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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Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decision Making in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within reglementary periods. This article examines a Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and its consequences.
When Courts, Not the SEC, Decide Succession and Corporate Veil Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when inheritance claims against a corporation belong in regular courts, not the SEC.
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling: a government employee who returns missing funds can still be dismissed for dishonesty. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Challenging Land Titles: When Prior Owners Can Reclaim Property Obtained Through Fraudulent Patents
Learn when prior owners can nullify fraudulent free patents and reclaim titled land, based on a 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
When Can the President Reorganize Government Agencies? The Mabalot Case on LTFRB and DOTC Powers
Supreme Court ruling on the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, explained for non-lawyers.
Court Personnel Accountability: The Duty to Safeguard Case Exhibits
A Supreme Court ruling on the duty of branch clerks of court and court personnel to safely keep case exhibits, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Rape Shield Laws Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases clarifies that exact dates need not be alleged, but victim's minority must be for death penalty.
Custody and Accountability: When Election Officers Take Ballot Boxes Home
A Supreme Court ruling reminds poll officials that taking ballot boxes home without COMELEC authority is a criminal offense, even if the boxes are returned later.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Treachery in Philippine Murder Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unprovoked attacks qualify as treachery, elevating homicide to murder in the Philippines.
DENR Authority Prevails: Confiscation of Vehicles Used in Illegal Logging
Supreme Court ruling on DENR's exclusive authority to confiscate vehicles used in illegal logging under Section 68-A of PD 705.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Ensuring Voluntariness and Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when extrajudicial confessions are admissible, focusing on voluntariness and the right to competent and independent counsel.
Rape and the Perversion of Trust: How Relationship and Minority Affect Sentencing
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a stepfather's rape of minors is penalized, and why precise allegations matter.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Illness: Balancing Accountability in Case Disposition
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's serious illness can mitigate—but not excuse—delays in deciding cases, and the clerk of court's separate duty to keep the docket moving.
Deadline or Justice: The Strict Timeline for Challenging Tax Laws
A Supreme Court ruling on the mandatory 30-day window to appeal local tax ordinances and when procedural rules may be relaxed.
Proving Rape in the Philippines: Why a Victim's Testimony Can Convict Without Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining when physical evidence is not required for conviction.
Upholding Surety Agreements: Corporate Debts Bind Individual Guarantors
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers who sign surety agreements become personally liable for corporate debts.
Corporate Dissension and the Limits of Rescission: How Investment Disputes Can Trigger Liquidation
Explore how corporate dissension can lead to liquidation, the limits of rescission in investment disputes, and key legal principles from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Local Union Disaffiliation Rights: Philippine Skylanders vs NLRC Explained
Supreme Court ruling on local unions' right to disaffiliate from mother federations, and when disaffiliation is valid under Philippine labor law.
Escheat Proceedings and the 5-Year Limit on Claiming Property After State Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 5-year statute of limitations for claiming property after escheat proceedings, explained in plain language.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Estafa and BP 22 in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bouncing check leads to both estafa and BP 22 violations, and how penalties are computed.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Accountability for Negligence and Incompetence in the Judiciary
Court personnel must meet strict standards of efficiency and integrity. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence and incompetence.
Fraud in Free Patent Application Makes Land Title Voidable: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a free patent obtained through fraud and misrepresentation is voidable, protecting co-owners' rights.
Dacion en Pago: Why Mutual Consent Is Essential to Extinguish a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dacion en pago, requiring mutual consent between debtor and creditor to extinguish an obligation.