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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Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Absence Doesnt Mean Abandonment Protecting Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Dismissals
The Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment requires clear intent, not mere absence, and employers must prove both elements.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Disbarment FOR Gross Misconduct AND Insubordination
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Cannot USE Force TO Claim Disputed Property Rights
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Handling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that positive drug tests alone cannot prove someone knowingly visited a drug den under RA 9165.
Drug Den Conviction Requires Proof of Knowledge, Not Just Positive Drug Test
Supreme Court clarifies that positive drug test results alone do not prove a person knowingly visited a drug den under RA 9165.
Diminished Conviction When Group Attacks Dont Automatically Mean Abuse OF Superior Strength
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Conspiracy and Qualified Rape: Revisiting Liability in Group Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy upgrades rape to qualified rape and why an appellate court over-counted convictions.
Conspiracy and the Element of Force in Rape and Homicide Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, force, and proper charges in rape and homicide, modifying a conviction from simple to qualified rape.
Why Police Must Follow Section 21 of RA 9165 in Drug Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to conduct inventory and photograph seized items under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Supreme Court Acquits Three in Frustrated Murder Case
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of frustrated murder, ruling that inconsistent prosecution evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Credit Card Debt: Unconscionable Interest Rates and the Duty to Respond
The Supreme Court clarifies when credit card interest rates are unconscionable and why borrowers must answer lawsuits on time.
Arbitration Agreements Need Not Be Signed: CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that an arbitration agreement need not be signed to vest CIAC jurisdiction over construction disputes, as long as intent is clear in writing.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect of Duty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials forfeit retirement benefits when found guilty of neglect of duty and misconduct, reinforcing accountability standards.
Lawyer Disbarred for Faking Court Decision and Certificate of Finality
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who simulated an annulment decision and certificate of finality, ruling the acts were deceit and grave misconduct.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Disbarment for Falsifying Court Documents Upholds Integrity in the Legal Profession
Lawyer disbarred for fabricating an annulment decision and certificate of finality, showing the Supreme Court's firm stand on lawyer integrity.
Road Sharing Principle: Balancing Environmental Protection and Executive Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of writs of kalikasan and continuing mandamus in environmental cases, respecting executive discretion.
Balancing Autonomy and Oversight: Defining Eligibility in the Public Attorney's Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the jurisdiction of the CSC and CESB over third-level positions, ruling on PAO eligibility requirements.
Religious Practices in Public Spaces: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Masses in Halls of Justice
The Supreme Court explains when religious activities in government buildings are permissible accommodation, not a violation of Church-State separation.