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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Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases—when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as a qualifying circumstance under Philippine law.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Divorce Abroad and Child Custody: Reconciling Foreign Decrees With Philippine Law
Philippine courts can recognize a foreign divorce but still decide child custody and support, as Roehr v. Rodriguez explains.
Rape and the Absence of Consent: Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault elements, emphasizing that force is presumed when the victim is under 12.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, using the case of People v. Muñez.
Rape Information Defects and Statutory Rape Convictions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective rape informations, statutory rape elements, and penalties for common-law stepfathers.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Challenging Filiation: When Can Heirship Be Contested in Property Disputes
Philippine law sets strict rules on when filiation can be challenged in inheritance cases. Learn the key principles and deadlines.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Understanding Conditions and Obligations
Learn the key differences between a contract to sell and a contract of sale under Philippine law, including when ownership transfers and what obligations arise.
The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
Accountability in Group Crimes: Defining Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Law
Explaining how Philippine courts define conspiracy and liability in group crimes, with rules on fiduciary duty for court personnel.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Innocence: The Complexities of Self-Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not negate force in rape cases, affirming a father's conviction.
Reviving Criminal Cases: Balancing Speed and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived, balancing the State's right to prosecute with the accused's right to due process.
Rape and Consent: Understanding Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation prove rape without consent, and when minority aggravates the crime.
Treachery and Homicide: The Nuances of Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder, and when it remains simple homicide.
Self-Defense and Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law.
Mistaken Payment: Recouping Funds Paid Under a False Belief of Co-Ownership
When money is paid by mistake under an assumed co-ownership, Philippine law allows recovery. Learn when solutio indebiti applies and how courts rule.
Encroachment and Land Ownership: How Philippine Courts Settle Property Boundary Disputes
Philippine law on encroachment and boundary disputes explained through Bernaldez v. Francia, including survey evidence rules and property rights.
Accountability AND Audit Accuracy Challenging Malversation Presumptions IN Philippine LAW
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: When Homicide Is Not Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim fails in this Philippine case.
Judicial Ethics: The Boundaries of Simple Misconduct for Judges in Philippine Law
A lawyer's unauthorized notarization and certification of documents leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of professional conduct.
Murder Conviction and Sentencing in the Philippines: The Leoncio Lawa Case
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction and death penalty, explaining treachery, evident premeditation, and alibi in Philippine law.
Distinguishing Murder from Kidnapping: Intent to Kill vs Deprivation of Liberty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between murder and kidnapping, focusing on intent to kill versus deprivation of liberty.