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.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
When Judges Ignore Procedure: A Lesson from the Luna v. Mirafuente Sanction
A judge's failure to apply the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure in an ejectment case leads to a severe reprimand from the Supreme Court.
Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment: When Conspiracy and Acts of Participation Establish Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a person who did not collect fees can still be liable for large-scale illegal recruitment through conspiracy.
Court Employees' Duty to Accurate Timekeeping: Duque v. Aspiras
A look at Duque v. Aspiras on the duty of court employees to keep accurate time records and the consequences of logbook irregularities.
Protecting Local Autonomy: The Automatic Release of Internal Revenue Allotments
The Supreme Court struck down GAA provisions placing P10 billion of IRA under unprogrammed funds, affirming automatic release.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Bouncing Check Cases: Ladonga v. People
When can a non-signatory spouse be liable for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules under B.P. 22.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.
Police Officer Convicted in Drug Sale: When Law Enforcers Face Aggravated Liability
A police officer's conviction for selling shabu shows how conspiracy works and why his uniform did not shield him from liability.
Conspiracy vs Mere Presence: When Bystanders Escape Murder Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder cases, acquitting three accused.
Robbery With Homicide: When Flawed Identification Leads to Acquittal
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pineda on conspiracy, robbery with homicide liability, and the dangers of suggestive police identification.
Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Magdaraog
How a lone eyewitness's credible testimony and proof of conspiracy can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Watching a Killing Makes You a Co-Conspirator
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in murder is proven—and why a live-in partner who watched the killing was held liable.
Entrapment and Buy-Bust Operations: How Conspiracy and Illegal Drug Sales Are Proven
Learn how Philippine courts validate buy-bust operations, prove conspiracy in drug sales, and distinguish entrapment from instigation.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability Even Without Inflicting the Fatal Blow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspirators in robbery with homicide are liable as principals even if they did not inflict the fatal wound.
Conspiracy and Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for qualified rape, clarifying how witness credibility and conspiracy establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Group Violence Turns Fatal: Treachery, Conspiracy, and Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery applies in group violence and why the prosecution must prove how the attack began.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short: The Burden of Proof in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that conspiracy in robbery with homicide requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, but concerted acts establish liability.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and why treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law.
Accountability in Armed Robbery: Redefining Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal conspiracy in robbery with homicide, explaining liability for all participants and penalty rules.
Conspiracy and Consent in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gang rape, conspiracy liability, victim credibility, and consent in People v. Binarao.
Reasonable Doubt and Conspiracy: The Line Between Suspicion and Criminal Liability
When acquittal on reasonable doubt still leaves civil liability, due process requires a full hearing on damages.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Stone Pelting: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to uphold murder convictions in a fatal stone-pelting attack in Sorsogon.