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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Self-Defense and Voluntary Surrender: Key Lessons from a Philippine Murder Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when self-defense fails and voluntary surrender mitigates murder liability. Learn the rules.
Warsaw Convention Jurisdiction in International Air Carriage Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the Warsaw Convention applies to international air carriage and which courts have jurisdiction over baggage loss claims.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and how courts may rule on ownership in ejectment suits.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up in Philippine Drug Cases: What You Need to Know
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and frame-up in drug cases, and how courts weigh police testimony against denial defenses.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases, using the 1997 Maalat ruling as a guide.
Lease Termination in the Philippines: Rights and Remedies from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when a lease can be terminated in the Philippines, including rent defaults and breach of contract terms, based on a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Public Trust and Accountability: Consequences for Dishonest Public Servants
When a court employee steals evidence, the Supreme Court shows that dishonesty ends public service.
When Eyewitness Testimony Alone Can Lead to a Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony suffices for conviction, and how buy-bust operations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Foreclosure Rights Understanding Redemption Periods AND Legal Recourse IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure when tenants occupy the property.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Entrapment vs. Instigation Explained
Understand the legal line between entrapment and instigation in Philippine buy-bust operations, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Vera means for drug cases.
Judicial Impropriety: Avoiding the Appearance of Corruption in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand not just actual integrity but the appearance of it. This article explains the standard of judicial impropriety.
Understanding Implied Trusts and Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts, prescription periods, and extrajudicial settlements in property partition disputes.
Bail After Conviction When Guilt Imports Denial in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, credibility of mentally weak victim, denial defense, and bail implications after conviction.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Lessons from People v. Balad
In People v. Balad, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over the defense of alibi in Philippine criminal law.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony of Mentally Weak Victim: People v. Zaballero
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony of a mentally weak victim, explaining credibility rules and evidence sufficiency.
Extrajudicial Settlement and Heirs' Rights: When a Co-Owner Is Not Bound
A Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, resulting trusts, and why a minor heir who did not participate in partition retains rights to property.
Private vs Common Carriers: Exemption Clauses in Philippine Shipping Law
When can a shipowner validly disclaim liability for lost cargo? The Supreme Court explains the difference between private and common carriers.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Elements and Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why it amounts to economic sabotage.
Circumstantial Evidence and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies murder and why conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Receivership in Foreclosure Disputes: Venue and Real Actions Under Rule 59
When can a court appoint a receiver in a foreclosure dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on receivership, venue, and real actions.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Said in People v. Pantaleon
The Supreme Court explains what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why it is economic sabotage under Philippine law.
When Can a Motion for Extension Be Denied? A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may deny motions for extension and the proper requirements for certifications against forum shopping.