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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When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Physical Evidence Prevails Over Witness Testimony in Traffic Collision Liability
Supreme Court ruling on vehicular accidents: physical evidence outweighs biased witness testimony in determining fault and liability.
Land Valuation Disputes and Mandamus: Lessons from Land Bank v. Court of Appeals
When can a writ of mandamus compel the Land Bank to pay agrarian reform compensation? A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains.
Electrocution and Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative liability for electrocution, negligence, and damages under Philippine law.
Voluntary Appearance and Estoppel: How Jurisdictional Defects in Philippine Courts Can Be Cured
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary appearance and estoppel can cure jurisdictional defects in criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.
Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases When Actions Speak Louder Than Words
A look at the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in People v. More, which clarifies how conspiracy and self-defense are weighed in murder cases.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict an accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Protecting Your Home: Illegal Search and Seizure in Philippine Drug Cases
When police act on a tip without a warrant, evidence may be inadmissible. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on illegal searches.
Navigating Conflicting Supreme Court Decisions in Land Ownership Disputes
When two final Supreme Court rulings conflict, which prevails? The Adia case offers guidance on resolving land title disputes.
Invalid Government Appointments: How Unpublished Decrees Affect Public Servants' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how unpublished presidential decrees create no valid offices, and why automatic absorption of employees is unconstitutional.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: Upholding Fairness in Case Assignments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial impartiality and fair case assignments, protecting due process and public trust in courts.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
Victim Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases: People v. Flores
Philippine Supreme Court ruling in People v. Flores confirms a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient for conviction.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
When Judges Misapply Summary Procedure: Radomes v. Jakosalem and Judicial Accountability
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's error in applying summary procedure to grave coercion, and the duty of judges to know the law.
Missed the Deadline, Missed Justice: Why Timely Tax Ordinance Appeals Matter
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows why taxpayers must appeal local tax ordinances within 30 days or lose their chance to challenge them.
Appealing a Criminal Case in the Philippines: Understanding the Risk of Increased Penalties
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how appealing a criminal conviction can lead to increased penalties, not just a chance at acquittal.
How Eyewitness Credibility Decides Murder Cases in Philippine Courts
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
Ejectment and Your Business: Understanding Privity to Avoid Surprises
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a business can be bound by an ejectment case even if not named as a party-defendant.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.