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 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.
When Ambush and Conspiracy Lead to a Complex Crime: Murder and Attempted Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an ambush with conspiracy forms a complex crime of murder and multiple attempted murder under Article 48.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Jurisdictional Requirement of Appeal Bonds in the Philippines
Learn the mandatory appeal bond requirement in Philippine labor cases and why failure to perfect an appeal on time is fatal.
Advertising Expenses and Tax Deductions: Ordinary vs. Capital Outlay in the Philippines
Philippine tax law on advertising deductions: when a colossal ad spend becomes a capital outlay, not an ordinary expense.
Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Dead Man's Statute's scope, balancing estate protection against fair trial rights in claims against deceased persons.
When Retirement Is Not Voluntary: Illegal Dismissal and Security of Tenure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's "retirement" is actually illegal dismissal, protecting security of tenure.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: False Statements and the Limits of Bribery Claims in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing an unproven bribery complaint against a judge while penalizing false statements under judicial ethics.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Rubiso
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished self-defense from treachery in a murder case, and what this means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for breach of trust? Philippine labor law rules explained.
Escrow Orders Protecting Property Rights Pending Litigation in the Philippines
Philippine courts may issue escrow orders to protect property rights during litigation. Learn the rules, requirements, and practical implications.
Broadcasting Rights: The Indispensable Congressional Franchise for Radio and TV Operations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a congressional franchise is indispensable for operating radio and television stations, not just an NTC permit.
Choosing the Right Path: Appealing Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
Learn the correct mode of appeal for DAR decisions in agrarian disputes, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Sebastian v. Morales.
Limits on Pre-Proclamation Controversies: Challenging Ballot Box Security in the Philippines
The Supreme Court held that missing padlocks on ballot boxes are not a valid pre-proclamation issue, limiting challenges to the face of the election returns.
Murder Conviction and Sentencing in the Philippines: The Leoncio Lawa Case
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction and death penalty, explaining treachery, evident premeditation, and alibi in Philippine law.
Incestuous Rape: The Standard of Proof for Multiple Charges in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that finger insertion and licking do not constitute rape under the old law, but may be acts of lasciviousness.
Reclamation Rights Private Property VS Public Domain IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court ruling on SRA's liability as trustee clarifies how government agencies assume obligations of abolished entities.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and self-defense in sudden attacks, affirming that bare claims of self-defense cannot overcome clear evidence of guilt.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Why the Victim's Age Must Be Proven, Not Assumed
In People v. Caralipio, the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's minority beyond reasonable doubt.
Upholding Prior Possession HOW Forcible Entry Claims Protect Land Cultivators IN THE Philippines
Good Faith Purchaser Doctrine Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how the good faith purchaser doctrine protects buyers who rely on Torrens titles, even when fraud taints the original transfer.
Navigating Toll Fee Hikes in the Philippines: Understanding Provisional Adjustments and Your Rights
The Supreme Court explains provisional toll rate adjustments, the TRB's authority, and the proper remedies for motorists challenging fee increases.
Relaxing Rules When Imperfecting an Appeal Serves Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on appeals when justice demands, but litigants must still prove their claims and avoid forum shopping.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Abandonment: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between constructive dismissal and abandonment in Globe Telecom v. Florendo-Flores, protecting employee rights.
How Youth and Voluntary Surrender Affect Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when voluntary surrender is a mitigating circumstance and how self-defense claims are judged.