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.
Treachery and Accountability: Examining Guilt in the Santa Elena Murders
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed murder and frustrated murder convictions, applying treachery rules in the Santa Elena killings.
Dismissal vs Compassion: Balancing Employee Misconduct and Employment Security
The Supreme Court ruled that dismissal was too harsh for an employee's lapses during family crises, affirming that compassion tempers discipline.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Copyright Infringement and Prescription: What Retailers Should Know
A look at how filing a complaint with the DOJ interrupts prescription, and what it means for retailers accused of selling counterfeit goods.
Postdated Checks and Estafa: When a Bouncing Check Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing postdated checks with insufficient funds constitutes estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Medical Certificate Authentication: Proving Physical Injuries in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat medical certificates as evidence, why authentication matters, and what Postanes v. People teaches litigants.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes: The Decisive Moment of Filing Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on why filing the wrong remedy — or the right one too late — can end a labor case before the merits are ever reached.
Tax Declarations as Indicia of Possession: Lessons from Leoncio v. De Vera
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax declarations as evidence of possession and ownership in land reconveyance cases.
Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: The Manila Oil Depot Relocation Case
The Supreme Court upheld Manila's Ordinance No. 8027, ordering oil companies to relocate from Pandacan, balancing public safety with business interests.
Corporate Rehabilitation, Foreclosure, and Judicial Independence: Key Lessons from Rombe Eximtrade
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against foreclosure after a rehabilitation case is dismissed.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Misusing Entrusted Funds Becomes Theft in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when misappropriating funds received for a specific purpose constitutes theft rather than estafa.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
BPI v. Reyes: Physical Evidence Prevails in Bank Deposit Dispute
Supreme Court explains preponderance of evidence in bank deposit disputes, ruling physical evidence outweighs bare testimony.
Teachers Reassignment Balancing Rights AND Educational Needs
Explains when public school teachers may be validly transferred or reassigned, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Superintendent of City Schools v. Azarcon.
Rape Conviction: Why Specificity in Criminal Charges and Evidence Matters
A look at People v. Zamoraga, where the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony and precise charges secure a guilty verdict.
Finality Prevails Withdrawing Appeal Bars Subsequent Modification of Judgment
Withdrawing an appeal makes a judgment final and executory. The Supreme Court explains why courts cannot later modify it.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond and Jurisdictional Requirements
Posting an appeal bond is jurisdictional in labor cases. A late bond means no appeal, and the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
Rehabilitation Proceedings: The "Serious Financial Situation" Requirement for Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "serious situation test" for corporate rehabilitation petitions under the Interim Rules, citing Pryce Corporation v. Court of Appeals.
Burden of Proof: Uncorroborated Testimony Insufficient to Establish Liability in Damages Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a plaintiff's sole, uncorroborated testimony cannot establish liability in a damages claim.
Protecting Children Credibility IN Rape AND Lasciviousness Cases Involving Minors
The Supreme Court affirms that minor inconsistencies do not destroy a child rape victim's credibility, explaining why delay in reporting is justified.
Delaying Tactics Unveiled: Repeated Motions to Quash in Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that repeated motions to quash and inhibit judges are delaying tactics that impede justice.