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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Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases: Municipal Mayors and Salary Grade 27
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not trial courts, hears graft cases against municipal mayors based on salary grade.
When Excessive Force Destroys a Self-Defense Claim in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains why 16 stab wounds negate self-defense and how excessive force turns a killing into homicide, not murder.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
BUY Bust Operations Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Drug Sales
Multiple Victims, Separate Crimes: Complex vs. Multiple Offenses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple shootings of several victims constitute separate crimes, not a complex crime, under Article 48.
Habeas Corpus and Drug Offenses: Ensuring Fair Application of Penalties
A look at how the Supreme Court used habeas corpus to correct an excessive penalty for a minor drug offense.
Self-Defense and Unjustified Aggression: Evaluating Claims in Homicide Cases
When does self-defense hold in Philippine homicide cases? The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof and the elements required.
Accomplice vs Principal in Murder Cases: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is a principal rather than an accomplice in murder, and how complex crimes apply to multiple shootings.
Beyond Consanguinity: Redefining Consent in Familial Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Servo clarified that stepfathers can commit rape through moral ascendancy, not just physical force.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Extradition and Due Process: Balancing Treaty Obligations and Individual Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a prospective extraditee enjoys basic due process rights—notice and hearing—even during the executive evaluation stage of extradition proceedings.
Sheriffs Authority VS Abuse OF Power Defining Limits IN Foreclosure Proceedings
When can courts suspend public officials? Juan v. People clarifies preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law for election offenses.
Due Process in Dismissal: Protecting Government Employees From Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when dropping a government employee from the rolls for AWOL violates due process, and what evidence is required.
Deadline for Landowners Appealing Land Valuation Decisions Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Veterans Bank case clarifies the 15-day deadline for landowners to challenge DAR land valuation decisions before Special Agrarian Courts.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery to hold all participants equally liable for murder, even without each inflicting the fatal blow.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Graft Law Applies to Election Offenses
Unauthorized use of government property is fraud, so preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law applies even in election offense cases.
Navigating Legal Interest From Breach of Contract to Final Judgment Satisfaction
Understand how Philippine courts compute legal interest on money judgments, from breach of contract until full payment, based on Eastern Assurance v. Court of Appeals.
When Can a Motion to Dismiss Be Filed After Answer? Obando v. Figueras Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a motion to dismiss may be granted even after an answer is filed, and what happens when a party loses legal standing mid-case.
Physical Evidence Prevails Over Witness Testimony in Traffic Collision Liability
Supreme Court ruling on vehicular accidents: physical evidence outweighs biased witness testimony in determining fault and liability.
Land Valuation Disputes and Mandamus: Lessons from Land Bank v. Court of Appeals
When can a writ of mandamus compel the Land Bank to pay agrarian reform compensation? A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
When Medical Care Turns to Negligence: Understanding Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Medical Malpractice
The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur in medical malpractice through a patient who suffered brain damage during anesthesia before surgery.
Homicide or Murder: Decoding Treachery and Premeditation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and evident premeditation qualify a killing as murder, and when the crime remains homicide.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.