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.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence, clarifying the burden of proof in administrative cases against lawyers.
Understanding Treachery and Evidence in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decisi
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, circumstantial evidence, and CCTV authentication in murder convictions under Philippine law.
Child Custody Battles: Habeas Corpus and Forum Shopping in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies habeas corpus in child custody cases and penalizes forum shopping in Reyes v. Elquiero.
Judicial Efficiency Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case on Inefficiency and Ignorance of Law
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross inefficiency and ignorance of law offers key lessons on judicial accountability and case management.
Understanding the Crime of Using Falsified Documents in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the crime of using falsified documents, its elements, and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When Mental Age Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that statutory rape applies when the victim's mental age is below 12, even if the person is physically an adult.
Compromise Agreements and Execution: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when compromise judgments may be executed, the effect of res judicata, and limits on denying execution.
Understanding Bail and Recognizance Rules: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies bail, recognizance, and prisoner release during emergencies—key insights for criminal law.
Property Title Disputes and Notarial Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Administrative Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies notarial duties in property transactions, showing why proper identity verification matters in land disputes.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Understanding the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between rape, sexual assault, and lascivious conduct under Philippine law, offering key insights for child abuse cases.
Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Understanding Retrenchment Legal Requirements and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules: employers must prove serious losses, use fair criteria, and follow notice requirements.
Proving Zero-Rated Sales: Key Lessons from Deutsche Knowledge Services VAT Refund Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof needed for VAT refunds on zero-rated sales to foreign clients, citing Deutsche Knowledge Services case.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.
Understanding Double Jeopardy Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal of a criminal case does not trigger double jeopardy, using the Anti-Hazing Law case of Castañeda v. People.
The Critical Role of Notarization in Property Transactions: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A notary public who notarized a deed of sale involving parties who had long been dead was suspended and perpetually disqualified. Here's why notarization matters.
Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in murder cases, from credibility rules to appellate review standards.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Actual Contributions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in adulterous cohabitation, only actual joint contributions create co-ownership of property.
Mortgage Validity and Damage Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on mortgage validity despite notarization flaws and when damages are improperly awarded.