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.
Sexual Assault Credibility and Victim Rights in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in sexual assault cases, safeguard victim rights, and determine proper charges and penalties.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments and Procedural Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Learn how missing appeal deadlines makes judgments final and binding, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on union elections as guide.
Finality of DARAB Decisions: No Reopening Despite Alleged Errors
A final DARAB ruling is immutable. Learn why the Supreme Court barred a tenant from reopening his case despite claims of jurisdictional errors.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Grandfather's Betrayal of Trust and the Testimony of a Child Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, relying on the credible testimony of his young granddaughter and medical evidence.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Navigating the Boundaries of Forum Shopping: Ensuring Integrity in Legal Advocacy
A lawyer's filing of two annulment cases raises forum shopping questions. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule and its limits.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
Court Personnel Accountability: Dismissal for Fund Shortages and Dishonesty
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for P147,972.60 in fund shortages, missing receipts, and dishonest collection practices.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
Grave Threats vs. Light Threats: The Caluag Case on Gun-Pointing in the Philippines
When does pointing a gun become a grave threat? The Caluag case clarifies the legal line between grave and light threats under Philippine law.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Judicial Efficiency: The Mandate for Timely Resolution of Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to decide cases is mandatory, not merely directory.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Child Rape Victims and the Validity of Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that delayed reporting by child rape victims does not weaken credibility, explaining why silence is not acquiescence.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Eligibility: Clarifying the Requirements for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens by birth may run for public office by merely filing a certificate of candidacy, without renouncing foreign citizenship.
Reconveyance Actions and Good Faith: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and good faith in reconveyance actions, protecting banks that rely on court-issued titles.