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.
Balancing Zealous Advocacy AND Honest Conduct Limits TO Protecting Client Interests
A lawyer’s duty to protect a client has limits: the Supreme Court reprimands counsel for using false statements in demand letters.
Rescission Rights When Developers Fail to Deliver on Property Sales
Buyers who fully paid for a lot can rescind the contract and recover the property's market value when the developer fails to deliver title.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: When Arrastre Operators Escape Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims, the burden of proof, and when arrastre operators may avoid liability.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Shared Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, making each participant equally liable for murder even without direct evidence of a prior agreement.
Grave Neglect of Duty in Public Office: The Samson De Leon Case
When does a public official's inaction become grave neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in this administrative law case.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Double Jeopardy and Speedy Trial Rights in the ASEAN Street Lighting Case
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on double jeopardy, speedy disposition, and amended informations in Braza v. Sandiganbayan.
Deceit and Syndicated Estafa: Distinguishing Simple Estafa From Large-Scale Swindling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fraud against a bank is simple estafa, not syndicated estafa under PD 1689.
Technical Malversation: Intent Not Required for Illegal Use of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies that illegal use of public funds under does not require intent, only the diversion of funds to another public purpose.
Finality of Judgment vs Newly Discovered Evidence in Homicide Cases
When a conviction becomes final, can newly discovered evidence reopen the case? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Judicial Accountability vs Erroneous Judgments: Protecting Judicial Independence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, erroneous judgments, and the constitutional protection of judicial independence.
Dual Office Holding: Constitutional Limits on Executive Appointments
Supreme Court rules Cabinet members cannot hold concurrent offices, even temporarily, under Section 13, Article VII of the Constitution.
Retrenchment Validity: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid retrenchment and when quitclaims bar illegal dismissal claims in Pepsi-Cola v. Molon.
Trust Receipt vs. Loan: When a Security Agreement Becomes a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a loan, affecting liability and criminal exposure.
Co-Ownership, Partition, and Prescription in Disputed Land Titles: Key Lessons from Figuracion
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies co-owners' rights to partition property, the limits of prescription, and why Torrens titles are not absolute.
Beneficial Judgments Extending Leniency to Co-Accused in Criminal Conspiracy
When one co-accused wins a favorable ruling on appeal, the benefit can extend to others—even those who withdrew their appeal. Here's how.
Shareholder Rights Demanding Corporate Transparency Through Inspection Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on stockholder inspection rights under Section 74 of the Corporation Code and the limits of judicial review of prosecutorial findings.
When Courts Can No Longer Enforce Agreements: The Difference Between Entrapment and Instigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when police buy-bust operations are legal entrapment versus illegal instigation, and why the distinction matters in drug cases.
Courts, Not Legislators, Set Just Compensation in Philippine Eminent Domain Cases
Supreme Court rules statutory caps like NPC's 10% easement limit cannot override judicial determination of just compensation.
Probable Cause vs Evidentiary Weight: The DOJ Secretary’s Review Power Delineated
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ Secretary oversteps by weighing evidence in a preliminary investigation, not just determining probable cause.
Redundancy Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Justification, Not Just Declare It
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers cannot simply declare redundancy—they must present substantial proof to justify dismissal.
Determining Fair Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Key Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Bautist
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bautista.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.