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.
Failing to Object to Evidence: Waiver Rules in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why silence on inadmissible evidence means waiver, and how death before final judgment extinguishes liability.
Dynamite Fishing in the Philippines: Laws, Penalties, and the People vs. Vergara Case
Learn the Philippine law against dynamite fishing, penalties under P.D. 704, and key lessons from People vs. Vergara.
Self-Defense Claims in Parricide and Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
A father convicted of raping his daughter claimed self-defense. The Supreme Court explains why this defense fails in parricide and rape cases.
Back Taxes on Undeclared Improvements: What "Declared for the First Time" Means
The Supreme Court explains when local assessors may impose back taxes on previously undeclared building improvements under PD 464.
Perfecting an Appeal: Navigating the Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how jurisdictional requirements affect appeals in Philippine labor cases, with insights from recent Supreme Court rulings.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Evidence Beyond DNA
How Philippine courts prove paternity without DNA tests, using letters, birth certificates, and conduct, as shown in Pe Lim v. Court of Appeals.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Duplicate Cases Can Kill Your Labor Claim
Learn how filing duplicate labor cases amounts to forum shopping and leads to automatic dismissal under Philippine rules.
The Perils of Delayed Disclosure: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, voice recognition, and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.
Service of Court Decisions in the Philippines: The Laza Case and Due Process
Learn how Philippine courts rule on valid service of decisions, the "sufficient discretion" standard, and the Laza v. Court of Appeals case.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: The Tallado v. Racoma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Establishing Legal Marriage and Legitimacy in Inheritance Disputes: Balogbog v. Court of Appeals
How Philippine courts presume marriage and legitimacy in inheritance disputes, and what evidence can prove filiation when records are lost.
Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may excuse failure to exhaust administrative remedies, and why premature court actions get dismissed.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
Ejectment of Possessors by Tolerance: Guardians, Wills, and Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a guardian may eject possessors by tolerance, and why an unprobated will does not defeat an unlawful detainer suit.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Mixed Union Membership When Supervisors Cant Join Rank AND File Unions IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a union mixing rank-and-file and supervisory employees cannot file for certification election.
Laches and Prescription in Land Cases: What the Supreme Court Said in Españo v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains why laches and prescription are factual defenses that usually require full trial, not summary dismissal.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
Reclusion Perpetua in Philippine Law: Why It Remains an Indivisible Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty despite RA 7659, explaining its true duration and application in drug cases.
Independent Counsel Safeguarding Rights In Philippine Custodial Investigations
The Supreme Court acquits two accused whose confessions were taken with the help of an NBI job applicant, not independent counsel.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.