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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Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
Presumption of Guilt for Possession of Stolen Vehicle: The Duty to Explain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how possessing a stolen vehicle creates a presumption of guilt and the accused's duty to explain.
Proving Conspiracy Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Cases
When does joining a fray make one a conspirator? The Supreme Court clarifies the proof needed to establish conspiracy in criminal cases.
Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
When a Project Employee Becomes Regular: The Imbuido Ruling on Continuous Rehiring
The Supreme Court explains when repeated fixed-term contracts convert a project employee into a regular employee entitled to security of tenure.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how conspiracy and intent establish criminal liability, and why charging documents must state every qualifying circumstance.
Rape, Intimidation, and Resistance: What the Law Requires in the Philippines
Philippine law does not require "tenacious" resistance in rape. A knife threat is intimidation enough. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Forcible Abduction vs Rape: Distinguishing Intent and Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Abalde clarifies statutory rape, force, intimidation, and evidence standards in sexual assault cases.
When a Guilty Plea Fails: Why Rape Convictions Were Remanded for Rearraignment
The Supreme Court set aside death sentences for rape because the trial court failed to conduct a proper searching inquiry into the guilty plea.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and Prior Abuse Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and prior sexual abuse as evidence.
Ethical Conduct Dismissal for Misconduct Stands Despite Complainant's Forgiveness
Philippine Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against court employees continue despite complainant's forgiveness or withdrawal, upholding dismissal for grave misconduct.
Regular vs Project Employee: Continuous Rehiring and Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when project employees become regular employees through continuous rehiring, securing tenure under Article 280.
Self-Defense and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Caverte
A look at how the Supreme Court applied self-defense, alibi, treachery, and conspiracy rules in People v. Caverte.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from a sudden, provoked attack in People v. Caverte, and what it means for murder charges.
Defining the Boundaries of Rape: Penetration vs Attempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is consummated versus merely attempted, requiring proof of penile entry into the labia.
Loan or Trust: Resolving Estafa Charges in Investment Disputes
When does a failed investment become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a simple loan and a criminal trust agreement.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: The Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense applies, when it ends, and why unlawful aggression must be real and ongoing.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Oral Partition and Estoppel: When Long-Standing Property Agreements Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, estoppel, and long-standing property agreements in Philippine civil law.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the credible testimony of a mentally disabled minor, clarifying rules on evidence and procedure.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Woman Deprived of Reason Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that sexual intercourse with a mentally retarded woman constitutes rape under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.