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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Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Land Title Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar reconveyance claims over fraudulently titled land after decades of inaction.
Abuse of Superior Strength as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how abuse of superior strength elevates homicide to murder under Philippine law, with key insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Rape With Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide beyond reasonable doubt, with key takeaways.
Collation in Philippine Inheritance Law: When Lifetime Transfers Are Included in Estate Division
Learn when lifetime transfers must be included in estate division under Philippine inheritance law, based on Supreme Court rulings on collation.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.
The Power of Eyewitness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Decide Robbery Homicide Cases
Philippine courts rely heavily on eyewitness identification in robbery homicide cases. This article explains the legal standards and practical lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Legal Redemption Rights in the Philippines: Why Raising Issues Early in Court Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner legal redemption rights and the procedural rule against raising new issues on appeal.
Firearm License Validity for Foreign Nationals and Illegal Drug Possession in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on firearm licenses for foreign nationals and illegal possession of shabu under RA 6425.
Protecting Your Rights When Circumstantial Evidence AND Confessions Fall Short IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, confessions, and victim testimony in criminal convictions.
Homicide vs Murder: When Sudden Anger Rules Out Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a sudden, angry shooting is homicide, not murder, because treachery was not proven.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Supreme Court Clarifies Labor Law Distinction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker is an independent contractor's employee rather than the principal company's regular employee.
Proving Guilt Beyond Doubt: How Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence and credible witness testimony can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Navigating Liability in Ship Repair: Negligence and Limited Liability Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipyard negligence, res ipsa loquitur, and limits of contractual liability limitation clauses.
The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on circumstantial evidence, dying declarations, and their weight in murder convictions.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross misconduct shows the high ethical standards required of the bench and the consequences of abuse.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting the Mentally Vulnerable Under the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape of a mentally retarded victim, explaining why force need not be proven.
Understanding Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Nava
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in murder is proven through acts showing unity of purpose, not just prior agreement.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how online posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize the Vulnerable
Philippine courts give weight to a rape victim's credible testimony, especially when vulnerable. Learn the rules from a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Who Decides Homeowners Association Disputes? The HIGC and Intra-Corporate Jurisdiction
A look at a Supreme Court ruling clarifying that disputes within homeowners associations fall under HIGC jurisdiction, not the regular courts.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.