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.
When Is an Accusation Enough? Conspiracy and Probable Cause After the Pastor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-accused's confession can establish conspiracy and probable cause, and when it cannot.
Tax Assessment vs Tax Refund: Know Your Rights Under the Local Government Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may claim a refund under Section 196 instead of protesting an assessment under Section 195 of the Local Government Code.
When Can a Mayor Order Demolition Without a Court Order? The Altarejos Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a mayor's power to order demolition without court intervention, reinforcing due process and property rights.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
Child Pornography Prosecution After Repeal: The Doctrine of Reenactment in the Philippines
Can a repealed law still lead to conviction? The Supreme Court clarifies how reenactment preserves criminal liability for child pornography offenses.
Defense of Relatives in the Philippines: When Is Killing Justified?
Philippine law allows killing to defend a relative, but strict conditions apply. Learn the rules from the Galorio case.
HIV Status and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Protections for OFWs
The Supreme Court ruled that terminating an OFW solely because of HIV status is illegal dismissal, affirming Philippine law protections.
Estafa Acquittal: Why a Faulty Information Violates Due Process in the Philippines
A flawed information can lead to acquittal in estafa cases. Learn how the right to be informed shapes criminal due process in the Philippines.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: When Flawed Identification Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable. Learn the totality of circumstances test and key safeguards.
When Does Teasing Cross the Line? Understanding Homicide and Sufficient Provocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when teasing amounts to sufficient provocation and why a sudden attack may not be treachery.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Why Silence Can Prove the Crime
Philippine law recognizes moral ascendancy as a substitute for force in rape cases. Learn what this means for victims and legal strategy.
Civil Liability After Criminal Acquittal: What the Llonillo Case Means
Philippine law allows civil liability to survive a criminal acquittal. Learn the rules and the Supreme Court's ruling in Llonillo.
Dual Citizenship and Philippine Law Practice: What Lawyers Must Know
How dual citizenship affects a Philippine law license, and the Supreme Court steps to keep practicing under RA 9225.
When Procurement Violations Don't Equal Corruption: Lessons from People v. Villasin
The Supreme Court clarifies that procurement lapses alone do not prove graft under RA 3019, requiring evidence of corrupt intent.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Proving Negligence After Nuñez vs. Daz
When is a bad medical outcome negligence? The Supreme Court's Nuñez ruling clarifies the high burden of proof in Philippine malpractice cases.
Human Trafficking in the Philippines: Qualified Trafficking and Child Protection Under RA 9208
Philippine law treats trafficking of minors as qualified trafficking with severe penalties. A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how victim testimony secures convictions.
Court Sheriff Misconduct Handling Funds and Abuse of Authority: A.M. No. P-23-111
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple and gross misconduct for receiving and misappropriating litigant funds without judicial approval.
Qualified Rape vs. Statutory Rape: Supreme Court Clarifies Child Sexual Abuse Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper legal designation for child sexual abuse cases, distinguishing qualified rape from statutory rape under Philippine law.
Inverse Condemnation and Provisional Compensation: What RA 10752 Means for Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 10752 governs provisional compensation in inverse condemnation cases filed after its effectivity, even if the taking occurred earlier.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "freelancer" is really a regular employee under Philippine labor law, using the control test.
Overvaluing Property When Does It Become A Crime Under Philippine Banking Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank appraiser's overvaluation of property becomes a crime under the General Banking Law, requiring proof of intent to influence the bank.
Preterition in Philippine Wills: When Omitting a Compulsory Heir Invalidates Inheritance
Learn how preterition—omitting a compulsory heir—can annul a will's heir institution under Philippine law, with insights from Trinidad v. Trinidad.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.