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 in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent and qualifying circumstances distinguish homicide from murder, and explains cyber libel prescription rules.
Treachery and Passion: Understanding Murder and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when sudden attacks qualify as treachery and why passion and obfuscation may reduce criminal liability.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.
Mechanic’s Lien in the Philippines: What Auto Repair Shops Must Know
Understand the mechanic's lien under Philippine law, its legal basis, and how the Supreme Court protects repair shops' right to payment.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When Consent Does Not Matter (People v. Motos)
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is legally impossible. Learn the rules and penalties.
Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation: Understanding Familial Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how a relative's moral ascendancy can constitute intimidation in rape, affirming a conviction for familial sexual assault.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
Proving Evident Premeditation in Murder Cases: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court explains when evident premeditation qualifies murder and why courts demand clear proof of deliberate planning before imposing the penalty.
Double Jeopardy in Tax Evasion Cases: When Can the Government Retry You?
Learn when double jeopardy protects taxpayers from repeated prosecution in tax evasion cases under Philippine law.
Proving Murder Without a Body: Conspiracy and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions despite no body found, explaining how conspiracy and circumstantial evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, intimidation by knife, and the victim's mental condition.
Gross Negligence of Public Officials: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
When are public officials liable for gross negligence? This article explains the legal standard and how Philippine courts apply it.
Voyage Charterer Liability in Maritime Collisions: Philippine Law Explained
When is a voyage charterer liable for a vessel collision? The Caltex v. Sulpicio Lines ruling clarifies charterer duties under Philippine maritime law.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sexual acts with children under 12 as statutory rape, regardless of consent. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: When Presence Means Principal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in robbery with homicide makes all participants liable as principals, even without direct participation in the killing.
When Silence Kills Understanding Treachery AND Murder IN Philippine LAW
Bouncing Checks and Estafa: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
When do bouncing checks become estafa, and when are they merely violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Killing Is Justified and When It Is Not
Philippine law allows killing in self-defense, but the accused must prove unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and no provocation. Learn the rules.
When Frontal Assaults Qualify as Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden frontal attack qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Reelection as Condonation: When Past Misconduct Is Forgiven Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on reelection as condonation of past misconduct, explained through the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in Garcia v. Mojica.
Self-Defense in Philippine Criminal Cases: What "Reasonable Necessity" Really Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person may use a knife to repel a sudden attack, explaining self-defense under Philippine law.
Consent Is Key: Understanding Rape and the Burden of Proof in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling clarifies consent, force, and intimidation in rape cases. Learn the legal standards and practical lessons.