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.
Incestuous Rape Upholding THE Testimony OF Vulnerable Victims AND Addressing Familial Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for incestuous rape, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony and the State's duty to protect children from familial abuse.
When Courts Can Invalidate an Extrajudicial Settlement: The Tayco Case
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of extrajudicial settlement can be voided despite formal requirements being met.
Compromise Agreements: When Can a Court Modify a Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judgment by compromise can be modified, and why finality usually prevails.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Correcting Errors in Your Birth Certificate: A Guide to Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law handles corrections to birth certificate entries, including the difference between clerical fixes and substantial changes.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at what makes illegal recruitment a crime of economic sabotage, who can be held liable, and the penalties involved.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Filing Similar Cases Can Get Your Suit Dismissed
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why filing similar cases can lead to dismissal with prejudice.
Falsification of Public Documents: Presumption of Authorship Explained
Learn how Philippine courts presume authorship of falsified documents and why beneficiaries bear the burden of proof under Article 172.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Incomplete Witness Testimony: When Death Before Cross-Examination Makes Evidence Inadmissible
Philippine courts generally strike out a witness's direct testimony if the opposing party never gets to cross-examine. Dela Cruz v. Papa explains why.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape rules under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, including penalties and damages for child victims.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: Proving Ownership in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on burden of proof in inheritance disputes over titled land, and the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Ownership Through Deeds and Documents
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lost land title may be reconstituted from a deed of transfer, and what evidence suffices.
Liquidation Court Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank is placed under liquidation, all claims against it—including annulment and damages suits—must be filed with the liquidation court.
Conspiracy in Philippine Drug Cases: When Shared Intent Leads to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts prove conspiracy in drug cases, where coordinated actions can convict multiple persons even if drugs are found on only one.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Attorney Disbarment for Non-Payment of Debts: Ethical Standards in the Philippine Legal Profession
Philippine Supreme Court affirms gross misconduct finding against lawyer for unpaid debts, clarifying limits on double disbarment.
When Amparo Fails Balancing Rights AND Evidence IN Disappearance Cases
The writ of amparo protects life, liberty, and security. But what happens when the evidence is weak or the case is moot? This article explains the limits of amparo relief in Philippine courts.
Homeowners Associations vs Non-Members: HLURB Jurisdiction and CMP Benefits
When can a homeowners association evict non-members from CMP land? The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction in Eugenio v. Sta. Monica Riverside Homeowners Association.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
When Can You Compel Government Action: Understanding Mandamus in Philippine Law
Learn when Philippine courts issue mandamus to compel government action, the legal requirements, and practical limits of this extraordinary remedy.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.