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.
Lease or Disguised Sale: Recto Law Protects Lessees in Equipment Financing Agreements
When is a lease really a sale? The Supreme Court explains how the Recto Law shields lessees in disguised financing deals.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a sudden, unexpected attack, using a husband stabbing his sleeping wife as the defining example.
Condonation in Foreclosure: Defining the Scope and Effect of Debt Forgiveness
The Supreme Court clarifies when condonation of a deficiency after foreclosure takes effect and its scope, with practical lessons for debtors and creditors.
Credibility of Witnesses and Inconsistencies Between Affidavits and Court Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, affidavit-testimony inconsistencies, and penalties for rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Prosecute Public Officials: Galario v. Ombudsman
When can the Ombudsman charge a different offense than what was complained of? The Supreme Court explains in Galario v. Ombudsman.
Fixed-Term Employment: Employers Cannot Terminate Before Contract Expiry Without Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term employment: employers cannot terminate workers before contract expiry without just cause, even with waiver clauses.
Prejudicial Question in Philippine Courts: When Civil Cases Suspend Criminal Proceedings
Learn when Philippine courts suspend criminal cases due to prejudicial questions, and why appeal, not certiorari, is the proper remedy.
From Public Land to Private Right: Establishing Land Ownership Through Acquisitive Prescription
How long possession of alienable public land can ripen into private ownership, explained through a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Finality vs Appeal: When an Unreadable Decision Tolls the Appeal Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unreadable court decision interrupts the appeal period, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
Upholding Diligence: Court Stenographer Accountability in Transcription Accuracy
SC ruling on appeal timeliness when litigants receive unreadable court decisions, and the duty to ensure accurate transcripts.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Publication Requirement for Tax Ordinances: A Prerequisite to Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication of local tax ordinances is a condition precedent to their enforceability and collection.
Perfecting Your Appeal Understanding Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements after a petition is denied, and what this means for litigants in the Philippines.
Navigating Forum Shopping: The Consequences of Concealing Related Cases in Habeas Corpus Petitions
The Supreme Court explains why filing a habeas corpus petition while concealing a related certiorari case amounts to forum shopping, with serious consequences.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct: Soliciting Fees Under a Lawyer's Name
A court interpreter's dismissal for soliciting P15,000 under a lawyer's name underscores the judiciary's strict integrity standards.
Due Process in Dismissal: Written Notice and Hearing Requirements Explained
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural due process in employee dismissal and the limits of personal liability for corporate officers.
Beyond Oversight: Honest Mistake in Verification and Adherence to Court Mandates
SC clarifies that honest mistakes in verification do not excuse failure to attach adverse lower court orders under Rule 42.
When Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Conviction: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove parricide and intent to kill in People v. Castillo.
Untimely Appeal and Finality of Administrative Decisions: Lessons from Atty. Uy v. Villanueva
The Supreme Court rules on finality of administrative decisions, exhaustion of remedies, and employer liability in labor disputes.
Joint vs Solidary Obligations: What the Supreme Court Says About Liability in Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when multiple debtors are only jointly liable, not solidarily liable, under Philippine contract law.
Double Jeopardy: When a Gun Ban Violation Precludes Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban violation bars a separate illegal possession of firearms charge under RA 8294.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.