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.
Second Place Is Not Enough: Why Disqualification of a Winning Candidate Does Not Automatically Elevate the Run
Philippine election law: a disqualified winner's votes are not automatically void, so the second placer does not become the winner.
Mitigating Circumstances in Parricide: Illness and Passion as Defenses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when illness and passion may mitigate parricide, requiring clear evidence of diminished willpower.
Mitigating Circumstances in Murder and Parricide: Voluntary Surrender and Plea of Guilt Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat mitigating circumstances like illness and passion in murder and parricide cases, and why claims need solid evidence.
Unmasking Conspiracy in Kidnapping: How Shared Intent Leads to Shared Guilt Under Philippine Law
Explaining conspiracy in kidnapping through People v. Sala—how overt acts before, during, and after a crime prove shared guilt.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Protecting Accused Rights in the Philippines
Explaining how the 1987 Constitution's abolition of the death penalty retroactively benefits accused persons whose crimes were committed before its ratification.
Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Treachery and Witness Credibility in Murder Conviction
A look at People v. Mallari, where the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness and clarified the rules on treachery.
Statutory Rape vs Qualified Rape in the Philippines: Why Proper Legal Charges Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory rape and qualified rape, emphasizing the critical importance of proper legal charges.
Voluntary Confessions in Philippine Law: Safeguarding the Rights of the Accused
Understanding the constitutional safeguards governing voluntary confessions in Philippine criminal procedure, and how courts protect the accused.
Residency Requirement for Philippine Candidates: The Domino Doctrine on Domicile
Philippine election law equates residency with domicile. The Domino case shows why voter registration and genuine intent matter for candidates.
Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Retroactive Application of Laws: How Courts Ensure Fair Justice When Laws Change
Philippine courts apply laws prospectively, but exceptions exist. This article explains retroactivity principles through a 1999 rape case.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty and Falsification in Private Transactions
Supreme Court rules on misuse of official receipts for private deals, imposing strict accountability on court personnel.
Protecting Employee Benefits: Non-Diminution and Publication Rules in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protected incumbent employee benefits under RA 6758 and voided an unpublished DBM circular that would have removed them.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Ipso Facto Resignation: When Philippine Politicians Lose Their Seats by Running for Another Office
The Supreme Court explains why elective officials are deemed resigned upon filing a certificate of candidacy for a different position.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
Deficiency Tax Collection: When BIR Warrants Are Premature Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when BIR collection of deficiency taxes is premature, and why the OSG must represent the CIR.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Credibility in Murder Cases
A single credible witness can convict for murder. Learn how Philippine courts weigh testimony and credibility.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Trust Victim Testimony, Especially in Incest
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's testimony, especially in incest cases, can convict despite lack of physical evidence.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.