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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When Domestic Discipline Turns Deadly: Murder and Cruelty in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on murder qualified by cruelty examines domestic abuse, criminal liability, and the exemption of relatives as accessories.
Security of Tenure for Philippine Career Executives: Rank vs. Position
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that career executive service officers hold security of tenure by rank, not by position, allowing reassignment without consent.
Regalian Doctrine vs Indigenous Rights: The IPRA Constitutionality Ruling
The Supreme Court's equally divided vote in Cruz v. DENR left the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act intact, shaping Philippine land law.
Self-Defense or Murder: Understanding Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases and why a murder charge became homicide.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Reasonable Necessity in Philippine Law
When does self-defense hold up in Philippine courts? The Supreme Court explains unlawful aggression and reasonable necessity in People v. Dela Cruz.
Regalian Doctrine vs Indigenous Rights: The IPRA Landmark Case
The Supreme Court's 7-7 split in Cruz v. DENR left the IPRA intact, shaping how ancestral domains and the Regalian doctrine interact today.
Landowner Consent Is Essential in Agricultural Leasehold Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a tenant cannot transfer leasehold rights without landowner consent, and the consequences of unauthorized assignment.
Ad Placement Errors: When a Publisher Is Not Liable for Non-Publication
Learn from David v. Manila Bulletin when a newspaper is not liable for a failed obituary ad, and how proper ad placement procedures protect both parties.
Falsifying Credentials Dismissal Upheld FOR Dishonest Public Servants
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of postal employees who falsified educational credentials in their Personal Data Sheets to secure promotions.
Bouncing Checks and the Importance of Written Notice: Domagsang v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court rules that a mere verbal demand is not enough to convict under the Anti-Bouncing Check Law—written notice of dishonor is required.
Judicial Delay: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, the consequences of delay, and practical lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
The Weight of Witness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and circumstantial evidence in rape-homicide convictions. Learn the rules and standards.
Third-Party Claims in Philippine Execution Sales: Protecting Your Property
Learn how spouses and third parties can protect their property from wrongful execution sales in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Naguit v. Court of Appeals.
Rape Conviction: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed intimidation, delayed reporting, and victim credibility in affirming a rape conviction.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, employee abandonment, overtime pay, and employer duties in termination cases.
Prescription of Falsification: When the Clock Starts Running Under Philippine Law
Learn when the prescriptive period for falsification of public documents begins under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Recebido v. People.
Reviving Expired Judgments in the Philippines: The Terry Case and Contempt Limits
Learn when Philippine judgments expire, how to revive them, and why contempt cannot enforce stale court orders under the Terry ruling.
Expired Business Permit and Court-Ordered Reopening: The Mathay v. Felt Foods Rule
When a business permit expires, courts generally cannot compel an LGU to allow reopening—even if the closure order was questionable.
Prescription for Falsification of Public Documents: When the Clock Starts
Learn when the prescription period begins for falsification of public documents under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recebido v. People.
Murder or Homicide: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law from People v. Templo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack amounts to treachery—and when it is only homicide, not murder.
When Does A Killing Qualify As Homicide Instead Of Murder
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, focusing on treachery and its proof.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Sinda
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery in People v. Sinda, and what it means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Self-Defense or Murder: Unpacking Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
A Philippine Army soldier's claim of self-defense fails when the victim was shot from behind. Learn the legal requisites of unlawful aggression and treachery.
Statutory Rape vs. Rape by Force: Key Distinctions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the key differences between statutory rape and rape by force, and why a victim's age matters most.