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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, and what it means for prosecutions.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Conditions Precedent in Construction Arbitration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CIAC retains jurisdiction over construction disputes even when parties fail to comply with contractual conditions precedent like DAB referral.
Conjugal Property and Spousal Liability: Defining Benefit Under the Family Code
When can a spouse's personal debt be charged against conjugal property? The Supreme Court clarifies the Rule Under Article 122
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Marital Discord and Deadly Conspiracy: Establishing Parricide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Explore how Philippine courts convict parricide when a spouse conspires with a lover to kill, relying on circumstantial evidence.
Quashal vs Provisional Dismissal: Understanding the Nuances of Criminal Procedure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the key differences between a motion to quash and provisional dismissal under Rule 117, and why the time-bar rule does not apply to quashal orders.
Retirement Benefits: Employer's Duty Beyond Initial Retirement
Retired employee continues working; Supreme Court clarifies prescription, retirement pay computation, and employer obligations under Philippine law.
The Expert Witness Imperative: Proving Medical Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine courts require expert medical testimony to prove negligence in most malpractice cases. Learn the rules and practical steps.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Speedy Trial Rights: When Delay Is Not a Violation
The Supreme Court explains when delays in criminal prosecution do not violate the right to speedy trial, and the limits of double jeopardy.
Judge Suspended for Gross Ignorance of Law in Misapplying Contempt Powers
A judge's misuse of contempt powers—citing a prosecutor for indirect contempt when only direct contempt applied—led to a six-month suspension.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Delayed Witness Testimony and the Pursuit of Justice in Murder Cases
A delayed eyewitness affidavit doesn't automatically destroy credibility, the Supreme Court rules in People v. Cawaling, affirming a murder conviction.
Stay Orders in Corporate Rehabilitation: Why All Claims Against Distressed Firms Are Suspended
The Supreme Court explains why all claims against corporations under rehabilitation are suspended, regardless of when the claim arose.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales Registration NOT Always Required FOR Validity
The Supreme Court clarifies that registration of a deed of sale is not always required for a real estate sale to be valid between the parties.
Membership Termination in Non-Stock Corporations: Safeguarding Property Rights
The Calatagan Golf Club case clarifies that non-stock corporations must strictly follow their own by-laws before terminating membership or selling shares.
DNA Evidence and Paternity: Establishing Paternity Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court first applied the DNA Rules to confirm paternity and uphold a rape conviction.
Possession Is Key: Upholding Convictions Despite Warrantless Searches in Forestry Code Violations
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless seizures of lumber are valid and why mere possession without documents is a crime.
Falsification of Public Documents and Suspension Pendente Lite Under Anti-Graft Law
Explains when public officers may be suspended pendente lite for falsification of public documents involving fraud upon government funds.
Doubt Benefits The Accused When Witness Testimony Falls Short In Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains that reasonable doubt in rape cases arises when witness testimony is inconsistent, uncorroborated, or fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Can a Club Seize a Member's Share? The Valley Golf Case on By-Laws and Property Rights
A club cannot seize a fully paid membership share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing, says the Supreme Court.
Corporate Liability and Bouncing Checks: Clarifying the Scope of B.P. Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot be impleaded in B.P. 22 cases, but creditors may still pursue separate civil actions against them.
Accretion Rights and Innocent Purchasers: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accretion rights, reconveyance actions, and the protection of innocent purchasers for value in land disputes.
Hierarchy of Courts and the Right Venue for Legal Recourse: Lessons on Resolving Moot Issues
A Supreme Court ruling on the hierarchy of courts, proper venue for legal recourse, and how courts resolve issues that have become moot.
Victim Identification Trumps Alibi: The Eduarte Robbery Case
When a victim positively identifies a robber and chases him down, a mere denial and alibi cannot overcome credible testimony.