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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Stay of Execution, Conflicting Supreme Court Rulings, and Employee Rights in the Philippines
When two Supreme Court divisions issue conflicting final rulings, which prevails? The En Banc clarifies the law of the case doctrine and its impact on property and employee rights.
Rape Intimidation As A Substitute FOR Physical Resistance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intimidation and moral ascendancy can substitute for physical resistance in statutory rape cases.
Passion and Obfuscation in Homicide: When Jealousy Mitigates Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a betrayed spouse's passion and obfuscation can reduce murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Passion and Obfuscation: How Jealousy Can Reduce Murder to Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when passion and obfuscation can downgrade a murder charge to homicide, and how self-defense claims are weighed.
Administrative Liability and Self-Defense When Police Officers Face Misconduct Charges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability, self-defense, and judicial temperament in misconduct cases against judges and public officers.
Protecting THE Accused HOW Proof OF A Minors AGE Impacts Rape Case Penalties IN THE Philippines
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, emphasizing sudden, unexpected attacks that deprive victims of any chance to defend themselves.
Self Defense VS Homicide Determining Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
Accidental Shooting Police Officers Duty AND Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
When a police officer's gun discharges during an arrest, is it an accident or a crime? The Supreme Court explains the rules on accidental shooting and criminal liability.
Citizenship and Residency: Defining Electoral Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how citizenship and residency requirements apply to candidates for local elective office in the Philippines.
Probationary Employment: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment rules, six-month period computation, and abandonment of work in CALS Poultry v. Roco.
Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny: Dismissal for Immorality and Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for illicit affair and courtroom drinking, reinforcing strict judicial ethics standards in the Philippines.
Parental Authority vs Child Abuse: Examining the Limits of Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine law defines the line between lawful parental discipline and child abuse. Learn the legal standards, penalties, and practical guidance.
The Sanity Presumption Determining Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine law presumes every person sane. This case explains when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability.
Safeguarding the Ballot: Unauthorized Polling Place Transfers and Election Integrity in the Philippines
When can moving a polling place invalidate an election? The Supreme Court explains the rules on unauthorized transfers and election integrity.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty in Child Rape Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on qualified rape of a minor, evidentiary standards, and the death penalty.
Precision in Criminal Charges: How a Vague Complaint Can Impact Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn how vague criminal complaints can violate your rights, and why precision in charges matters under Philippine law.
Usurious Loans and Mortgage Validity When Interest Exceeds Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on usurious loans: when hidden interest voids a mortgage and what borrowers and lenders should know.
Protecting Children Statutory Rape AND THE Limits OF Parental Authority IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that parental authority does not allow a father to commit statutory rape against his own child.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder and when self-defense fails, in People v. Enfectana.
Defining the Limits of Military Cooperation: The Balikatan 02-1 Constitutionality Case
The Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of Balikatan 02-1, clarifying the limits of US military cooperation in the Philippines.
Rape Intimidation AND THE Absence OF Consent Protecting Victims IN THE Philippines
Cyber Libel Prescription in the Philippines: One-Year Rule and the Limits of Unsigned Resolutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year and that unsigned resolutions are not binding precedent.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms six convictions for statutory rape, clarifying how Philippine law protects minors and assesses child testimony.