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 Claim Fails Understanding Unlawful Aggression IN Philippine Homicide LAW
Philippine Supreme Court explains why self-defense failed in a murder case, focusing on the crucial element of unlawful aggression.
Zealous Advocacy Within Legal Bounds Is Not Lawyer Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's persistent pursuit of a client's cause, done within legal bounds, is not administrative misconduct.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Crucial
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after PDEA operatives fail to justify deviations from Section 21 chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Chains OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
Defective Summons Nullifies Judgment Safeguarding Due Process in Annulment Cases
SC rules defective summons in annulment cases violates due process; petitions for annulment are actions in personam requiring proper service.
CBA vs Bank Policy: Protecting Workers' Rights Against Unilateral Loan Changes
Supreme Court rules banks cannot impose credit-check requirements on CBA salary loans without negotiating with the union first.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Parricide and Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains why a husband's self-defense claim failed after he killed his wife and mother-in-law, affirming conviction for parricide and homicide.
Fair Bidding: Government's Right to Reject Bids Has Limits Under RA 9184
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies cannot arbitrarily cancel public biddings, requiring justifiable grounds under RA 9184.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Annulling Extrajudicial Settlements for Lack of Informed Consent
The Supreme Court annuls an extrajudicial settlement where an illiterate heir signed without understanding its terms, protecting vulnerable parties.
Mootness in Corporate Disputes: When Supervening Events Impact Jurisdiction
Explore how the Supreme Court handled mootness claims in a corporate dispute, clarifying when supervening events affect jurisdiction and remand.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Balancing DAR Formulas and Fair Market Value
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof Required
A foreign divorce decree does not automatically dissolve a marriage in the Philippines. Learn what proof is required to avoid bigamy conviction.
The Five-Year Rule on Execution of Judgments: Villareal v. MWSS Explained
Winning a case is only half the battle. Learn the five-year rule on executing judgments and why delay can void a writ.
Chain of Custody: Why Immediate Marking of Drug Evidence Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the crucial requirement of immediate evidence marking.
Breach of Trust: Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for representing opposing parties in violation of Rule 15.03, Canon 15 of the CPR.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits an accused because police failed to properly mark seized shabu, breaking the chain of custody.
When Courts Can Hear Damage Claims in Labor Disputes: The PAL v. ALPAP Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when labor tribunals—not regular courts—have jurisdiction over damage claims arising from illegal strikes.
Custodial Investigation and Confessions in Qualified Theft: People v. Cabanada
When does a police interview become custodial investigation? People v. Cabanada clarifies Miranda rights and confession admissibility in theft cases.
Protecting Minors: Rape Conviction Upheld Based on Credible Testimony and Corroborating Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction built on a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings, stressing that hymenal laceration is not an element of rape.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Importance of Positive Identification and Credible Testimony in Sexual Assault C
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and denial in sexual assault cases.
Superior Strength and Criminal Intent: The Oscar Mat-an Murder Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of superior strength qualifies killing as murder and why intent to kill matters for attempted crimes.
One Specific Offense Rule: Search Warrants and the Limits of General Warrants
The Supreme Court nullified a search warrant covering both the Securities Regulation Code and estafa, affirming the one-specific-offense rule.