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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
A look at parricide under Philippine law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabug, explaining the crime, penalties, and evidentiary rules.
Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Liability: Homicide, Conspiracy, and the Limits of Witness Testimony in the Phil
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies reasonable doubt, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder appeal that became homicide.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline clarifies duties to courts, consequences of misconduct, and how penalties apply to disbarred attorneys.
Arbitration Integrity Ensuring Fairness IN Corporate Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for lawful dismissal of managerial employees, focusing on procedural due process and loss of trust and confidence.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Voter Registration Deadlines and Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court upholds Comelec's authority to enforce the 120-day voter registration ban under RA 8189.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Become Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal instigation in drug buy-bust operations.
State Participation in Marriage Nullity Cases: Protecting the Inviolability of Marriage
The Supreme Court remands a nullity case for retrial because the State failed to actively participate, underscoring marriage's inviolable nature.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: When Conspiracy Fails in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder, and the importance of witness credibility.
Court Employees Must Treat Lawyers With Respect and Courtesy, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court reprimanded a court clerk for discourtesy after a heated exchange with a lawyer, stressing that public service demands courtesy and self-restraint.
Faith Healing or Reckless Endangerment: Distinguishing Intent in Unlicensed Medical Practices Under Philippine
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed faith healing causing death is reckless imprudence, not murder.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejecting the defenses of alibi and alleged due process violations.
Diplomatic Immunity Slander and the Limits of Protection for International Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not crimes like slander.
Protecting Land Titles: The Limits of Collateral Attacks in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects registered land titles from collateral attacks, using the 2001 Tan v. Philippine Banking Corp. case.
Protecting Election Integrity: The 120-Day Voter Registration Ban Under RA 8189
Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's denial of special voter registration within 120 days before elections, affirming the mandatory registration deadline under RA 8189.
Judicial Impartiality: Dismissal of Judge for Gross Ignorance and Partiality in Election Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross ignorance and partiality in election protest, applying obsolete laws to favor a litigant.
Redundancy vs Illegal Dismissal: Employer’s Burden to Prove Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redundancy requires proof of good faith and fair process; employers must justify dismissals.
Retraction in Rape Cases: Why Recanted Affidavits Rarely Overturn a Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's recanted affidavit rarely defeats her sworn testimony in court.
When Arbitration Clauses in Employment Contracts Become Unfair: The Magellan Case
The Supreme Court explains when arbitration clauses in employment contracts are void for giving one side too many arbitrators.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Motions in Estate Proceedings
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to resolve motions within 90 days is gross inefficiency, even in complex estate cases.
Breach of Trust and Managerial Dismissal: Defining the Limits of Employer Discretion in the Philippines
When can a Philippine employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstatement of Dismissed Cases: The Speedy Trial Exception
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the speedy trial exception.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.