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.
Trust Receipts and Estafa in the Philippines: Understanding Liability and Compliance
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified trust receipt violations, estafa liability, and probable cause in Metrobank v. Tonda.
Good Faith and Falsification: When Honest Belief Defeats Criminal Intent in Public Documents
The Supreme Court in Layug v. Sandiganbayan ruled that good faith and absence of damage can defeat a falsification charge.
Reasonable Doubt and Due Process in Criminal Cases: The Arco Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court’s ruling in People v. Arco underscores the presumption of innocence and the prosecution’s burden in criminal cases.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Statutory Rape Cases: People v. Arco
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying how courts assess the credibility of a child witness's testimony.
Defining Kidnapping When Taking A Child Becomes A Crime IN THE Philippines
When does taking a child become kidnapping? The Supreme Court explains the elements of serious illegal detention under the Revised Penal Code.
Workplace Sexual Harassment in the Philippines: Substantial Evidence and Employee Rights
Understand how the Supreme Court protects employees in sexual harassment cases, applying substantial evidence in administrative proceedings.
National vs Local Amusement Tax: Who Taxes PBA Games in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that amusement tax on PBA games is a national tax, not a local one. Learn the legal basis.
Execution of Judgment in Ejectment Cases: Why the Court of Origin Matters
In ejectment cases, execution of an affirmed judgment generally belongs to the trial court of origin, not the appellate court. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why.
Speedy Trial Rights in Military Courts-Martial: Inordinate Delay and Waiver Explained
Understand when delay in military court-martial cases violates speedy trial rights, and how silence can waive constitutional protection.
Lis Pendens Cancellation in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
Learn when a Notice of Lis Pendens can be cancelled in the Philippines, the grounds under PD 1529, and key lessons from Yared v. Ilarde.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
Immediate Execution of RTC Ejectment Judgments: What the Supreme Court Has Held
When the RTC affirms an ejectment ruling, the order to vacate is immediately enforceable—even if the losing party appeals. Here's why.
When Judges Face Harassment Suits: The TRO Rules and Judicial Independence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative case against two RTC judges over TRO issuance, clarifying when judicial errors become disciplinary liability.
Fatal Motion Flaws: Notice of Hearing and Preserving Appeal Rights in Philippine Courts
A motion without notice of hearing is a "scrap of paper" that won't stop the appeal clock—learn the rules from PCIBank v. Court of Appeals.
Due Process in Preliminary Investigations: Raro v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that defects in a preliminary investigation do not automatically invalidate an information or violate due process.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Negligence in Patent Applications: How Attorney Laches Can Cost You Patent Rights
When lawyers fail to respond to patent office actions, applicants may lose their rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
Evidence Admissibility and Right to Counsel in Drug Cases: Gutang v. People
Supreme Court clarifies when signed receipts are inadmissible in drug cases and when drug test results remain valid evidence.
The Price of Silence: Witness Credibility and the Duty to Report in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's silence and lack of immediate report do not destroy credibility.
Pollution Adjudication Board Jurisdiction: Balancing Environmental Protection and Mining Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Pollution Adjudication Board retains jurisdiction over pollution cases involving mining operations, despite the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
When Can a Trial Court Resolve a Motion to Quash a Search Warrant Issued by Another Court?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies which court resolves a motion to quash a search warrant when the criminal case is pending in a different court.
Demurrer to Evidence Reversed on Appeal: When the Court Must Decide on the Plaintiff's Evidence
Learn the consequences when a demurrer to evidence is reversed on appeal and how judicial admissions can establish liability.
When Courts Overstep: The Illegality of Interfering With Appellate Jurisdiction Through Lis Pendens Cancellati
A judge who cancels a notice of lis pendens in a case on appeal interferes with appellate jurisdiction. Learn the rules and consequences.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Establishing Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, and why each conspirator is liable for the crimes committed by the group.