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.
Consolidation of Cases: Ensuring Comprehensive Justice and Preventing Inconsistent Rulings
When related cases involve the same parties, Philippine courts may order consolidation to ensure comprehensive, consistent resolution of all issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accommodation Mortgages and Redemption Rights: Limits of Debtor Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accommodation mortgagors' redemption rights and liability limits under P.D. 694 and Act 3135.
Improper Venue Nullifies Court Decision: Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that improper venue in real property cases can void a trial court's ruling and justify certiorari.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Convicting Based on Single Eyewitness Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a single eyewitness account suffices for conviction and why alibi fails without physical impossibility.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Summary Judgment and Forum Non Conveniens
Philippine courts explain when summary judgment is proper in enforcing foreign judgments and when forum non conveniens applies.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt In Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Cases
Learn how deceptive recruitment schemes establish guilt in large-scale illegal recruitment cases under Philippine law.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.
The Lone Testimony Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Delayed Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on the victim's credible lone testimony, despite a six-month delay in reporting the crime.
Preliminary Investigation Protecting Individual Rights Before Trial
Learn how preliminary investigation safeguards individual rights before trial, as explained in a Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Unconstitutional Confessions Protecting Rights IN Criminal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the admissibility of confessions and the protection of constitutional rights during criminal investigations.
When Business Disputes Turn Deadly Examining Criminal Liability IN Contractual Conflicts
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction in a rice dispute shows how execution of judgments can cross into misconduct.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of the Accuser and the Role of Physical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony suffices even without physical evidence and despite delayed reporting.
Unlawful Arrest Evidence Obtained From Illegal Search Deemed Inadmissible
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that evidence from a warrantless search is inadmissible when the preceding warrantless arrest was unlawful.
Airport Security Searches and Drug Possession: When Warrantless Arrests Fail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warrantless arrests, in flagrante delicto, and the exclusionary rule in drug possession cases.
Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: Proving the Crime Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts distinguish rape from acts of lasciviousness and what evidence proves carnal knowledge beyond reasonable doubt.
Intent Matters Distinguishing Robbery With Rape From Separate Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual assault followed by taking property is one complex crime or separate offenses.
Arbitration Clauses and Third Parties: When Courts Refuse to Stay Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration clauses bind only signatories and why courts may deny suspension of proceedings for non-parties.
The Perils of Verbal Land Deals: Why Written Authority Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how the Supreme Court protects small property owners from expropriation and why written authority is crucial in Philippine land deals.
Civil Liability After Acquittal When Reasonable Doubt Doesnt Erase Responsibility
When acquittal rests on reasonable doubt, civil liability may still stand. Learn how Philippine courts separate criminal from civil responsibility.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.