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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Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy and Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide and the exclusionary rule for evidence from illegal arrests.
Annulment of Contracts: Fraud and Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent in contracts, using a land sale case as example.
Understanding Recall Elections Limitations AND Implications IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year ban on recall elections and what "regular local election" means under the Local Government Code.
Navigating Retirement Benefits When Financial Assistance Becomes an Illegal Pension Plan
The Supreme Court ruled that SSS Resolution No. 56 was an illegal supplementary retirement plan under RA 4968, voiding financial assistance claims.
Negligence Trumps Fortuitous Events: Service Shops Must Insure Customer Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a service shop's failure to insure customer property makes it liable for loss by fire, even if the fire is a fortuitous event.
Custodial Rights and Deliberate Failure: Defining Kidnapping in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that kidnapping under Article 270 RPC requires deliberate, persistent refusal to return a minor to parents.
Understanding Parricide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove parricide beyond reasonable doubt in People v. De Vera.
Understanding Evident Premeditation and Self-Dense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation and evaluate self-defense claims, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Probation After Appeal Understanding THE Waiver Rule IN THE Philippines
Learn how appealing a conviction waives probation eligibility in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Probation Law.
Unlawful Arrest and the Exclusionary Rule: What People v. Jubilag Means for Your Rights
The Supreme Court acquitted a man whose gun was "planted" by police. Learn how unlawful arrest and the exclusionary rule protect you.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Examining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Apilo on the sufficiency of a minor rape victim's testimony and the rules on credibility.
Earnest Money and Conditional Obligations: Navigating Real Estate Sales in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, conditional obligations, and what happens when a seller fails to deliver in Philippine real estate sales.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: A Case Study
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery in a murder case, explained in plain language for everyday readers.
Usury Law Interest Rates: When Courts Can Intervene in Stipulated Loan Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts can reduce stipulated interest rates on loans under the Usury Law and CB Circular 905.
Circumstantial Evidence Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
When can circumstantial evidence convict? The Supreme Court explains the unbroken chain rule in People v. Sumaoy.
Lease Renewal vs Extension Understanding Your Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension, and why verbal assurances of renewal may not hold up in court.
Publication Requirement: The Real Limit on Administrative Rule-Making Power
A Supreme Court ruling on PITC's trade regulations underscores the publication requirement for administrative issuances to be valid and effective.
Judicial Misconduct: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's failure to follow procedural rules and obey a superior's directive, resulting in a fine.
Habeas Corpus After Criminal Charges: When Illegal Arrest No Longer Justifies Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus becomes moot after criminal charges are filed and bail is posted.
Check-Off Provisions in Philippine Labor Law: Employer Liability for Uncollected Union Dues
When an employer fails to deduct union dues under a CBA check-off, is it liable for the uncollected amount? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Trademark Protection vs Ownership: Rights Over Branded Bottles and Containers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how trademark rights over branded bottles interact with ownership rights when containers are sold to consumers.
Government Immunity vs Corporate Liability: When Can Government Assets Be Garnished
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies can be sued and when their funds are protected from garnishment in this labor law case.
Admissibility of Confessions: When Can Your Words Be Used Against You
The Supreme Court explains when extrajudicial confessions are admissible, the right to counsel, and waiver rules under the 1987 Constitution.
Self-Defense and Conspiracy in Homicide Cases: Key Legal Principles from People v. Gerolaga
Supreme Court clarifies self-defense, conspiracy, and the qualifying circumstance of reward in homicide cases.