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 in Murder: Sudden Unexpected Attack Ensures Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder, with practical guidance on proving sudden attacks.
Health Care Agreements vs Insurance Contracts: The Incontestability Clause Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that health care agreements are insurance contracts, so the incontestability clause applies to HMOs.
How the Supreme Court Sanctions Judicial Delay and Prosecutorial Nonfeasance in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court annulled an acquittal tainted by prosecutorial nonfeasance and judicial delay, reaffirming due process for offended parties.
Substantial Evidence and Due Process Protecting Government Employees From Unjust Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstated a BID investigator dismissed by the Ombudsman, ruling that administrative charges require substantial evidence and procedural due process.
Dismissal for Failure to File Brief: Procedural Rules Bind Litigants in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court upholds dismissal of appeal for failure to file brief on time, affirming that negligence of counsel binds the client.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Group Violence Determines Criminal Liability
Learn how Philippine courts apply conspiracy and treachery in group attacks, using a Supreme Court murder case as a guide.
Safeguarding the Electoral Will: Scrutinizing Mathematical Errors in Election Canvassing
The Supreme Court annulled a COMELEC order correcting alleged canvassing errors, emphasizing that only manifest errors apparent on the face of certificates may be corrected.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Uphold Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, and why death penalty requires minority alleged in information.
Conspiracy in Kidnapping for Ransom: Joint Criminal Intent Established by Concerted Acts
Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in kidnapping for ransom can be proven through complementary acts, not direct evidence of agreement.
Statutory Rape: Why Proving Familial Relationship Matters in Aggravated Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that in statutory rape, the qualifying circumstance of relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specific Allegations Protecting the Rights of the Accused
The Supreme Court vacated a death sentence for incestuous rape because the trial court failed to conduct a searching inquiry into the accused's guilty plea.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Prior Payment of Check Value as Defense in Bouncing Checks Cases
When does paying the check amount before prosecution bar a B.P. 22 conviction? The Supreme Court explains in Griffith v. Court of Appeals.
Diminished Conviction Reassessing Guilt IN Rape Homicide Cases Based ON Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies that circumstantial evidence can prove murder but not rape, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Kidnapping and Failure to Return a Minor: What the Supreme Court Said About Custody and Intent
A look at People v. Bernardo, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under the Revised Penal Code.
Fortuitous Events and Carrier Liability: Navigating the Perils of the Sea
When a vessel sinks in a storm, is the carrier liable? The Supreme Court explains the rules on fortuitous events.
Rape Conviction Upheld BUT Death Penalty Reduced THE Importance OF Proving Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion temporal after finding the prosecution failed to prove robbery and nighttime as aggravating circumstances.
Treachery in Murder: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Criminal Law
Understanding treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder cases, explained through a 2002 Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Lease Renewal Rights: Mutual Agreement Required for Contract Extension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lease renewal options are reciprocal—both lessor and lessee must agree to extend a lease contract.
When Courts, Not the SEC, Decide Succession and Corporate Veil Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when inheritance claims against a corporation belong in regular courts, not the SEC.
Jurisdictional Challenge Too Late: Estoppel Bars Belated Attacks on DARAB Authority
A party who actively participates in DARAB proceedings cannot belatedly challenge jurisdiction on appeal. The Supreme Court explains estoppel by laches.
Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decision Making in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within reglementary periods. This article examines a Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and its consequences.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.