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: Conspiracy, Identification, and Fair Sentencing Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld robbery with homicide convictions on conspiracy evidence but reduced death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.
Annulment of Judgment and Correction of Civil Registry Entries: Barco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment correcting civil registry entries may be annulled, and why publication binds the whole world in Rule 108 proceedings.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.
Res Judicata in Labor Disputes: Final NLRC Decisions Cannot Be Relitigated
Final and executory NLRC decisions bar relitigation. The Supreme Court explains res judicata in labor cases.
Prescription of Reconveyance Actions: Vigilance Over Land Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year prescriptive period for reconveyance actions and the exception for possessors of fraudulently registered land.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Calculated Attacks
Understanding treachery under Philippine criminal law—what it means, how courts determine it, and why it matters for victims of calculated attacks.
Unlawful Detainer: Tolerance Creates No Right to Stay After Demand to Vacate
Supreme Court clarifies that possession by mere tolerance in unlawful detainer cases does not require prior physical possession by the owner.
Treachery AND Witness Credibility Ensuring Justice FOR Victims OF Intentional Killings
Tenant Rights vs Ejectment: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts in Agrarian Disputes
When ejectment and agrarian claims collide, which court prevails? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in David v. Rivera.
Judge Fined P10,000 for Undue Delay in Forcible Entry Case Decision
Supreme Court fines judge P10,000 for taking over two years to decide a forcible entry case, violating the 30-day rule.
Voiding a Sale: Understanding Consent and Good Faith in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court explains when a Philippine deed of sale may be voided for lack of consent, and how the Torrens system protects buyers in good faith.
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
Upholding Land Sales Good Faith Purchasers Protected Despite Family Disputes
Battered Woman Syndrome as Defense and Mitigating Circumstance in Parricide
The Genosa ruling explains when battered woman syndrome can mitigate parricide, and why it is not a complete self-defense.
When Drunken Banter Turns Deadly: Redefining Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
Explore how the Supreme Court redefined murder to homicide in a drunken altercation case, clarifying intent and liability.
Circumstantial Evidence in Parricide: How People v. Baño Established Guilt
In People v. Baño, the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction built entirely on circumstantial evidence, showing how an unbroken chain of events can prove guilt.
Void Appointments No Salary for Illegally Appointed College Employee
When an appointment is void, no salary is due. Learn the rules on valid appointments under Philippine civil service law.
Upholding BUY Bust Operations Credibility OF Police Officers AND Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases
Banks' Fiduciary Duty to Protect Depositors' Funds: What the Law Requires
Philippine law imposes a strict fiduciary duty on banks to protect depositors' funds. This article explains the legal standards and consequences of breach.
Confessions and Counsel: Protecting Rights During Custodial Investigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a confession obtained without truly effective counsel is inadmissible, and what this means for suspects and police.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.