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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Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
Breach OF Trust Revisiting Evidence AND THE Complexities OF Incest IN Philippine LAW
Rape and Resistance: Why Full Penetration and Hymen Rupture Are Not Required in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape is consummated by mere penile entry into the labia, not full penetration or hymen rupture.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Ensuring Voluntariness and Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when extrajudicial confessions are admissible, focusing on voluntariness and the right to competent and independent counsel.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Forcible Entry: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction in Barba v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies unlawful detainer jurisdiction, prior possession requirements, and ownership issues in ejectment cases under Philippine law.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Examining Criminal Liability in Joint Offenses
Explore how conspiracy and treachery shape criminal liability in joint offenses under Philippine law, with insights from recent jurisprudence.
From Murder to Mayhem: Gauging Intent and Injury in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly attack becomes only slight physical injuries, not frustrated murder, based on wound severity and medical treatment.
Moral Damages in Breach of Contract: Proof of Loss and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court in BPI v. Leobrera explains why moral damages require proof of bad faith and a pleaded amount, and why courts cannot award what was never claimed.
Rape Conviction Upheld THE Impact OF Corroborated Testimony AND Victim Credibility IN Philippine LAW
Rape vs Theft: Distinguishing Intent in Special Complex Crimes Under Philippine Law
When does robbery with rape apply? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to take property must precede the rape, not follow it.
Accountability Despite Absence: Conspiracy and Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy can be inferred from concerted acts, making each participant liable for homicide even if only one is arrested.
When Words Wound: Understanding Simple Slander Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of simple slander in Baula v. People, and explains when spoken words cross the line into criminal defamation.
Dying Declarations Establishing Consciousness of Impending Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dying declarations and the requirement of consciousness of impending death in criminal cases.
Slightest Penetration Consummated Rape Defined in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slightest penetration of the labia consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: Burden of Proof and Elements in Philippine Law
Explaining the burden of proof in self-defense claims and how treachery qualifies killing to murder under Philippine law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Legal Implications
Understand treachery (alevosia) as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Voiding Donations: Illicit Love and Its Impact on Property Rights
When a donation to a common-law partner is void under Philippine law, and what it means for property rights.
Navigating Force Majeure When Strikes Excuse Contractual Delays in Philippine Law
When do strikes excuse delayed delivery? The Supreme Court explains force majeure, good faith, and damages in government bidding.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: Protecting Minor Victims Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess intimidation, delay in reporting, and child testimony in rape cases involving minors.
Finality of Judgments: When Unappealed Decisions Stand Firm in Philippine Law
Explore the doctrine of finality of judgments in Philippine law and why unappealed decisions become binding and executory.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law, focusing on the element of surprise and sudden attack.
Partnership vs Employment: Sharing Profits in Lending Ventures Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when profit-sharing in a lending business creates a partnership, not an employment relationship, and how profits are computed.
Treachery Unveiled: Distinguishing Murder From Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery turns a killing into murder, and when it remains homicide, in People v. Reyes.
Rape Consummation and the Significance of Labial Penetration in Philippine Law
Philippine jurisprudence clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape; mere labial contact suffices for consummation.