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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Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Premeditated Attacks Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, affirming a conviction and explaining how the attack's suddenness deprives victims of defense.
Unjust Enrichment Claims and the Burden of Proving Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims, evidentiary rules for private documents, and notarized affidavits in civil cases.
Overlapping Land Titles: Prior Certificate Prevails in Philippine Law
When two land titles cover the same property, the earlier certificate generally prevails. Learn the rule and its limits.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Representation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for representing conflicting interests, committing forum shopping, and neglecting clients.
Abuse of Superior Strength: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength qualifies killing as murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
Self-Defense or Murder: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is justified self-defense, not murder, and how unlawful aggression and treachery are judged.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity IN Philippine LAW 16
Res Judicata and Land Rights Prior Judgments and Exceptions in Philippine Law
Understand prior judgments, res judicata, and exceptions in Philippine land rights cases. Learn how courts treat final decisions.
When Banks Fail to Protect Vulnerable Parties: Mortgage in Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Spouses Anay: banks cannot claim good-faith mortgagee status when they ignore obvious signs of vitiated consent.
Probable Cause in Trafficking Cases: The Two Kinds of Determination Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in trafficking cases, and why judges should not dismiss cases prematurely.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
When Investment Promises Fall Short: Estafa and Other Deceits Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a broken investment promise is estafa, and when it becomes
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW 22
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duty: Consequences of Improper Acknowledgment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a notary public for notarizing a deed without the seller's husband personally appearing—a reminder that notarization is never a routinary act.
Premature Attachment of Public Funds and Provisional Remedies in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when garnishment of government funds is premature, and why administrative complaints cannot replace lost judicial remedies.
Res Gestae vs Dying Declaration: Homicide Without Treachery in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies res gestae vs dying declaration, and why treachery must be proven to convict for murder.
Unexplained Wealth Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Assets Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forfeiture of unlawfully acquired assets under RA 1379, including the burden of proof and evidentiary standards.
When Public Servants Cross the Line: Extortion Under the Guise of Authority
Philippine law on extortion by public officers, the elements of the crime, and what constitutes abuse of authority.
Unlicensed Contractors and Unfulfilled Promises: Recouping Losses From Defective Renovations
Learn how Philippine law treats defective renovation work by unlicensed contractors and the remedies available to homeowners seeking compensation.
Third Party Interference: Protecting Exclusive Distributorship Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when third parties can be liable for interfering with exclusive distributorship contracts under Philippine law.
Maritime Liens vs Preliminary Attachment: Enforcement Rules Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a maritime lien suffices and when a writ of preliminary attachment is proper.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Where to File Certiorari Against PDIC Decisions on Deposit Insurance Claims
Learn where to file certiorari against PDIC decisions on deposit insurance claims, and what makes a deposit insurable under Philippine law.