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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Reclaiming a Child Through Habeas Corpus: The Tijing Case on Establishing Maternal Rights
The Supreme Court explains when habeas corpus is the proper remedy for parents to regain custody of a missing child, and how identity and filiation are proven.
Curbing Forum Shopping Coslaps Jurisdiction AND Respect FOR Court Authority
Passion Proof and Penalties: When Jealousy Doesnt Equal Murder
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how accomplices are penalized.
Rape Conviction Stands But Death Penalty Reduced: Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged in the Information
A rape conviction stands, but the Supreme Court reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because minority and relationship were not alleged in the information.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The High Standard for Rape Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt for rape convictions. This article explains the standard and what it means for accusers and the accused.
Circumstantial Evidence Conviction: Murder Reduced to Homicide in Icalla Case
Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and why murder was reduced to homicide in People v. Icalla.
Accomplice Liability Determining THE Extent OF Participation IN Homicide Cases IN THE Philippines
Waiver in Election Protests: Demurrer to Evidence Implies Loss of Right to Present Own Evidence
Filing a demurrer to evidence in an election protest waives the protestee's right to present evidence, even if the demurrer is denied.
Lease Extension Rights Clarifying Limits FOR Lessees Under Civil Code Article 1687
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and why lessees who sublease lose equitable protection.
Liability of Public Officials, Good Faith, and the Limits of Supervisory Responsibility in Philippine Law
Philippine jurisprudence on public official liability, good faith defenses, and the boundaries of supervisory responsibility explained for lay readers.
Motion for Reconsideration Exceptions in Certiorari Petitions: The Abraham Case
When is a motion for reconsideration not required before filing certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the exceptions in Abraham v. NLRC.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Joint Attacks: What the Supreme Court Says
A look at how the Supreme Court applies conspiracy and treachery to hold all joint attackers liable for murder.
Credibility of a Rape Victim: Assessing Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony, minor inconsistencies, and credibility in sexual assault convictions.
Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
Explaining how conspiracy and treachery elevate killing to murder under Philippine law, based on People v. Ellado.
Bank Negligence and Dishonored Checks: Protecting Your Reputation and Finances
Learn from the Firestone v. Luzon Development Bank case why non-negotiable instruments carry risks and how banks' duties apply.
When Injunctions Meet Supervening Events: Property Rights in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events affect injunctions in ejectment cases, protecting property rights.
Witness Credibility AND THE Defense OF Alibi IN Murder Cases
Non-Negotiable Withdrawal Slips: Bank Liability for Delayed Dishonor Notices
When a bank delays notice of dishonor on non-negotiable withdrawal slips, is it liable for damages? The Supreme Court explains.
When Association Isnt Conspiracy Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies The Need For Concrete Proof In Criminal Co
The Supreme Court explains when mere presence becomes criminal conspiracy, requiring proof of a common design to commit a crime.
Extrajudicial Settlements and Adopted Children's Inheritance: Lessons from Pedrosa v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when extrajudicial settlements bind adopted heirs and how prescription periods apply to fraudulent partitions.
The People vs the President: Defining the Limits of People Power and Presidential Immunity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Estrada v. Desierto clarifies resignation, presidential succession, and immunity from suit under the 1987 Constitution.
Unlicensed Firearm Possession vs Aggravating Circumstance: The Nuñez Ruling
When does illegal possession of a firearm become a separate crime versus an aggravating circumstance? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Nuñez.
Due Process in Sentencing: When a Judge's Discretion Goes Too Far
A judge's order denying credit for time served without hearing violates due process. Learn the limits of judicial discretion.
Incestuous Rape: When Parental Authority Cannot Shield a Father's Crime
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but rules that unalleged qualifying circumstances bar the death penalty.