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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Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Does It Justify Homicide?
Philippine law recognizes self-defense, but it requires unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation. Learn the rules.
Judicial Misconduct and Bail Irregularities: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and abuse of authority clarifies judicial duties and due process in Philippine courts.
Judicial Delay: Understanding the 90-Day Rule for Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. Learn the rule, its legal basis, and consequences of delay.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Does It Justify Homicide?
Philippine law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense to justify homicide.
Escheat of Unclaimed Bank Deposits in the Philippines: Procedure and Due Process
Learn how Philippine escheat law works for unclaimed bank deposits, why publication is required, and why certiorari cannot replace a missed appeal.
Proving the Unseen: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict, and why murder was downgraded to homicide.
Fatal Flaws in Filing Rape Cases: Why Precision in Criminal Complaints Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court reduced a rape conviction from death to reclusion perpetua because the complaint failed to allege the qualifying circumstances of filiation and minority.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Why Notice of Dishonor Is Crucial in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits check issuers where the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor, underscoring due process in BP 22 cases.
Equitable Reduction of Excessive Interests: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairness in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reducing excessive interest rates in loan agreements, balancing contractual freedom with equity and fairness.
Ensuring DUE Process WHY Well Reasoned Court Decisions Matter IN Philippine LAW
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.
When Courts Can Overturn the Justice Secretary in Firearm Cases: Due Process Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—set aside the Justice Secretary's ruling in illegal possession of firearms cases.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy liability in robbery with homicide, the due process rights of accused persons, and how physical injuries merge into the crime.
Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases: Why Corroborating Evidence Isn't Always Necessary
Philippine courts can convict on credible lone testimony in rape cases; corroboration isn't always required. Learn the rules.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Parricide Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for parricide, and why proof beyond reasonable doubt does not require absolute certainty.
Second Chances in Philippine Justice: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned for a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when final criminal judgments may be vacated and new trials granted, using a bigamy case as an example.
Kidnapping FOR Ransom IN THE Philippines THE Vital Role OF State Witnesses AND DUE Process
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Workplace Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
This article examines the Supreme Court's firm stance on workplace misconduct within the Philippine judiciary, detailing consequences and legal principles.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Standing Position and Credibility in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling carnal knowledge can occur in any position and a credible victim's testimony suffices for conviction.
Documentary Evidence vs Verbal Agreements: Why Written Contracts Prevail in Philippine Courts
When a verbal claim of discount conflicts with written invoices, Philippine courts rely on documentary evidence. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Vague Dates in Rape Informations: When Approximate Time Is Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether vague dates in rape informations violate the accused's right to be informed, and why approximate time suffices.