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.
Service by Publication in the Philippines: Strict Rules for Valid Summons
Learn the strict requirements for valid service of summons by publication in the Philippines, and why procedural lapses can void court judgments.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Attempted Murder Based on Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a school principal of attempted murder, ruling that hearsay and unverified confessions cannot support a conviction based on circumstantial evidence.
Usury Law and Loan Obligations: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on 21% interest validity, 3% monthly surcharge nullity, and borrower obligations under the Usury Law.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
Novation Requires a Completely New and Valid Agreement: Loan Restructuring Lessons
The Supreme Court clarifies when restructuring a loan creates novation, and how usurious interest rates are treated under Philippine law.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Who Must Sign and Why It Matters
Learn who must sign the certification against forum shopping in Philippine cases, and why a defective signature can get a case dismissed.
Hazard Pay Eligibility: Defining Public Health Workers Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as public health workers for hazard pay under RA 7305, using the GSIS case as example.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Fencing Conviction Reversed: Proving Knowledge of Stolen Goods in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits jeweler of fencing, stressing the need for competent proof of value and knowledge that goods were stolen.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
Ombudsmans Discretion Investigating Complaints Against Public Officials IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's discretionary power to investigate complaints against public officials and the limits of judicial review.
Police Officer Convicted in Drug Sale: When Law Enforcers Face Aggravated Liability
A police officer's conviction for selling shabu shows how conspiracy works and why his uniform did not shield him from liability.
Election Law: Ensuring Canvass Board Legitimacy and Preventing Electoral Fraud
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to nullify proclamations by illegally constituted boards of canvassers and to order recounts to protect electoral integrity.
Guaranty vs Direct Liability: Who Pays the Debt When Loans Go South
Philippine law distinguishes guaranty from direct liability. Learn who pays when a borrower defaults and what this means for creditors and guarantors.
Accidental Shooting Intent and Liability in Firearm Mishaps Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide clarifies criminal liability when killings occur during heists, even if accidental.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability Even Without Inflicting the Fatal Blow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspirators in robbery with homicide are liable as principals even if they did not inflict the fatal wound.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Foreclosure Publication Requirements: Protecting Property Rights in Rural Bank Loans
Learn how strict publication rules in rural bank foreclosures protect property owners, and why buyers must verify possession before purchasing.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short: The Burden of Proof in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that conspiracy in robbery with homicide requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, but concerted acts establish liability.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and why treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law.
Accountability in Armed Robbery: Redefining Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal conspiracy in robbery with homicide, explaining liability for all participants and penalty rules.
Homicide and Reckless Imprudence: Understanding Included Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when reckless imprudence is a lesser included offense of homicide, and the limits of self-defense claims.
Accomplice Liability in Murder: When Presence Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires proof of concerted action for accomplice liability in murder. Learn from the Gialolo case.