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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: The Limits of Justifiable Force in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and when sudden attack does not constitute treachery in homicide cases.
Conspiracy and Drug Transportation: What Philippine Law Requires
How the Supreme Court upheld a drug conspiracy conviction based on circumstantial evidence and the act of transporting heroin.
Probationary Employees, Security of Tenure, and Illegal Dismissal: The Anderson Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that vague claims of "loss of confidence" cannot justify dismissing a probationary employee without just cause.
Serving Summons to Foreign Residents: Protecting Your Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how summons must be served on nonresident defendants in property cases, protecting due process rights.
Judicial Delay Consequences for Judges and the Right to a Speedy Trial in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge liability for trial delays and the constitutional right to speedy trial in the Philippines.
Retroactive Application of Subdivision Laws Protecting Home Buyers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why P.D. 957 protects home buyers even for contracts signed before 1976.
Reclusion Perpetua: The Unchanged Penalty for Murder Despite Constitutional Shifts
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 1987 Constitution's death penalty abolition does not alter the penalty periods for murder under the Revised Penal Code.
Understanding Intent in Murder Cases: When Can a Killing Be Reduced to a Lesser Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent, treachery, and penalty computation in murder cases under the Revised Penal Code.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Conviction in Murder and Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms murder and frustrated murder conviction, ruling positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.
Retroactivity of Subdivision Buyer Protection Laws: PNB v. Office of the President
When do protective laws apply to old contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies P.D. 957's retroactive application to protect lot buyers from developer defaults.