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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Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Indirect Proof Leads to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict, and why the Supreme Court reduced murder to homicide in People v. Moyong.
Proving the Unseen: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict, and why murder was downgraded to homicide.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Why Notice of Dishonor Is Crucial in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits check issuers where the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor, underscoring due process in BP 22 cases.
When a Judge Misuses Contempt Powers: The Ma Jing Habeas Corpus Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges cross the line from enforcing orders to abusing contempt powers, with lessons for litigants and magistrates.
Murder Conviction and Damages: Lessons from People v. Villarba
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and damages computation in a tricycle driver's killing.
Malicious Prosecution: Protecting Reputation and Business Interests From Unfounded Legal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing a baseless lawsuit becomes malicious prosecution, entitling victims to moral, exemplary, and compensatory damages.
Robbery With Homicide in the Philippines: Key Elements and Liability
Learn the elements of robbery with homicide under Philippine law, how courts rule on liability, and practical takeaways for legal professionals.
Valid Retirement Plans: Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when company retirement plans are valid and binding on employees, balancing employer prerogative with worker protection.
Accused's Right to Be Informed: Why Discrepancies in Rape Charges Lead to Acquittal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused because the trial court convicted him of a mode of rape not alleged in the information, violating his constitutional right to be informed of the accusation.
Equitable Reduction of Excessive Interests: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairness in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reducing excessive interest rates in loan agreements, balancing contractual freedom with equity and fairness.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Words Lead to a Homicide Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy in Philippine law makes all robbers liable for homicide, even without pulling the trigger.
People v. Laguerta: Why Clear Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Laguerta, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape convict due to inconsistent victim testimony, convicting him instead of acts of lasciviousness.
Maintaining Impartiality: Why a Judge's Demeanor Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's private talks with a litigant can create an appearance of bias. The Supreme Court explains why demeanor and perceived impartiality matter.
Credibility of Rape Victims in the Philippines: Why Minor Inconsistencies Don't Negate Truth
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy her credibility.
Insanity Plea in Philippine Law: Proving Mental Capacity at the Time of the Offense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense under Article 12(1) RPC, the burden of proof, and timing requirements for psychiatric examination.
Proving Rape: Why Corroborating Testimony and Victim Behavior Matter in Philippine Courts
A child rape victim's candid testimony and medical evidence secured conviction, but the Supreme Court reduced the death penalty because the information failed to allege the qualifying circumstance of
Robbery With Homicide in the Philippines: Treachery, Intoxication, and the Penalty
Understand how Philippine courts treat treachery and intoxication in robbery with homicide cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cando.
Customs Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Why Courts Cannot Interfere with Seizure and Forfeiture
Philippine courts cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Premature Filing of Malicious Prosecution Suits: When Can You Claim Damages?
Learn when a malicious prosecution suit can prosper under Philippine law—the key element of final acquittal or dismissal explained.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.
Prescription Prevails Establishing Land Ownership Through Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how continuous, adverse possession can ripen into ownership through acquisitive prescription, defeating registered title claims.
Meeting of Minds: Why Genuine Agreement Is Key to Valid Philippine Contracts
Philippine law requires a genuine meeting of minds for a valid contract. Learn how consent is formed and what happens when it is absent.
Self-Defense vs Murder: Proving Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how treachery is proven, and why a murder conviction became homicide.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: Key Lessons From a Philippine Murder Case
The Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi in this Philippine murder case involving treachery and damages.