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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Writ of Possession for Subsequent Property Purchasers After Foreclosure
Learn when subsequent purchasers of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession, and the hearing requirement under Philippine law.
Mastermind Liability When Inducement Leads to Robbery and Carnapping
When a mastermind induces others to commit robbery and carnapping, Philippine law holds them fully liable for all consequences.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Child Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a victim's positive identification against an alibi defense in child rape cases under RA 7610.
Protecting Children Statutory Rape AND Acts OF Lasciviousness Under Philippine LAW
Proving an Agrarian Tenancy Relationship: Key Elements Under Philippine Law
Learn the six elements required to prove an agrarian tenancy relationship in the Philippines, and why consent and harvest sharing are crucial.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Seafarer Disability Claims and the 240-Day Rule: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how the 240-day rule and medical assessments shape seafarer disability claims under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, underscoring that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital to preserve evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
In People v. Segundo, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody over a sachet of shabu.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Timing and Evidence Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned and what evidence trial courts must consider in expropriation cases.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Defining Total and Permanent Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer with a partial disability grade is deemed totally and permanently disabled under the POEA-SEC.
Marital Fidelity and Fatal Consequences: Establishing Guilt in Parricide Cases
When jealousy turns deadly, Philippine law holds spouses accountable. This case clarifies parricide, penalties, and why infidelity never justifies violence.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: What Happens When the Accused Dies Before Final Judgment
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rule and its limits under Philippine law.
Statutory Rape and Rape by Sexual Assault: Penalties and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties and damages for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault against minors under Philippine law.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Murder Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains what makes a killing treacherous under Philippine law—and why sudden, unexpected attacks qualify as murder.
Good Faith Prevails in Land Disputes: Builders' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a builder on another's land is in good faith and entitled to reimbursement under Articles 448 and 546.
Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void
Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.
Self-Defense vs. Retaliation: When Justification Turns to Murder in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a plea of self-defense fails and becomes retaliation, leading to murder convictions.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
Explaining statutory rape vs. acts of lasciviousness, and why an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Moral Ascendancy in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how force, intimidation, and moral ascendancy satisfy the elements of rape under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Intimidation Defined in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force and intimidation in rape cases, affirming a conviction and increasing damages awarded to the victim.
Seafarers Disability Timelines: 120-Day Rule for Medical Assessment and Benefits
Learn the 120-day and 240-day rules for seafarer disability assessment under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Bigamy and Void Ab Initio Marriages: The Crucial Role of Legal Standing in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on bigamy highlights why only the Solicitor General can appeal criminal dismissals, not private complainants.
Replevin Actions: Proving Ownership and Rightful Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that replevin requires proof of ownership or rightful possession, not just a claim of wrongful detention.