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.
Ensuring Fair Representation: The Constitutionality of Legislative District Creation Based on Population
The Supreme Court struck down a law creating Malolos City's legislative district for failing the 250,000 population requirement and territorial contiguity rule.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.
When Court Personnel Face Misconduct: The Bengson Case on Private Dealings
Court employees must uphold integrity even in private deals. The Bengson case shows when misconduct applies.
Jurisdiction by Estoppel: When Active Court Participation Bars a Jurisdictional Challenge
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party's active participation in a case can bar it from later questioning the court's jurisdiction.
Written Stipulation Is Paramount: Examining Interest Rate Agreements in Loan Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when interest rates bind borrowers and when the 12% legal rate applies instead.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does Defense Become Unlawful Aggression
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails, examining unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and the point where defense becomes aggression.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.
Warrantless Arrest and Victim Identification in Robbery with Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a warrantless arrest is deemed waived and how victim identification is weighed in robbery with rape convictions.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists: A Win for Philippine Tourism
The Supreme Court upheld RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Confession and Circumstantial Evidence Sustaining Conviction in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a spontaneous confession is admissible and how circumstantial evidence alone can prove rape with homicide.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in the Philippines? The Cargill Case
The Cargill ruling clarifies when an unlicensed foreign corporation may sue in Philippine courts and what "doing business" means.
Sharia Courts and Property Disputes: Concurrent Jurisdiction in Muslim Mindanao
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that Sharia District Courts share jurisdiction with regular courts over real property cases involving Muslims.
When a Family Trust Fails: Proving Partnership and Ownership After Death
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to prove a partnership existed and who owns family assets when a relative dies without formal documents.
Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Partnership Disputes: Proving a Partnership Without a Formal Agreement
When no written partnership contract exists, courts look to conduct and circumstances. This case shows how to prove or disprove an informal partnership.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Lump Sum vs. Unit Price in Land Sales: The Del Prado v. Caballero Rule
Philippine land sale disputes often hinge on lump sum versus unit price contracts. The Supreme Court's ruling in Del Prado v. Caballero clarifies the rules.
Eminent Domain Revisited: When Expropriated Land Must Be Returned After Public Use Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when former owners can reclaim expropriated property if the public purpose is abandoned or never pursued.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
Buy-Bust Operations: Consistent Police Testimony Upheld in Drug Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions based on consistent police testimony in buy-bust operations, clarifying evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Confessions to Media and Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when media confessions and circumstantial evidence suffice to convict in robbery with homicide cases.
Filling Sanggunian Vacancies: The Strict Rules on Party Nomination and Membership
Supreme Court clarifies that filling Sanggunian vacancies requires bona fide party membership and nomination from the highest party official.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in Philippine Law
When can an employer be held liable for an employee's negligence? The Supreme Court explains the due diligence defense in Philippine Hawk v. Lee.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.