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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When Can an Attorney-in-Fact Bind a Principal to a Compromise Agreement
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how far an attorney-in-fact's authority reaches and why a compromise agreement signed by an agent can bind the principal.
Intent to Gain in Carnapping and Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent to gain in carnapping, conspiracy liability, and penalties under the Anti-Carnapping Act.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal Based on Insufficient Evidence of Conspiracy in Murder Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy; accused acquitted on reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Intact Hymen: The Role of Corroborating Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction even with intact hymen, explaining why full penetration is not required for consummation.
When Contractual Disputes Dont Constitute Estafa Reconciling Civil Obligations AND Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when breach of contract becomes estafa, distinguishing civil liability from criminal fraud.
Accomplice Liability: Distinguishing Principals From Accessories in Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, accomplice liability, and how co-conspirators are treated as principals in murder cases.
When Can a Lawyer Withdraw Services? Ethical Boundaries Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may withdraw from a case and when withdrawal becomes unethical misconduct warranting discipline.
Upholding Substantial Justice Over Technicalities in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court rules labor appeals should not be dismissed on mere technicalities when there is substantial compliance with procedural rules.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.
Encroachment and Good Faith: What Builders Must Know Under Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on encroachment, good faith, and accion reinvindicatoria in Evadel Realty v. Soriano.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Law: Negligence and Presumption Explained
Learn how res ipsa loquitur shifts the burden of proof in negligence cases, using a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Rape Conviction and Venue: When Aggravating Circumstances Must Be Alleged
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why aggravating circumstances like dwelling and nighttime must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Witness Credibility and the Perils of Delayed Justice: Analyzing Testimonial Inconsistencies in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, police blotter discrepancies, and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi In Robbery With Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Legaspi: how positive identification defeats alibi and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: When Filing Multiple Petitions Backfires
Philippine Supreme Court explains forum shopping through a barangay captain's dismissed petition against an Ad Hoc Committee.
When Self-Defense Fails: Robbery With Homicide and the Limits of Justifying Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies robbery with homicide, aggravating circumstances, and why self-defense claims need more than denial.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Floating Interest Rates and Trust Receipts: Solidbank Ruling on Bank Obligations and Corporate Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid floating interest rates, trust receipt transactions, and corporate officer liability in banking.
Search Warrant Validity and Plain View Doctrine in Drug Possession Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrant requirements, plain view doctrine, and inadmissible evidence in drug possession cases.
Self-Defense Claims: Proving Imminent Threat and Reasonable Response in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for self-defense claims in homicide cases, requiring clear evidence of unlawful aggression.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Attempted Rape: Credibility of Witnesses Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape, witness credibility, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Process Limits in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief justifies dismissal of an appeal and binds the client.
Due Process and Notice: When Failure to Notify Voids Court Proceedings in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how defective pretrial notice violates due process and voids default judgments.
Payment Deadlines: Insurers Can't Deny Coverage After Granting Credit
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers cannot deny coverage if they granted credit terms for premium payments.