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.
The Right to Confrontation: Why Live Testimony Matters in Philippine Criminal Trials
The Supreme Court vacated a rape conviction because prosecutors used transcripts from another trial instead of presenting live witnesses, violating the accused's right to confrontation.
How Barangay Conciliation Affects Prescription Periods in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how filing a complaint with the barangay interrupts prescription periods for criminal offenses, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
Failure of Election Grounds and Remedies in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election and why election protests, not annulment, address fraud claims.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
The Binding Force of a Signed Affidavit of Full Payment and the Absence of Fraud in Subcontracting Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the binding effect of a signed affidavit of full payment and the absence of fraud in subcontracting agreements.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Reopening Cases for Fair Trial
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of a fair trial, courts may reopen the case to serve justice.
Attorney’s Lien in the Philippines: Can It Attach to Real Property?
Philippine law limits attorney’s liens to judgments and client documents—not land. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Mortgagee as Indispensable Party in Title Nullification Suits: Key Lessons
A mortgagee must be joined in suits to nullify a Torrens title; otherwise, the resulting judgment is void for lack of jurisdiction.
Judicial Ethics: When Can a Judge's Spouse Practice Law in His Court
Explore the ethical boundaries for judges' spouses practicing law, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: When Filing Multiple Petitions Backfires
Philippine Supreme Court explains forum shopping through a barangay captain's dismissed petition against an Ad Hoc Committee.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
Third-Party Claims in Philippine Execution Sales: Protecting Your Property
Learn how spouses and third parties can protect their property from wrongful execution sales in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Naguit v. Court of Appeals.
Prescription for Falsification of Public Documents: When the Clock Starts
Learn when the prescription period begins for falsification of public documents under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recebido v. People.
Expired Business Permit and Court-Ordered Reopening: The Mathay v. Felt Foods Rule
When a business permit expires, courts generally cannot compel an LGU to allow reopening—even if the closure order was questionable.
Escheat of Unclaimed Bank Deposits in the Philippines: Procedure and Due Process
Learn how Philippine escheat law works for unclaimed bank deposits, why publication is required, and why certiorari cannot replace a missed appeal.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Understanding Large-Scale Fraud and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal recruitment in large scale from estafa, the penalties involved, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Pactum Commissorium: Why Automatic Property Grab in Loan Agreements Is Illegal in the Philippines
Philippine law bans pactum commissorium—automatic property forfeiture in loans. Learn the rule, the Marino v. Salcedo case, and your rights.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.
Avoiding Forum Shopping: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Jeopardize Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how filing multiple cases over the same dispute can lead to dismissal for forum shopping, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Vehicle Owner Liability in Reckless Imprudence Cases: The Chavez v. Escañan Ruling
When is a vehicle owner liable in reckless imprudence cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the criminal-civil distinction in Chavez v. Escañan.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Release: Key Protections for Guarantors in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loan restructuring releases a surety from liability, and what guarantors must know about their rights.