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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Preserving Client Confidences Understanding Attorney Client Privilege AND ITS Limits IN THE Philippines
When does the duty to keep client secrets begin and end? A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege.
Adverse Claims: Why the 30-Day Period Does Not Automatically Cancel the Annotation
The Supreme Court clarifies that an adverse claim does not automatically lapse after 30 days; cancellation still requires a court petition.
Judicial Impartiality: When a Judge's Questions Are Not Proof of Bias
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a judge's active questioning during trial does not automatically prove bias or partiality warranting inhibition.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Se
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery does not qualify a killing, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Unlawful Aggression and Self-Defense: When a Threat Justifies Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a mere threatening act, like drawing a bolo, does not constitute unlawful aggression justifying self-defense in homicide cases.
Witness Credibility in Robbery With Homicide: Prior Conduct Does Not Bar Believability
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a witness's bad character or prior conduct does not automatically destroy credibility in robbery with homicide cases.
Reassignment vs Constructive Dismissal: Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
A security guard's floating status and reassignment under Philippine labor law—when does it become constructive dismissal?
Agrarian Reform vs Civil Lease: Jurisdiction Over Fishponds Explained
When does a fishpond dispute fall under agrarian reform, not civil courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Exceeds the Threat in Philippine Law
When a victim fights back against a rapist, does the law punish excessive force? Philippine jurisprudence explains the limits.
When a Surety’s Guaranty Does Not Bind the Conjugal Partnership: The Ching Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's suretyship binds the conjugal partnership, and the rights of a wife to challenge an attachment.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Perils of Alibi in Philippine Murder Cases
A guilty plea to murder does not prove aggravating circumstances; prosecution must still establish them, as shown in People v. Segnar.
Bigamy and Psychological Incapacity: Subsequent Nullity Declarations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a later declaration of psychological incapacity does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Public Officials' Duty to Act in the Best Interest of the Service: Sevilla v. Gocon
When does a public official's omission become an administrative offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the service.
Weaponizing Fear: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Victim's Delay in Reporting
The Supreme Court has ruled that a victim's delay in reporting a rape does not destroy her credibility, especially when the delay is explained by threats and fear.
When a Guilty Plea Doesnt Guarantee Conviction Ensuring DUE Process IN Capital Offenses
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guilty plea in capital offenses requires strict compliance with due process, ensuring the accused fully understands the consequences before conviction.
Rape vs Illegal Detention: Distinguishing Intent in Criminal Liability
When does illegal detention become absorbed in rape? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction based on the offender's intent.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Unlawful Detainer: Tolerance Creates No Right to Stay After Demand to Vacate
Supreme Court clarifies that possession by mere tolerance in unlawful detainer cases does not require prior physical possession by the owner.
Alibi vs Positive Identification: When Does Alibi Hold Weight in Philippine Courts?
The Supreme Court explains when alibi can overcome positive identification, acquitting one accused while convicting two others for murder.
Workplace Boundaries: Defining Acts of Lasciviousness and Consensual Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sexual acts are rape, not consensual, and why workplace familiarity does not imply consent.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.
Statutory Rape: Why Physical Injury Is Irrelevant for Victims Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate statutory rape of a child under twelve, and what evidence matters.
Forfeiture Proceedings and Due Process: Can Summary Judgment Apply?
The Supreme Court clarifies that forfeiture under RA 1379 is civil, not criminal, and summary judgment does not violate due process.
Neglect of Duty as Conduct Unbecoming: Grounds for Police Officer Dismissal
When does a police officer's neglect of duty become conduct unbecoming, justifying summary dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Zacarias v. Napolcom.