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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Conspiracy, Intent, and Frustrated Homicide: Lessons from Salvatierra v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and frustrated homicide in Salvatierra v. People, explaining when accomplices share liability for a crime.
Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Incestuous and Family Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy and intimidation can substitute for physical force in rape convictions.
Parental Authority vs Child Abuse: Trust and Protection Boundaries
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 9-year-old daughter, clarifying parental authority does not excuse incestuous rape.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, courts may impose only a fine instead of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: When Is a Waiver Really a Waiver
A look at when a court may declare a defendant's right to present evidence waived, and the penalties for bouncing checks under B.P. 22.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: What Aguirre v. People Teaches About B.P. 22 Cases
A look at Aguirre v. People: how courts treat B.P. 22 violations, due process rights, and when fines replace imprisonment.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: When Proof Falls Short of Rape With Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when circumstantial evidence suffices for homicide but not rape with homicide conviction.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Foreclosure by Government Banks Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court explains when foreclosure by government banks does not justify piercing the corporate veil, and why creditors cannot claim preferences outside liquidation.
Ignorance of the Law Excuses No One: Erroneous Application of Mitigating Circumstances
A judge's error in appreciating mitigating circumstances leads to a fine for gross ignorance of the law, explaining the rules on plea of guilty and voluntary surrender.
Judicial Duty vs Oversight: When a Judge's Negligence Impacts Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on when a client bears the consequences of counsel's negligence, and the strict deadlines for relief from judgment.
Serving Multiple Prison Terms in the Philippines: The Rule on Successive Sentences
Philippine law requires imprisonment terms for multiple offenses to be served successively, not simultaneously. Learn the rule under the Revised Penal Code.
Acceptance Over Demand: Graft Conviction Hinges on Actions, Not Words
In Peligrino v. People, the Supreme Court ruled that receiving a gift or benefit suffices for graft conviction under Section 3(b) of RA 3019, even without an express demand.
Sheriff's Dereliction of Duty: Strict Rules on Execution Writs and Due Process
A sheriff's failure to follow execution procedures and return deadlines results in administrative liability, as shown in this administrative case.
The Limits of Property Rights: Ensuring Due Process in Demolition Cases
A judge's 20-day ex parte TRO violated due process. Learn the rules on temporary restraining orders in property disputes.
When Rape Charges Are Not Qualified: The Importance of Specific Allegations in the Information
A Supreme Court ruling shows why qualifying circumstances in rape must be specifically alleged in the information to warrant the death penalty.
Premature Demolition and Due Process: When Property Rights Clash with Fair Play
A Supreme Court ruling on how premature demolition violates due process and the abuse of rights principle under Article 19 of the Civil Code.
Treachery in Murder and Homicide: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances Explained
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and the difference between frustrated and attempted murder under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Modified: When Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged
The Supreme Court modifies a rape conviction, acquitting the accused on three counts for insufficient evidence and ruling on the necessity of alleging qualifying circumstances.
Accountability for Group Violence: Assessing Liability and Intent in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assign criminal liability when multiple persons conspire to commit murder, and when aggravating circumstances apply.
Medical Certification and Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Protecting Workers from Arbitrary Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Cathay Pacific v. NLRC clarifies rules on medical certification and due process in employee dismissal for disease.
Mootness in Administrative Cases When Dismissal Renders Judicial Review Unnecessary
When the Ombudsman dismisses administrative charges, a pending petition questioning a preventive suspension order becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains.
Treachery and Dwelling Limits on the Death Penalty in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore how Philippine courts apply treachery and dwelling as qualifying circumstances in criminal cases, and their impact on penalties.