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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Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining sudden attacks and how it absorbs abuse of superior strength.
Voluntary Resignation and Bonus Entitlement: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Learn when resigned employees lose their right to CBA bonuses under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Bottle Ownership and Trademark Rights: Navigating Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns liquor bottles after sale and the limits of trademark protection under R.A. 623.
Presidential Power vs Legislative Authority: Proclamation Validity in the Philippines
Supreme Court nullifies Proclamation No. 164 for exceeding presidential power after Congress convened, reaffirming separation of powers.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: When a Security Guard Becomes the Rapist
Explore the Supreme Court ruling in People v. Gomez on rape conviction, victim credibility, and the evidentiary weight of positive identification.
Automatic Contract Rescission: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains automatic rescission in contracts to sell, buyer rights, and the dangers of laches in real estate deals.
Consent and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on rape underscores how victim credibility and positive identification shape convictions, offering key lessons for criminal law.
Compromise Agreements in Estate Settlements: Validity and Enforceability
Learn when compromise agreements partitioning inherited property are valid without court approval, and why probate courts cannot finally rule on ownership.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Fear and Moral Ascendancy Overcome Claim of Consensual Affair
Philippine Supreme Court affirms uncle's rape conviction, ruling that a victim's fear and an accused's moral ascendancy defeat claims of consent.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Rape by an Uncle: Moral Ascendancy and Abuse of Trust in Family Dynamics
A Supreme Court ruling on uncle-niece rape clarifies how moral ascendancy and intimidation satisfy the element of force in Philippine rape law.
Counter-Protest Deadlines in Election Cases: Jurisdictional Limits of COMELEC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict deadlines for counter-protests in election cases and COMELEC's jurisdictional limits.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When Fraud and Falsification Justify Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that fraud and falsification by employees are valid grounds for dismissal, even for union officers.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: What the Supreme Court Says
Explaining the special complex crime of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the rules on identification and confessions under Philippine law.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Fabricated Serious Illegal Detention Case Shows Why Courts Demand Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a land dispute turned into a criminal charge, the Supreme Court showed how weak evidence and altered complaints can destroy a serious illegal detention case.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Safeguards Justice Regardless of the Accused's Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that automatic review of death penalty cases ensures justice and due process, independent of the accused's conduct or character.
When a Corporation Can Be Held Liable in Labor Disputes Even Without Being Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation may be held liable for labor claims even if only its trade name was impleaded.
Valid Reorganization vs Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Prerogatives
When a valid company reorganization abolishes a position and reassigns an employee without bad faith, no constructive dismissal arises.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Your Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a murder accused whose extrajudicial confession was taken without full Miranda rights, reaffirming constitutional safeguards.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.