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.
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.
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.
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.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Alevosia and Its Implications
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using the 1996 Paragua decision as a guide.
Navigating Annulment in the Philippines: Due Process, Collusion, and the Role of Legal Counsel
The Tuason case clarifies due process, counsel's negligence, and the state's role in Philippine annulment proceedings.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.
When Can an Employer Assign Tasks Outside Your Job Description? Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law limits management prerogative. Learn when an employer can assign tasks outside your job description and your rights.
Consequences of Neglecting Fiduciary Duties: A Guide for Philippine Government Officials
Learn how a judge's four-year delay in remitting court funds led to a P20,000 fine for gross neglect of duty.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Attack
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery, why it qualifies killing as murder, and what Patrolla v. People teaches about intent and attack.
Understanding Finality of Judgments and Avoiding Contempt of Court
Learn how the Supreme Court defines finality of judgments and why filing repeated motions can lead to contempt of court.
Highway Robbery vs Robbery with Homicide: Key Distinctions Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a hold-up on a Philippine highway is highway robbery under P.D. 532 or robbery with homicide under the Revised Penal Code.
Bail in the Philippines: When Is a Hearing Required in Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bail in capital offenses requires a hearing, even if the prosecution recommends bail.
Perjury in the Philippines: False Statements in Legal Documents Explained
Learn how Philippine courts define perjury, what makes a false statement criminal, and why withdrawing a petition does not erase liability.
Rape Conviction Despite Intact Hymen: The Legal Definition of Rape in the Philippines
Philippine law does not require a broken hymen to prove rape. Entry into the labia is enough. Learn the legal definition.
Judge Fined for Erroneous Issuance of Arrest Warrant Against Non-Accused
A judge was fined P10,000 for issuing an arrest warrant against a person not named as accused. The Court ruled the mistake was inexcusable negligence.
Can a Judge Act as Notary Public? Limits on Judicial Notarization in the Philippines
Philippine judges may notarize documents only within official functions. Learn the limits, the Asis ruling, and practical compliance tips.
Contempt of Court: Navigating the Boundaries of Respect and Legal Advocacy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a motion for judicial inhibition crosses the line into direct contempt, and what lawyers and litigants should avoid.
Judicial Delay Consequences for Judges and the Right to a Speedy Trial in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge liability for trial delays and the constitutional right to speedy trial in the Philippines.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Conviction in Murder and Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms murder and frustrated murder conviction, ruling positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.