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.
Strict Deadlines Matter Navigating SEC Appeals AND Corporate Liability FOR Unlicensed Brokers IN THE Philippin
When is a bank liable for breach of contract in a credit line dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conditional loan approvals and the duty of banks to exercise prudence in dealing with re
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Proximate Cause and the Weight of Victim Testimony
Explore how Philippine courts assess reasonable doubt in rape cases, focusing on victim credibility, alibi, and the rule on proximate cause.
Stepfather Convicted of Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Arsayo
A stepfather's rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter yields a qualified rape conviction, reclusion perpetua, and key lessons on evidence and penalties.
Supplemental Complaints and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Young v. Sy
The Supreme Court clarifies when supplemental complaints are allowed and why filing both an appeal and certiorari amounts to forum shopping.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: The Supreme Court on Testimony and Credibility
A look at how Philippine courts treat the testimony of child rape victims and the rules on credibility in these sensitive cases.
Union Rights vs Managerial Prerogatives: Defining Supervisory Roles in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who counts as a supervisory employee eligible to join a union, and the proper remedy for appealing labor decisions.
Doubt and Acquittal: Assessing Witness Credibility in Attempted Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Gerardo Biong of attempted murder, stressing that credible testimony, not just a credible witness, is required for conviction.
Proving Causation in Delayed Illness Claims: Philippine Employee Compensation Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide employee compensation claims when illness or death occurs years after employment ends, and what proof is required.
Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Disputes: Why a Reconstitution Case Doesn't Block Ownership Claims
A title reconstitution case doesn't settle ownership. Learn how res judicata applies in Philippine land disputes and protects your property rights.
Right to Present Evidence Ensures Fair Trial Despite Counsel's Absence
Supreme Court rules that a client's right to present evidence cannot be sacrificed due to counsel's absence, ensuring fair trial.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: What Philippine Courts Look For
When is a deed of sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the rules on equitable mortgage in Cirelos v. Hernandez.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
When Courts Deny Postponements: Due Process in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on when denying a motion for postponement violates due process, and what parties must show to get a resetting.
Mandatory Suspension of Public Officials: Falsification of Documents as Fraud Against Government Funds
Explaining Bustillo v. Sandiganbayan: when falsification of official documents triggers mandatory preventive suspension under RA 3019.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Intent to Kill: How Philippine Courts Determine Attempted and Frustrated Homicide
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from frustrated homicide through intent to kill, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived: People v. Flores
The Supreme Court rules that appellate courts cannot dismiss death penalty appeals for failure to file briefs, as review is mandatory.
Burden of Proof in Insurance Claims: Insurers Must Prove Policy Exclusions Apply
When an insurer denies a claim citing a policy exclusion, Philippine law requires the insurer to prove the exception applies—mere suspicion is not enough.