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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Conspiracy and Homicide: How Group Violence Establishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in group violence makes every participant liable for murder, even without inflicting the fatal wound.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Group Attacks: Key Lessons from People v. Conde
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery doctrines to hold a participant liable for murder in a group stabbing.
Defining Managerial vs Supervisory Roles for Union Membership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between managerial and supervisory employees for union membership eligibility under the Labor Code.
Premature Filing Malicious Prosecution Requires Prior Acquittal
Filing a malicious prosecution case before the criminal action ends in acquittal is premature. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
Bad Faith Litigation: When Filing Suit Leads to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when filing an unfounded lawsuit constitutes bad faith, exposing litigants to moral and exemplary damages.
Credibility of Rape Victims' Testimony: The Daughter-Father Exception in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on daughter's credible testimony against father, explaining why courts give greater weight to such accusations.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Must Wait for Final Acquittal, High Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a malicious prosecution suit may be filed, requiring final termination of the criminal case first.
When Reinstatement Isnt Required Philippine Supreme Court ON Separation PAY IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when separation pay substitutes for reinstatement in illegal dismissal cases, balancing worker protection with employer realities.
Ballot Interpretation Upholding Voter Intent in Philippine Elections
How the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood, idem sonans, and intent rules to uphold voter intent in a barangay election protest.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds Promptly
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for failing to promptly account for a client's money, affirming that lawyers hold client funds in trust under Canon 16.
Acquisitive Prescription: When Possession Becomes Ownership Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when possession ripens into ownership through acquisitive prescription, and why tax declarations alone do not prove title.
Judicial Corruption Upholding Integrity IN THE Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court reprimands a judge for impropriety, misdemeanor, and gross ignorance of law in Tapiru v. Biden.
Barangay Conciliation and Jurisdiction: When Prior Settlement Is Not Required
Learn when prior barangay conciliation is not required before filing a case in court, based on a Supreme Court ruling on gross ignorance of the law.
When Barangay Conciliation Is Not Required: Court Ruling on Real Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when barangay conciliation is not required before filing real property cases in court.
Second Marriages and Absent Spouses: Validity Under the Civil Code Explained
When a first spouse disappears, can a second marriage be valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Civil Code.
Burden of Proof When Inconsistent Testimony and Physical Evidence Lead to Acquittal in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where witness testimonies conflicted and physical evidence contradicted the prosecution's theory.
Barangay Conciliation Not Required When Parties Live in Different Towns
The Supreme Court fined a judge for dismissing an ejectment case on barangay conciliation grounds when the parties lived in different municipalities.
Lawyers Must Promptly Account for Client Funds: A Lesson from A.C. No. 5019
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for failing to promptly account for client funds, reaffirming the fiduciary duty under Canon 16.
Attorney Negligence: Upholding a Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and Competence
A lawyer's failure to file briefs caused a client's case to be lost. The Supreme Court suspended him for one year.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Robbery with Rape Conviction
Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, ruling that positive identification by the victim outweighs the defense of alibi.
Default and Damages: Clarifying Rights in Chattel Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules, damages, and replevin in chattel mortgage disputes—key lessons for creditors and borrowers.
Protecting Children: Parental Rape and the Importance of Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a stepfather's relationship to a rape victim must be stated in the Information to justify the death penalty.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly Despite Pending Memoranda
The Supreme Court reminds judges that pending memoranda do not suspend the 90-day period to decide cases, imposing fines for delay.