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.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Does a New Agreement Cancel the Old
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a new contract cancels an old one, and why novation is never presumed in law.
When Delayed Justice Becomes Administrative Liability: The Case of Judge Aquino
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for failing to decide cases within the reglementary period, reaffirming that delayed justice is denied justice.
Sole Testimony of a Rape Victim: The Hofileña Case and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence holds that the sole, credible testimony of a rape victim can sustain a conviction. Learn the rules from People v. Hofileña.
When Can You Compel Government Agencies to Issue Regulations? A Mandamus Guide
Learn when Philippine courts will issue mandamus to compel agencies to act, and when they will not, based on the Pacheco v. SRA ruling.
When Does an Agreement Become Legally Binding? The BF Homes Case on Perfected Contracts
Learn when a contract becomes legally binding in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's BF Homes ruling on homeowners' rights and jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Entities: Summons and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts validly exercise jurisdiction over foreign corporations? The Banco do Brasil case explains the rules on summons and due process.
Non-Compete Clauses and Preliminary Injunctions: Time Limits and Mootness in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how non-compete clauses affect preliminary injunction validity, time limits, and mootness in employment disputes.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to revive his case fails—what the Supreme Court's ruling means for finality of judgments and enforcement.
Homicide VS Murder Distinguishing Elements AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish homicide from murder, and why the prosecution bears the burden of proof in every criminal case.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in criminal convictions.
Checks Issued as Guarantee Still Fall Under B.P. 22; Judge Suspended for Partiality
Supreme Court rules checks issued as guarantee are still covered by B.P. 22, and suspends a judge for partiality and gross ignorance of the law.
Rape Conviction: Positive Identification and the Relative Standard of Force and Intimidation
The Supreme Court explains how a rape victim's positive identification and the relative nature of force and intimidation can secure a conviction.
Verbal Contracts in the Philippines: Why Written Agreements Win in Court
Verbal contracts are valid in the Philippines but hard to prove. Learn from Romago v. Court of Appeals why written agreements prevail.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injuries, Consent, and Intimidation Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that lack of physical injuries and absence of resistance do not negate rape when intimidation is present.
Finality Prevails: Enforcing Judgments and Preventing Alterations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final judgments are immutable and why execution must strictly follow the dispositive portion.
Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employer Employee Damage Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters, not regular courts, have exclusive jurisdiction over employer damage claims arising from employment.
Forcible Abduction With Rape: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's alibi and denial.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Judicial Corruption Upholding Integrity IN THE Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court reprimands a judge for impropriety, misdemeanor, and gross ignorance of law in Tapiru v. Biden.
Second Marriages and Absent Spouses: Validity Under the Civil Code Explained
When a first spouse disappears, can a second marriage be valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Civil Code.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Forcible Abduction vs Rape: Distinguishing Intent and Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Abalde clarifies statutory rape, force, intimidation, and evidence standards in sexual assault cases.
Oral Partition and Estoppel: When Long-Standing Property Agreements Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, estoppel, and long-standing property agreements in Philippine civil law.