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 and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Lease Renewal Rights: Mutual Agreement Required for Contract Extension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lease renewal options are reciprocal—both lessor and lessee must agree to extend a lease contract.
Treachery in Murder: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Criminal Law
Understanding treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder cases, explained through a 2002 Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Voting Rights of Assigned Shares: Ensuring Corporate Control in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies voting rights of assigned shares and how corporations can protect control through share restrictions and legal safeguards.
Rape Shield Laws Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases clarifies that exact dates need not be alleged, but victim's minority must be for death penalty.
Rape and Resistance: Why Full Penetration and Hymen Rupture Are Not Required in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape is consummated by mere penile entry into the labia, not full penetration or hymen rupture.
Proving Rape in the Philippines: Why a Victim's Testimony Can Convict Without Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining when physical evidence is not required for conviction.
From Murder to Mayhem: Gauging Intent and Injury in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly attack becomes only slight physical injuries, not frustrated murder, based on wound severity and medical treatment.
Who Can Answer a Request for Admission? Rule 26 and Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether a lawyer may answer a request for admission for a client under Rule 26 of the Rules of Court.
Corporate Dissension and the Limits of Rescission: How Investment Disputes Can Trigger Liquidation
Explore how corporate dissension can lead to liquidation, the limits of rescission in investment disputes, and key legal principles from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Escheat Proceedings and the 5-Year Limit on Claiming Property After State Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 5-year statute of limitations for claiming property after escheat proceedings, explained in plain language.
Fraud in Free Patent Application Makes Land Title Voidable: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a free patent obtained through fraud and misrepresentation is voidable, protecting co-owners' rights.
From Robbery With Homicide to Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, circumstantial evidence, and the distinction between attempted homicide and frustrated murder.
Dacion en Pago: Why Mutual Consent Is Essential to Extinguish a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dacion en pago, requiring mutual consent between debtor and creditor to extinguish an obligation.
Speedy Trial Rights: Motion for Reinvestigation and Waiver of Timeliness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether filing a motion for reinvestigation waives the right to claim speedy disposition of cases.
Surety Liability Survives Loan Extensions Under Continuing Guaranty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether loan extensions without a surety's consent extinguish liability under a continuing guaranty.
Burden of Proof in Electricity Pilferage: Meralco Must Substantiate Tampering Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's burden to prove electricity pilferage before imposing differential billings on customers.
Due Process in Labor Arbitration: The Unicraft Industries Case on Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process rights in voluntary arbitration, emphasizing the importance of fair hearings and the binding effect of party stipulations in labor disputes.
The Weight of Witness Testimony, Circumstantial Evidence, and Alibi in Murder Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and weak alibis shape murder and homicide convictions.
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
When a Quarrel Precedes an Attack, Treachery May Not Qualify a Killing as Murder
A prior heated argument can negate treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Dying Declarations Establishing Consciousness of Impending Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dying declarations and the requirement of consciousness of impending death in criminal cases.
Slightest Penetration Consummated Rape Defined in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slightest penetration of the labia consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.