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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Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: The Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense applies, when it ends, and why unlawful aggression must be real and ongoing.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from a sudden, provoked attack in People v. Caverte, and what it means for murder charges.
Defining the Boundaries of Rape: Penetration vs Attempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is consummated versus merely attempted, requiring proof of penile entry into the labia.
Oral Partition and Estoppel: When Long-Standing Property Agreements Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, estoppel, and long-standing property agreements in Philippine civil law.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the credible testimony of a mentally disabled minor, clarifying rules on evidence and procedure.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Woman Deprived of Reason Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that sexual intercourse with a mentally retarded woman constitutes rape under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa
How the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa based on deceptive recruitment schemes.
Rescission Rights Understanding Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal clauses, rescission remedies, and contractual obligations in property sales from a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
When a Title Isn't Truth: Challenging Property Co-Ownership Claims in the Face of Prior Marriage
A Supreme Court ruling on how Torrens titles can be overturned when property was acquired during a subsisting first marriage.
Docket Fees and the Right to Amend: Balancing Access to Justice in Patent Infringement Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on docket fees, amendments to complaints, and equitable access to justice in patent cases.
MMDA vs. Bel-Air Village: The Limits of Authority Over Private Roads
The Supreme Court ruled the MMDA cannot open private subdivision roads to public traffic without a local ordinance, clarifying its administrative role.
Hearsay Evidence and the Right to Confrontation: Protecting the Accused
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hearsay evidence, the right to confront witnesses, and why prosecutions must stand on solid proof.
Breach of Duty: Upholding Integrity and Accountability in Court Processes
A lawyer's misuse of client funds for purported court fees leads to suspension and restitution, reinforcing ethical duties.
Liability in Travel Booking Errors: Defining Agency and Responsibility
When a travel booking fails, who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules and liability for unconfirmed flights.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
Citizenship Denied: Strict Scrutiny of Naturalization Requirements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms strict compliance with naturalization requirements in Ong Chia v. Republic, denying citizenship for procedural lapses.
Upholding Substantial Justice Dismissal Based ON Technicalities AND Lost Titles
Rape With Intimidation: The Standard of Resistance and Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that in rape, intimidation can substitute for physical resistance, and aggravating circumstances need not be alleged in the information.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Conspiracy in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, medical evidence, and proof of conspiracy among three accused.
Delay in Resolving Cases Constitutes Gross Inefficiency: A Lesson for Judges
The Supreme Court reminds judges that unreasonable delay in resolving cases is gross inefficiency, eroding public trust in the judiciary.
Attorney Suspended Six Months for Deceitful Loan Practices with Client
A lawyer who facilitated a fraudulent loan for his clients was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Warrantless Search Limits and Penalty in Drug Cases: People v. Che Chun Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of warrantless searches incident to arrest and the proper penalty for drug offenses in People v. Che Chun Ting.
Illegal Dismissal Liability: Government Entity vs Individual Officials
Supreme Court clarifies when government, not individual officials, must pay back wages of illegally dismissed employees.