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.
Death of the Accused and Criminal Liability: The Rodriguez v. Elorde Ruling
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—here's how.
Election Gun Ban and Retroactivity: The Bargado Case Explained
Can a postponed election erase a gun ban violation? The Supreme Court's Bargado ruling explains retroactivity in Philippine election law.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delays Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, and when unreasonable delays can lead to dismissal of criminal charges.
Alias Writs of Execution: When Can a Second Debt Collection Attempt Be Stopped?
Learn the rules on alias writs of execution in the Philippines, the limited grounds to oppose them, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
RA 9262 Protects Women in Same-Sex Relationships: Jacinto v. Fouts Explained
The Supreme Court confirms RA 9262 applies to lesbian relationships, ensuring women in same-sex partnerships receive equal protection from intimate partner violence.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Why a Heated Argument Can Downgrade the Crime to Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a killing after a heated argument lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide under Philippine law.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Amending Defective Criminal Charges: The Lazaro Doctrine on Procedural Flexibility
Learn how Philippine courts amend defective criminal charges to prevent dismissal on technicalities, based on Lazaro v. People.
Falsification of Private Documents: Where Venue Lies Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue for falsification of private documents is where the falsification occurred, not where the document was used.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: Substance Over Technicality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts uphold rape convictions despite date discrepancies in the information, prioritizing substantive justice over technical defects.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: When an Information Remains Valid in Philippine Law
Philippine courts allow minor date discrepancies in rape informations if the accused is not prejudiced. Learn the rule from People v. Bugayong.