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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Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Questioning Authenticity When A Deed Of Sale Fails The Test Of Due Execution
When can a deed of sale be declared void? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due execution and authenticity.
Treachery Unveiled When Opportunity TO Escape Negates A Finding OF Murder
Supreme Court explains when a victim's opportunity to escape or defend himself negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Reversion of Land Titles: Fraud, Public Domain, and the Limits of Possessory Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsino v. Republic on reversion of fraudulently issued free patents to public domain.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Unlawful Aggression Must Be Proven in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a barangay captain's self-defense plea failed in a homicide case, and what elements must be proven.
Self-Defense, Treachery, and Voluntary Surrender: How the Supreme Court Redefined Criminal Liability in Homici
A barangay captain's claim of self-defense fails as the Court clarifies the elements of unlawful aggression and mitigating circumstances in homicide.
Self-Defense Claims and Treachery: Lessons from People vs. Mazo
A look at how the Supreme Court weighed self-defense, witness credibility, and treachery in a homicide conviction.
Terminal Leave Pay: Highest Salary Rule for Retiring Government Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on computing terminal leave pay using highest monthly salary, including acting capacity designations.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay Computation
Supreme Court rules a designated Acting Secretary's higher salary, even for one day, determines terminal leave pay basis.
Rape Intimidation and Threat Sufficient for Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on threats and intimidation, ruling that absence of physical resistance does not negate the crime.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Illegal Firearms in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence and illegal firearms possession under PD 1866.
Ombudsman's Discretion and the Power to Prosecute in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence, malice, and criminal intent shows why intent, once proven, defeats a defense of accident.
Parricide vs. Accident: When a Fatal Shooting Is Not an Exempting Circumstance
The Supreme Court explains why the defense of accident fails when intent to kill is shown by overt acts, affirming a parricide conviction.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Nava v. COA Explained
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in preliminary investigations, clarifying the proper remedy for aggrieved parties and the limits of judicial review.
Finality of Labor Rulings: Appeal Limits in Union Registration Cases
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on appeal limits and finality in labor cases, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
Theft of an Aircraft: When Taking Without Consent Is Still Theft in the Philippines
A pilot's unauthorized flight of his former employer's aircraft was ruled theft. The Supreme Court clarifies intent to gain and penalties.
PNB Not Liable for MMIC’s Unpaid Debts to Supplier After Foreclosure
Foreclosing creditor not liable to third-party supplier for unpaid debts of borrower; Supreme Court explains ownership and standard mortgage remedies.
Rape With Deadly Weapon Intimidation Consent And The Boundaries Of Legal Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape with intimidation, deadly weapon, desistance, alibi, and proof of minority.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Overcoming Coercion and Protecting Victims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an affidavit of desistance in rape cases is coerced and how courts protect victims from intimidation.
Court Raffle Irregularities: When Clerks and Judges Face Administrative Liability
Supreme Court clarifies liability for irregular case raffles: executive judges must personally conduct them, clerks must follow procedure.
Upholding Tenants' Rights: The Doctrine of Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal in property sales, explained in plain language for property owners and lessees.
Prior Physical Possession and Ejectment: Defining Jurisdictional Requirements in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why prior physical possession must be alleged in forcible entry complaints for courts to acquire jurisdiction.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Testimony Overturns Drug Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug convict after police witness contradicts buy-bust story, reinforcing the proof beyond reasonable doubt standard.