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.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Fail to Follow Basic Legal Procedures
A judge who issued a warrant of arrest in a summary procedure case was fined for gross ignorance of the law. Learn the rules.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal recruitment and estafa, and what job seekers must know to avoid scams.
Treachery (Alevosia) in Philippine Murder Cases: The Apawan Ruling Explained
Learn how treachery (alevosia) qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People vs. Apawan.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using People v. Villegas to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
The Clerk's Duty and Timely Record Submission in Philippine Courts
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinct duties of clerks of court and stenographers in transmitting case records on appeal.
When Is a Killing Considered Homicide: Intent and Circumstances Explained
Understand when a killing is homicide or murder under Philippine law, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Layaguin.
Preliminary Injunctions and Diplomatic Immunity: The ADB Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the Asian Development Bank's diplomatic immunity from labor suits and what this means for legal remedies.
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Protecting International Organizations From Legal Suits
The Supreme Court explains how diplomatic immunity shields international organizations like the Asian Development Bank from local lawsuits, and why courts must respect it.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing to murder, using a 1996 case as a clear example.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How It Affects Search Warrants and Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping applies to search warrant applications, and seized property cannot be held indefinitely without criminal prosecution.
Anti-Fencing Law in the Philippines: Possession and Legal Presumptions
The Anti-Fencing Law criminalizes dealing in stolen goods. Mere possession creates a presumption of fencing. Learn how to protect yourself.
Failure of Election vs. Election Protest: Key Differences Explained
Learn the legal distinction between a failure of election and an election protest, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Borja vs. COMELEC.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Fencing in the Philippines: Knowledge and Presumptions Under the Anti-Fencing Law
Explaining the elements of fencing under P.D. 1612, the presumption of knowledge from possession, and how receipts can rebut it.
Thirteenth Month Pay vs Year-End Bonus: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a year-end bonus counts as 13th month pay and when employers must pay both.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.
When Circumstantial Evidence Suffices: Rape with Homicide and the Limits of Alibi
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence can convict, why alibi rarely works, and the difference between reclusion perpetua and life imprisonment.
Fugitive From Justice: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies what "fugitive from justice" means for election disqualification under the Local Government Code.
Attempted Rape in the Philippines: Elements, Intent, and Legal Consequences
Learn the legal distinction between consummated and attempted rape in the Philippines, including the elements of intent, overt acts, and interruption.
Overseas Workers Compensation Who Pays When Injury Strikes Abroad
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that overseas employers may not be liable for medical benefits when the host country's social insurance law places that burden on a state fund.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Moral Turpitude and Fencing: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
Learn how a fencing conviction disqualifies candidates from local office under Philippine election law, explained in plain language.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
Understanding Illegal Logging and Timber Possession Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that possessing lumber without legal documents is a crime under the Revised Forestry Code, explaining key rules on seizure and confiscation.