philippine law, including the requisites and the burden of proof on the accused.
Soliciting Gifts for Official Action: Understanding Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law punishes public officers who solicit gifts for official favors, explained through the Supreme Court's Tecson v. Sandiganbayan ruling.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent and qualifying circumstances distinguish homicide from murder, and explains cyber libel prescription rules.
Treachery and Passion: Understanding Murder and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when sudden attacks qualify as treachery and why passion and obfuscation may reduce criminal liability.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.