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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Prescription and Quashal in Anti-Graft Cases: Domingo v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription periods, motion to quash standards, and speedy trial rights in Anti-Graft cases under RA 3019.
Dying Declarations and Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible and when extrajudicial confessions are not in murder prosecutions.
Self-Defense and Unjustified Aggression: Evaluating Claims in Homicide Cases
When does self-defense hold in Philippine homicide cases? The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof and the elements required.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
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.
Ejectment vs. Ownership: Why Forcible Entry Cases Can Proceed Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases proceed independently of ownership disputes; RTC erred in dismissing ejectment appeal.
When Silence Isnt Enough Understanding Conspiracy AND Liability IN Murder Cases
When is a bystander guilty of murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and liability in People v. Orbita.
Corporate Liquidation vs Labor Claims: How the Supreme Court Resolved the Conflict
When a company under rehabilitation is ordered liquidated, labor claims must be filed with the liquidator, not executed separately. Learn the rule.
Extrajudicial Partition and Property Rights in Philippine Inheritance Disputes
Understand how the Supreme Court upheld a 1951 extrajudicial partition, clarifying heirs' property rights, prescription, and laches in inheritance disputes.
Habeas Corpus and Drug Offenses: Ensuring Fair Application of Penalties
A look at how the Supreme Court used habeas corpus to correct an excessive penalty for a minor drug offense.
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.
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.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
When Excessive Force Destroys a Self-Defense Claim in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains why 16 stab wounds negate self-defense and how excessive force turns a killing into homicide, not murder.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases: Municipal Mayors and Salary Grade 27
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not trial courts, hears graft cases against municipal mayors based on salary grade.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judges Must Apply Established Doctrines in Election Cases
When a judge misapplies contempt powers and ignores elementary appeal rules, the Supreme Court steps in to correct the error.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery to hold all participants equally liable for murder, even without each inflicting the fatal blow.
When Can a Motion to Dismiss Be Filed After Answer? Obando v. Figueras Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a motion to dismiss may be granted even after an answer is filed, and what happens when a party loses legal standing mid-case.
Physical Evidence Prevails Over Witness Testimony in Traffic Collision Liability
Supreme Court ruling on vehicular accidents: physical evidence outweighs biased witness testimony in determining fault and liability.
Due Process in Dismissal: Protecting Government Employees From Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when dropping a government employee from the rolls for AWOL violates due process, and what evidence is required.
Extradition and Due Process: Balancing Treaty Obligations and Individual Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a prospective extraditee enjoys basic due process rights—notice and hearing—even during the executive evaluation stage of extradition proceedings.
Land Valuation Disputes and Mandamus: Lessons from Land Bank v. Court of Appeals
When can a writ of mandamus compel the Land Bank to pay agrarian reform compensation? A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains.
When Medical Care Turns to Negligence: Understanding Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Medical Malpractice
The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur in medical malpractice through a patient who suffered brain damage during anesthesia before surgery.
Homicide or Murder: Decoding Treachery and Premeditation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and evident premeditation qualify a killing as murder, and when the crime remains homicide.