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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Treachery and Voluntary Surrender: Navigating Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies murder and voluntary surrender mitigates liability, using Rivera v. Court of Appeals.
When Can Testimony Be Disregarded? Analyzing Witness Credibility in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains when witness testimony may be disregarded and why trial court findings on credibility are rarely disturbed on appeal.
When a Franchise Expires: Object of Sale and Royalty Fees Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue when the assigned franchise right expires, interpreting contract intent.
Improvident Plea in Rape Cases: Ensuring Voluntariness and Comprehension
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conditional guilty pleas, void judgments, and the required searching inquiry in capital rape cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injuries, Consent, and Intimidation Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that lack of physical injuries and absence of resistance do not negate rape when intimidation is present.
Reasonable Doubt and Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Acquittal in Highway Robbery Case
The Supreme Court acquitted a highway robbery convict because the prosecution's sole eyewitness gave contradictory and unreliable testimony.
Rescission of Contracts: When Can You Back Out of a Deal?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party may rescind a contract, the effects of rescission, and what restitution requires.
Reasonable Doubt and Eyewitness Credibility in Philippine Murder Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, explaining when alibi and alleged discrepancies fail.
When Can You Use Force in Self-Defense? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine law on self-defense explained: when force is justified, the burden of proof, and what the Supreme Court requires.
Amended Complaints and Officer Liability in Corporate Disputes
When can a plaintiff amend a complaint to seek new relief? When are corporate officers personally liable? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attacks and Murder Convictions
Learn how treachery qualifies killing as murder in the Philippines, explained through the 2000 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Obosa.
Royalty Payments After Franchise Expiration: When the Assigned Right Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue after the underlying franchise agreement expires and the assigned right ceases to exist.
When Circumstantial Evidence Convicts: Homicide, Not Murder, in People v. Santos
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Mental Capacity Affects Testimony Admissibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite the victim's moderate intellectual disability, clarifying credibility standards for witnesses with mental limitations.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Escalation Clauses in Philippine Real Estate Mortgages: Limits and Borrower Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage escalation clauses, unilateral interest rate hikes, and borrower rights to refunds.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma and Dating
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative complaints against two RTC judges, clarifying that errors in judicial discretion are not grounds for administrative liability.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Inefficiency IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on optional retirement, separation pay, and backwages in illegal dismissal cases involving managerial employees.
Can Administrative Dismissal Extinguish Criminal Liability? A Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dismissal of administrative charges does not extinguish criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Kidnapping With Murder as a Complex Crime: Witness Credibility in Heinous Crimes
Supreme Court affirms conviction for two counts of kidnapping with murder, explaining witness credibility rules and the complex crime doctrine.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: What the Supreme Court Said in Faustino Co Shu Kiam
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Due Process in Administrative Dismissal: Fair Opportunity to Respond in PNP Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases requires notice and an opportunity to explain, not a full trial-type hearing.
Unregistered Lease vs Mortgage: Tenant Rights in Foreclosure Explained
When a lease is unregistered and the property is foreclosed, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies tenant rights in Mercader v. DBP.
Lease Renewal Rights: When "Subject to Renewal" Means Mutual Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lease clause "subject to renewal" does not mean automatic renewal—both parties must agree.