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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From Robbery With Homicide to Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, circumstantial evidence, and the distinction between attempted homicide and frustrated murder.
Judicial Ethics: When a Courtroom Brawl Leads to Sanctions for Unbecoming Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on two judges fighting over a table, and the ethical standards expected of every magistrate.
Speedy Trial Rights: Motion for Reinvestigation and Waiver of Timeliness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether filing a motion for reinvestigation waives the right to claim speedy disposition of cases.
Burden of Proof in Electricity Pilferage: Meralco Must Substantiate Tampering Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's burden to prove electricity pilferage before imposing differential billings on customers.
Surety Liability Survives Loan Extensions Under Continuing Guaranty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether loan extensions without a surety's consent extinguish liability under a continuing guaranty.
Accountability Despite Absence: Conspiracy and Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy can be inferred from concerted acts, making each participant liable for homicide even if only one is arrested.
Due Process in Labor Arbitration: The Unicraft Industries Case on Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process rights in voluntary arbitration, emphasizing the importance of fair hearings and the binding effect of party stipulations in labor disputes.
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Written Authority is Key: Upholding Property Rights in Corporate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why written consent matters in property deals involving mortgaged assets—and what parties must prove to claim possession.
Court Personnel Conduct: When Misconduct Warrants Suspension Even Without Criminal Charges
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of court employees for misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming a public officer.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Factor: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
Estoppel Bars Investor from Questioning Contract After Enjoying Its Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on estoppel: an investor cannot question a trading agreement's validity after benefiting from it and suffering losses.
Foreclosure Sales: Bank's Right to Possession After Redemption Period Ends
Supreme Court ruling on a bank's right to possession of foreclosed property after the redemption period expires without redemption.
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.
Spousal Liability in Estafa: Why Marriage Alone Does Not Prove Guilt
Supreme Court ruling: a husband's mere presence when his wife issued a bouncing check does not prove conspiracy in estafa.
Real Party in Interest: Establishing Legal Standing in Debt Recovery Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may file an action to revive a judgment and what must be proven.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When a Judge Denies a Timely Appeal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds that denying a notice of appeal filed within the reglementary period is gross ignorance of the law, even after the judge retires.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within the Prescribed Periods or Face Sanctions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that failing to decide a case on time is gross inefficiency, even without bad faith, and merits a fine.
Credibility of Witnesses: Relationship Does Not Imply Bias in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, relationship to victim, and alibi in murder case.
Corporate Name Confusion: Protecting Business Identity in the Philippines
When can the SEC compel a corporation to change its name? A Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar corporate names and public protection.
Conspiracy and Liability in Group Rape: Upholding Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in gang rape, holding non-participants liable for all acts committed by co-conspirators.
Disputed Birth Records and Filiation in Philippine Estate Administration
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a birth certificate from the local civil registry can be rejected as spurious when it conflicts with the copy kept by the Civil Registrar General.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Terminating a Contract Without Cause Can Still Trigger Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how terminating a contract without cause can still lead to damages liability under the abuse of right doctrine.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogatives: Employee Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee transfers, security of tenure, and management prerogatives explained in plain language.