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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Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
Financing Companies and Assignment of Credit: Deficiency Claims After Foreclosure
Explaining Project Builders v. IFC: how financing company assignments of credit work, and why foreclosure doesn't bar deficiency claims.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal Based on Insufficient Evidence of Conspiracy in Murder Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy; accused acquitted on reasonable doubt.
Conspiracy and Murder by Hired Killers: When One Co-Accused's Acquittal Does Not Free Another
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld murder convictions based on conspiracy, positive identification, and circumstantial evidence in a hired killing.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Obstruction of Justice Cases: The "In Relation to Office" Requirement
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over obstruction of justice cases? The Soller ruling explains the "in relation to office" test.
Self Defense AND Homicide When Does A Claim OF Protection Justify A Killing
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Rebutting the Presumption of Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that the presumption of malversation is rebuttable, and mere failure to produce funds does not prove conversion beyond reasonable doubt.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: When Conspiracy Fails in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder, and the importance of witness credibility.
Due Process in Custodial Investigation: When Lack of Counsel Does Not Void a Conviction
A conviction based on eyewitness testimony stands even if custodial rights were violated, as no confession was obtained.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Become Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal instigation in drug buy-bust operations.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Court upholds robbery-with-homicide convictions built on conspiracy and eyewitness identification, but clarifies that a paltik gun does not prove illegal possession.
Statutory Rape Consenting Does NOT Matter When THE Victim IS Underage
Explaining why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape, and how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from consummated rape.
Passion Proof and Penalties: When Jealousy Doesnt Equal Murder
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how accomplices are penalized.
Unlicensed Firearm Possession vs Aggravating Circumstance: The Nuñez Ruling
When does illegal possession of a firearm become a separate crime versus an aggravating circumstance? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Nuñez.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.
Confirmed Flight Bookings vs Timely Check-In: Balancing Airline Obligations and Passenger Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a confirmed airline booking does not guarantee boarding if a passenger checks in late.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Delayed Witness Testimony in Murder Cases
When a witness stays silent for years, does that weaken a murder conviction? The Supreme Court explains when delay is excusable.
Security of Tenure vs Abandonment: Reinstatement Rights in the Philippine National Police
The Supreme Court clarifies when accepting another government post during a case does not waive a dismissed officer's right to reinstatement.
Bouncing Checks and Debt Settlement: When a Check's Purpose Doesn't Excuse the Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on BP 22: the purpose of a check doesn't matter—issuing a bouncing check is punishable, even if meant as a guarantee.
Security of Tenure in the Career Executive Service: Eligibility Alone Is Not Enough
CES eligibility alone does not confer security of tenure. Appointment to the appropriate CES rank is also required, as explained in General v. Roco.
Civil Liability After Acquittal When Reasonable Doubt Doesnt Erase Responsibility
When acquittal rests on reasonable doubt, civil liability may still stand. Learn how Philippine courts separate criminal from civil responsibility.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: When Acquittal Does Not Erase Damages in Reckless Imprudence Cases
Acquittal on reasonable doubt does not extinguish civil liability. Learn the rules from Manantan v. Court of Appeals.
Guilt by Association: The Limits of Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy, acquitting an accused while affirming a co-accused's murder conviction.