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 Eyewitness Identification Is Not Enough to Convict: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
The Supreme Court acquits a homicide convict, ruling that a suggestive out-of-court identification through a cartographic sketch is unreliable evidence.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Court Clerk for Theft of Court Funds
Court personnel who steal from court collections face dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Election Weapon Ban Case
Supreme Court acquits accused in election weapons ban case due to broken chain of custody over seized folding knife.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Stare Decisis and Employer Status in Labor Contracting Disputes
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis in labor contracting cases, reaffirming that Consolidated Building Maintenance, Inc. is a legitimate job contractor.
Offshore Gaming Taxation: The Supreme Court on Philippine Tax Authority Limits
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, clarifying the limits of Philippine tax authority over POGOs.
Unreasonable Suspicion Safeguarding Privacy Rights In Stop And Frisk Searches
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a police officer's mere hunch cannot justify a stop and frisk search.
When a Station Search Goes Too Far: Hot Pursuit Arrests and Search Incident Limits
A valid hot pursuit arrest does not justify a later station house search. Know the limits of search incident to arrest.
Chain of Custody in Firearm Cases: When Delayed Marking Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a firearm possession accused over unjustified delayed marking, clarifying chain of custody rules under RA 10591.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
When a Reinstated Life Insurance Policy Becomes Incontestable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the two-year contestability period runs after a life insurance policy is reinstated.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
When Budget Cuts Threaten a Region: The Cordillera Administrative Region Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on the 2000 GAA provision that limited the Cordillera Administrative Region's budget to winding up operations.
How a Torrens Title Protects Your Right to Eject Unlawful Occupants in the Philippines
Learn how a Torrens title is the strongest proof of ownership in the Philippines and why it lets owners eject unlawful occupants from their property.
Budgetary Control vs Regional Autonomy: The Atitiw Ruling on Appropriations Law
The Supreme Court explains when a spending restriction in the GAA is a valid budgetary policy, not an unconstitutional rider.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against denial in robbery with homicide, and what it means for the burden of proof.
Parol Evidence Rule: When Prior Agreements Can Modify a Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prior negotiations can alter a written contract under the parol evidence rule.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.