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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Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.
When Is a Private Individual Considered a Public Officer? Malversation and Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction
A private individual designated as BIR custodian of distrained property is not a public officer, so the Sandiganbayan lacks jurisdiction over him for malversation.
Land Ownership Disputes: How Government Reservations Affect Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how government reservations like national parks affect land ownership rights in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Sudden Attacks and Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, aggravating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How a Deceptive Attack Elevates Homicide to Murder
Learn how treachery turns homicide into murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Fabrigas.
Treachery and Recidivism: How Aggravating Circumstances Shape Philippine Criminal Cases
A look at how treachery, recidivism, and habituality affect criminal liability, explained through a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
When Courts Can Intervene in Private Agreements: A Lesson from ITEC v. Communication Materials and Design
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may intervene in private agreements, foreign corporations, and the limits of contractual freedom.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent, Alibi, and Aggravating Circumstances Explained
A look at People v. Feliciano on robbery with homicide, the weakness of alibi, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.