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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Contractual Obligations and Appeal Timeliness: Salendab v. Dela Peña
A look at Salendab v. Dela Peña on the binding force of contracts and the strict rules on appeal periods under Philippine procedure.
Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction: Key Insights from the Jorgenetics Replevin Case
How a defendant's post-dismissal motions can cure defective service of summons and revive a replevin case, per the Supreme Court.
Local Business Tax Situs and Jurisdiction: Lessons from the Villanueva v. STEAG Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified local business tax situs and why appeals in local tax cases must go to the CTA, not the CA.
Understanding Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in rape cases, and why a credible victim's testimony can sustain a conviction.
Navigating Public Procurement Laws: The Consequences of Violating RA 3019 and RA 9184
A Supreme Court ruling shows how bypassing competitive bidding in government procurement can lead to corruption and falsification convictions.
Void Judgments and Invalid Summons: Key Lessons from Titan Dragon Properties v. Veloso-Galenzoga
When summons is invalid, a court never gains jurisdiction—making any resulting judgment void and unenforceable.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, clarifying how minors are protected from sexual abuse.
Navigating Extraordinary and Miscellaneous Expenses: A Guide for Government Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies COA rules on EME reimbursements for GOCCs, emphasizing receipts over certifications and strict compliance.
Strict Timelines for Appealing COA Decisions: A Guide for Public Officials
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld strict COA appeal deadlines in Paguio v. COA, and what public officials must know about finality and disallowance liability.
Navigating the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the PAGCOR Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit powers over PAGCOR are limited by its charter, excluding operating expenses from coverage.
COA Disallowances and the Limits of Audit Power Over PAGCOR Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit jurisdiction over PAGCOR is limited to specific funds, not all corporate expenditures.
Chain of Custody and the Objective Test: Why Drug Convictions Fail
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused where the prosecution failed the objective test and chain of custody rules.
Quasi-Delict Liability After a Vehicular Accident: Lessons from Laza v. Standard Insurance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver is negligent in a collision, the rules on vicarious liability, and what it takes to overturn factual findings on appeal.
Understanding Witness Reliability in Criminal Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insanity defenses work in criminal cases and why witness credibility remains central to convictions.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
COMELEC Cannot Disqualify Candidates for Election Offenses: Erice v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC exceeded its jurisdiction in disqualifying a candidate for an election offense not listed under Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Quasi-Delict Claims and Negligence: Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies negligence standards in vehicular accidents, affirming insurer's right to recover repair costs from negligent driver and vehicle owner.
Understanding the Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme
A Supreme Court ruling on drug possession shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, is essential for conviction.
Evident Bad Faith in Government Contracts: The Sarion Case on Price Escalation
A mayor's approval of price escalation payments without NEDA and GPPB approval led to graft and malversation convictions.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: Insights from the Feliciano and Aquitania Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted water district officials of graft and malversation, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for good faith actions.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A mayor's conviction for graft and malversation over an illegal price escalation payment—key lessons on public fund disbursement.
When Foreclosure Threatens Your Home: Buyer Protection Under PD 957 Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court protects condominium and subdivision buyers from summary eviction through writs of possession after foreclosure.
Understanding Consent AND Credibility KEY Factors IN Philippine Rape Convictions
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.