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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Receivers' Duty to Preserve Sequestered Assets: Lessons from Republic v. Benedicto
When the PCGG sequestered Benedicto's golf club shares, unpaid dues led to their auction. The Court ruled receivers must preserve asset value.
Concurrent Jurisdiction IN Habeas Corpus Protecting Minors Welfare Beyond Territorial Limits
Forcible Entry vs Recovery of Ownership: Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is forcible entry (MTC jurisdiction) or recovery of ownership (RTC jurisdiction).
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Rabanal v. People and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court's ruling in Rabanal v. People shows how inconsistent eyewitness testimony and contradicting physical evidence can lead to acquittal.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction and Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes and what evidence proves tenancy and ownership rights.
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
Retrenchment in Philippine Labor Law: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for valid retrenchment and redundancy, and the consequences of bad-faith dismissals.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Strict Liability and the Comelec Gun Ban: Why Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
The Supreme Court explains why carrying a firearm during an election period without a permit is a strict liability offense under COMELEC Resolution No. 2323.
Understanding Judicial Delay and Accountability Through a Landmark Philippine Rape Conviction
A father's rape conviction highlights Philippine rules on judicial delay, information amendment, and accountability in criminal procedure.
Court of Appeals Cannot Stop a Writ of Possession Through a Standalone Injunction Petition
A buyer who fully paid for foreclosed condominium units cannot ask the Court of Appeals for a standalone preliminary injunction to stop a writ of possession. Jurisdiction rules explained.
Beyond Deceit: Why Efficient Cause Is Key to Estafa Convictions in the Philippines
A disbarment case clarifies that mere possession of property isn't enough for estafa; deceit must be the efficient cause of the loss.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
Why strict compliance with procedural rules matters in Philippine litigation, as shown in Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo.
Judicial Ethics and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with procedural rules in certiorari petitions and the importance of judicial ethics in the Philippines.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: The Case of Frustrated Homicide in the Philippines
When does a frustrated homicide conviction lead to disbarment? The Supreme Court explains moral turpitude and a lawyer's duty of good character.
Protecting Your Pawned Items: Understanding Proper Auction Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect judgment debtors' property through strict rules on sheriff auctions, garnishment, and payment handling.
Dismissed Appeal: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory and jurisdictional—late payment can kill an appeal.
Comelec Jurisdiction Over Plebiscites Ensuring Electoral Integrity Beyond Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s exclusive jurisdiction over plebiscite disputes, upholding its authority to revise ballots and declare results.
Conflict of Interest in Philippine Law: Client Loyalty and the Cabucana Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's representation of opposing parties violates Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court rules Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties when committed through ICT.
Statutory Rape and Circumstantial Evidence: How Philippine Courts Weigh a Child's Testimony
In a 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed statutory rape convictions based largely on the child victim's testimony. Here is what the decision teaches.
Customs Jurisdiction Prevails Challenging Seizure AND Forfeiture Powers OF THE Bureau OF Customs
Landmark ruling clarifies that RTCs cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings, even if the warrant appears defective.