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 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 in Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Rubiso
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished self-defense from treachery in a murder case, and what this means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Clarifying the Period for Filing Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions is counted, applying amended procedural rules retroactively.
Disguised Employment and the Lawyer's Duty to Obey Court Orders
When a consultancy is really employment, a lawyer cannot use it to evade a court's disqualification order. The Supreme Court explains why.
Reservation Requirements in Philippine Civil Actions: Hambon v. Carantes Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Rule 111 reservation rules in Hambon v. Carantes, affecting civil damages claims tied to criminal cases.
Perjury Unmasked: False Statements in Naturalization Petitions Remain Actionable Despite Withdrawal
Withdrawing a naturalization petition does not erase perjury liability for false statements already made under oath, the Supreme Court ruled.
When a Lease Expires: Philippine High Court Rules on Unlawful Detainer After Compromise Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a separate unlawful detainer case may proceed after a compromise agreement and lease expiration.
Treachery and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Examining Witness Credibility in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how eyewitness credibility and treachery are evaluated against a bare denial.
The Tangled Web of Entrapment: Evaluating Evidence in Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court weighs buy-bust evidence, police testimony, and the defense of frame-up in drug cases.
Government Procurement Quality Standards Prevail Over Expediency in Public Spending
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of GSIS payment for non-conforming generator, upholding strict procurement standards over expediency.
Court Employee's Immorality Case: When a "Kasunduan" Cannot Justify an Affair
Philippine Supreme Court rules a court employee's illicit relationship violates conduct standards, despite a private "Kasunduan" allowing separation.
Judicial Employees and Marital Fidelity: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Court employee found guilty of immorality for illicit relationship with married woman; explains ethical standards for judiciary staff.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, with penalties for delay under Rule 140.
Judicial Impartiality: How the Supreme Court Enforces Ethical Conduct in Philippine Courts
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling shows that a judge who suggests settlement terms to a litigant violates judicial ethics and erodes public trust in the courts.
Extension of Lease Agreements: Lessees' Rights in Cases of Partial Dispossession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessees' right to lease extension when partially dispossessed, explained in plain language.
Tax Delinquency and Public Auction: When a Tax Sale of Land Is Invalid
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tax delinquency auction sale of real property is invalid and what documents prove a valid tax sale.
Tax Delinquency Auctions: When a Bid Before the Auction Date Is Not a Valid Bid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying delinquent taxes before an auction date does not constitute a valid bid, and why procedural regularity matters.
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.
Indefinite Suspension for Lawyer’s Gross Immoral Conduct: Zaguirre v. Castillo
The Supreme Court indefinitely suspends a lawyer for siring a child outside marriage and reneging on his sworn support, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold moral standards at all times.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Vessel Use Change Does NOT Void Employment Contracts
Supreme Court rules a vessel's change from overseas to coastwise use does not invalidate a seafarer's employment contract or the manning agent's liability.
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: SC Clarifies Evidence Rules Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, applying Republic Act No. 26 and Bercede guidelines.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony and threats, showing that medical evidence is not required to prove the crime.
Surety Bonds, Deficiency Claims, and the Burden of Proof in Collection Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for payment is valid and what evidence creditors must present to collect a deficiency after foreclosure.