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.
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Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decision
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using People v. Pereira to explain the rules on qualifying circumstances, self-defense, and damages.
Acts of Lasciviousness and Child Sexual Abuse: Valenzona v. People
A Supreme Court ruling explains how lascivious conduct against a minor is punished under the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610, even when rape is not proven.
Determining Employee Status: The Fine Line Between Employment and Partnership in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are employees, not partners, and the legal consequences for dismissal in the Philippines.
Good Faith Purchases and Property Rights: What Buyers Must Prove Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land are truly "innocent purchasers" and what they must prove to keep property.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Protecting OFWs from Fake Recruiters
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what overseas Filipino workers should watch out for.
Robbery With Intimidation in the Digital Age: When Online Threats Become a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that using Facebook threats to extort money constitutes robbery with intimidation under Philippine law.
Government Contract Disputes: Documentation and Due Process in Graft Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on graft liability shows why documentation and due process are critical in government procurement and contract implementation.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
Client Money and Bouncing Checks: A Lawyer’s Fiduciary Duty After Bernasconi v. Demaisip
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer suspension clarifies the strict fiduciary duty to account for client funds and the consequences of issuing bouncing checks.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct: Bias and Ignorance in Estate Administration
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of the law and bias in estate proceedings, and the penalties imposed.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Lessons from the Ong Case
The Supreme Court partly grants former Sandiganbayan Justice Ong's plea for judicial clemency, restoring benefits and lifting reemployment ban.
Burden of Proof and Inconsistent Testimony: Acquittal in Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court acquits in a robbery with rape case due to material inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence, underscoring the burden of proof.
Lawyer Client Trust: Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct in Property Transactions
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds in a property transfer, the Supreme Court explains the fiduciary duty and consequences.
Seafarer Rights and Agency Duties: The Corpuz Case on POEA Contract Substitution
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the 3-day medical exam rule, and agency liability for contract substitution.
Notarial Duties and Document Integrity: Lessons from a Lawyer's Negligence
A lawyer's failure to record a notarized document in the notarial register leads to suspension and revocation of commission.
Theft by Misappropriation of Found Property: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law punishes keeping found property as theft. Learn the finder's duties and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Tax Exemption Challenges and the CTA's Exclusive Jurisdiction Over BIR Issuances
Learn why the Court of Tax Appeals, not regional trial courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over tax exemption cases and BIR revenue issuances.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
Understanding the Right of Redemption for Agricultural Tenants in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 180-day period and consignation requirement for agricultural tenants' right of redemption under RA 3844.
Finality of Judgment and Penalty Recomputation Under RA 10951: Insights from Aguinaldo v. People
A Supreme Court ruling explains when final judgments may be modified and how RA 10951 affects penalties for estafa.
Final Judgments and Penalty Correction: Aguinaldo IV v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final criminal conviction can still be modified, applying RA 10951 to reduce an estafa penalty.
Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from Pantaleon v. Ombudsman-Mindanao
A revenue clerk's unauthorized lending of public funds led to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Navigating Fraud in Land Patent Applications: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when the State can cancel a free patent obtained through fraud, even if the land is no longer public domain.
Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.