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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Preliminary Injunctions in Probate: Protecting Estate Assets From Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when probate courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect estate assets from foreclosure.
Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Won't Intervene in Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review over the Ombudsman's power to dismiss criminal complaints for lack of probable cause.
Malicious Prosecution: Protecting Reputation and Business Interests From Unfounded Legal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing a baseless lawsuit becomes malicious prosecution, entitling victims to moral, exemplary, and compensatory damages.
Valid Retirement Plans: Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when company retirement plans are valid and binding on employees, balancing employer prerogative with worker protection.
Equitable Reduction of Excessive Interests: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairness in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reducing excessive interest rates in loan agreements, balancing contractual freedom with equity and fairness.
Credibility of Rape Victims in the Philippines: Why Minor Inconsistencies Don't Negate Truth
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy her credibility.
Insanity Plea in Philippine Law: Proving Mental Capacity at the Time of the Offense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense under Article 12(1) RPC, the burden of proof, and timing requirements for psychiatric examination.
Prescription Prevails Establishing Land Ownership Through Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how continuous, adverse possession can ripen into ownership through acquisitive prescription, defeating registered title claims.
Credit Card Fraud Liability in the Philippines: What Ermitaño v. BPI Means for Cardholders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card fraud liability: cardholders who promptly report lost cards aren't liable for unauthorized charges.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Key Lessons from People v. Cabigting
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape victim credibility, minor inconsistencies, medical evidence, and damages in People v. Cabigting.
Avoiding Forum Shopping: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Jeopardize Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how filing multiple cases over the same dispute can lead to dismissal for forum shopping, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Search Warrant Specificity: Protecting Businesses From Unreasonable Seizures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrants, particularity of items seized, and protection of businesses from unreasonable seizures.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Why Circumstantial Evidence Must Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused, clarifying that circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Sheriff's Duty in Property Attachment: Custody Rules and Misconduct Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff's duty to keep attached property in custody, not deposit it with the plaintiff.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Robbery With Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How circumstantial evidence can support a robbery with homicide conviction, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Piercing the Veil of Unregistered Organizations When Philippine Representatives Become Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when officers of unregistered associations face personal liability for organizational debts.
Ombudsman's Discretion: Understanding the Limits of Judicial Review in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ombudsman's discretionary power and the boundaries of judicial review in graft cases.
Breach of Trust: Parental Rape and Child Protection Laws in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, clarifying parental authority and rape laws.
Promissory Notes vs Loan Agreements: Legitimacy in Philippine Investment Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan documents are legitimate investments, using a disbarment case to explain forgery, consent, and moral character.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Vested Rights in Adoption: Why Filing Date Matters Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that adoption rights vest at filing, not decree. Learn the filing date rule and its practical impact.
Robbery With Homicide: When Theft Leads to Killing, Philippine Law Clarifies the Charge
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when separate robbery and murder charges should be a single special complex crime of robbery with homicide.
Conspiracy and Homicide in the Philippines: When Being Present Makes You a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in homicide: when presence and participation make you a principal, explained in plain language.
Finality of Judgment: When an Annulled Decision Can Be Reinstated
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a set-aside judgment may be reinstated and why final and executory rulings cannot be resurrected.