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.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: Proving Guilt Without Eyewitnesses
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in murder and arson cases, explained through the Camarse ruling.
Residency Requirements for Government Positions: The Binay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court’s ruling in CSC v. Binay clarifies residency rules for local government appointments and why accuracy in your Personal Data Sheet matters.
Questioning a Search Warrant Is Not Obstruction of Justice: Fua v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a governor of obstruction of justice, ruling that questioning a search warrant's legality is a protected right, not a crime.
Proving Filing by Registered Mail: Timely Submission of Pleadings in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove the filing date of pleadings sent by registered mail, and why a postmaster's certification may not suffice.
Financial Support and VAWC: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for criminal liability under RA 9262.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Prescription Periods and Proving Work-Related Death
Learn the strict rules on prescription and compensability in seafarer death benefit claims, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Money Laundering: Knowledge of Unlawful Proceeds, Not Clean Appearance, Determines Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering guilt hinges on knowing proceeds are from unlawful activity, not on making them look clean.
Enforcing Debt Obligations: Promissory Notes and Checks as Evidence in Sales Transactions
Supreme Court rules promissory notes and dishonored checks can prove a sale and enforce payment, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Upholding Honesty in Court: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements
A lawyer's false denial of a compromise agreement led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that candor to courts is non-negotiable.
Disbarment for Dishonesty: Lawyer Forged Receipt, Kept Client's Payment
A lawyer was disbarred for forging an acknowledgment receipt and keeping a client's P213,750 judgment payment, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Forging Receipts
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for misappropriating client's payment, forging receipts, and deceiving the court in violation of the CPR.
Redefining Rape Anatomical Thresholds and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the exact anatomical threshold distinguishing attempted from consummated rape through penile penetration, and reaffirms victim testimony standards.
When a Revenue Officer Lacks Authority: The LOA Requirement in Tax Audits
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a new Letter of Authority is required when tax investigations are reassigned to another revenue officer.
Attempted Trafficking in Persons: When Simulating a Birth and Taking Custody of a Child Leads to Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when simulating a birth and acquiring custody of a child constitutes attempted trafficking in persons under Philippine law.
Family Home Exemption From Execution: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies family home exemption from execution, requiring proof of actual occupancy and compliance with Family Code.
Accreditation of Government Service After Retirement: The CSC v. Annang Rule
Retired government workers cannot seek accreditation of prior contract-of-service work. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
When Is a Family Home Exempt from Execution? Key Lessons from Taruc v. Maximo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family home is exempt from execution and what evidence a judgment debtor must present to claim the exemption.
Limits to Zealous Advocacy: Offensive Language in Pleadings Warrants Suspension
Supreme Court reminds lawyers that zealous advocacy has limits—offensive language in pleadings violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and warrants suspension.
When Zealous Advocacy Turns Abusive: Disciplining Lawyers for Offensive Language
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between vigorous advocacy and offensive language in pleadings, disciplining a lawyer for intemperate remarks.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Interest on Overdue Accounts: Clarifying the Scope of Legal Interest and Unconscionability in Sales of Goods
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to stipulated interest and how courts determine unconscionable rates in sales transactions.