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.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
Due Process and the Day in Court: When a Party Is Denied Their Right to Be Heard
Explains when failure to attend trial or substitute counsel amounts to denial of due process, using Bernardo v. Court of Appeals.
When Sequestration Does Not Oust Trial Courts: PAGCOR v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sequestration alone does not strip regular courts of jurisdiction over ownership disputes involving sequestered assets.
Discharge of an Accomplice as a State Witness: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts' factual findings and witness credibility assessments are conclusive unless arbitrary, in a murder conviction.
Trial in Absentia and Due Process: Lessons from Parada vs. Judge Veneracion
When can trial proceed without the accused? The Supreme Court clarifies the constitutional requirements for trial in absentia in the Philippines.
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.
Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when laches and prescription can dismiss a property case, and why these defenses need full trial.
Injunctions and Land Disputes: When Courts Can Dismiss Property Claims
Learn when Philippine courts may dismiss land disputes on laches or prescription grounds, and why trial is often required.
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.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how trial court credibility findings and circumstantial evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Recanted Testimony and Conflicting Medical Reports: When Can a Rape Conviction Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court explains when recanted testimony and conflicting medical reports can justify a new trial in rape convictions.
Rape Conviction Understanding Credibility OF Witnesses AND Victim Testimony IN Philippine LAW
Philippine courts rely on credible witness testimony in rape cases. This article explains how trial courts assess victim credibility and prosecution evidence.
When Can a Municipal Trial Court Hear Your Case: Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to serve demand to vacate deprives MTCC of jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases.
Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt: When Convictions Get Overturned
The Supreme Court explains when flawed eyewitness testimony and trial court speculation require acquittal under the reasonable doubt standard.
Speedy Trial Rights, Dismissals, and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute violates due process and when double jeopardy protects the accused.
Judicial Accountability: Why Courts Must Follow Procedure in Capital Cases
Philippine Supreme Court annuls death sentence in rape case, reminding trial courts that guilty pleas in capital offenses require full evidentiary proof.
Judicial Delay Consequences for Judges and the Right to a Speedy Trial in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge liability for trial delays and the constitutional right to speedy trial in the Philippines.