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.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery qualifies killing to murder, and when it does not.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct: Bias and Ignorance in Estate Administration
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of the law and bias in estate proceedings, and the penalties imposed.
Understanding the Right of Redemption for Agricultural Tenants in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 180-day period and consignation requirement for agricultural tenants' right of redemption under RA 3844.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
Understanding Estafa and Falsification: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case clarifies the evidentiary standard for lawyer discipline and the role of a Special Power of Attorney in signing judicial affidavits.
Understanding the Limits of Garnishment in Tax Collection: Insights From the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that impeachment only removes an official from office, not forfeits retirement benefits without judicial conviction.
Understanding Property Rights: Land Ownership Extent and Ejectment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law defines land ownership extent—surface, subsurface, and airspace—and when ejectment cases apply to structures like firewalls.
Understanding the Legal Duties of Public Officials in Remitting GSIS Contributions
A mayor's duty to remit GSIS premiums explained through a Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability for non-remittance.
Understanding Treachery and Eyewitness Identification in Philippine Murder Cases
A murder conviction hinged on eyewitness testimony and treachery. The Supreme Court explains when identification is reliable and how qualifying circumstances must be pleaded.
Understanding Apparent Authority: How Corporate Actions Bind Agreements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation is bound by an officer's acts under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and other child abuse under RA 7610, modifying a conviction and imposing a heavier penalty.
Understanding Treachery and Alibi in Philippine Murder Cases: A Deep Dive into Legal Standards and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and alibi in murder cases, affirming convictions based on credible eyewitness testimony.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: Key Lessons from Paez v. MARELCO
A look at when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when it does not, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy doctrines in a murder conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Understanding the Nuances of Statutory Rape and Intimidation in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how force, threat, or intimidation defines rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code.
Understanding Heirs' Obligations in Philippine Property Sales: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how a 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies heirs' obligations and foreign will probate requirements in Philippine property sales.
Understanding Sexual Assault and Lascivious Conduct: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A stepfather's conviction clarifies the distinction between sexual assault and lascivious conduct, and how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape cases.
Navigating Land Acquisition Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program: Understanding Jurisdictional Limi
A landowner's challenge to CARP coverage and valuation fails because he used the wrong remedy, missing the deadline to file with the Special Agrarian Court.
Understanding the Elements of Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of rape under Article 266-A, the importance of the victim's credible testimony, and the limits of charging.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
Understanding the Limits of Government Financial Subsidies: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial subsidies are lawful and when they become ultra vires acts requiring refunds.
Understanding Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific intent is required for child abuse convictions under RA 7610, protecting children from physical maltreatment.