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.
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Implied Admission in Philippine Law: Navigating Requests for Admission in Civil Cases
When does a failure to respond to a Request for Admission trigger implied admission? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits under Rule 26.
Annulment of Judgment in Criminal Cases: Llamas v. Court of Appeals
When can a criminal conviction be annulled? The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 47 applies only to civil cases, not criminal ones.
Foreclosure Rights vs BP 22: Understanding Creditors' Remedies and Their Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment is only for civil cases, not criminal convictions like swindling.
Avoiding Double Jeopardy Distinct Offenses Arising From A Single ACT
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend criminal proceedings, and why rescission of a contract does not defeat a BP 22 prosecution.
Dishonored Checks and Unpaid Debts: Why a Civil Case Does Not Always Stop a Criminal Charge
A civil collection suit does not automatically suspend a criminal case for violation of B.P. Blg. 22. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Examining the Boundaries of Confidentiality and Professional Duty
A disbarment case clarifies when attorney-client privilege exists and why courts defer to pending civil cases.
Default Judgments and Due Process: The Imperative of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, procedural compliance, and the limits of post-judgment remedies in civil cases.
Proving Conspiracy in Civil Cases: Dutch Boy Philippines v. Seniel
A look at Dutch Boy Philippines v. Seniel on the burden of proving conspiracy in civil cases and the rules on damages awards.
Proving Fraud and Conspiracy in Civil Cases: The Dutch Boy Philippines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for proving fraud and conspiracy in civil cases, emphasizing preponderance of evidence and the presumption of good faith.
City Prosecutors Must Represent Local Governments: Urdaneta City Case on Private Counsel Ban
Supreme Court rules city prosecutors must represent local governments in civil cases, barring private counsel in Urdaneta dispute.
Valid Service of Summons on Government Agencies: Due Process in Civil Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in civil cases against government agencies through valid service of summons.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Who Can Speak for the Deceased: Legal Representation and Estate Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may substitute for a deceased party in civil cases, protecting estate rights and due process.
Burden of Proof in Civil Cases: Preponderance of Evidence Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in civil cases and why self-serving testimony cannot replace preponderance of evidence.
The Burden of Proof in Philippine Property Disputes: Lessons from Spouses Anchinges v. Spouses Albarillo
A family property dispute shows why courts require preponderance of evidence, not just claims, in Philippine civil cases.
Sheriffs Duty THE Imperative OF Timely Execution AND Reporting IN Civil Cases
Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law: Affirmative Testimony vs Denial
How Philippine courts weigh affirmative testimony against bare denial in criminal and civil cases, with practical guidance.
Dismissal for Failure to File Pre-Trial Brief: The Mandatory Nature of Procedural Rules in Civil Cases
Failure to file a pre-trial brief is a ground for dismissal with prejudice, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed in Vera v. Rigor.
Sovereign Solvency: Why the Republic Is Exempt From Attachment Bond Requirements
The Supreme Court affirms that the Republic of the Philippines, as a sovereign, is exempt from posting attachment bonds in civil cases.
Prejudicial Question in Philippine Courts: When Civil Cases Suspend Criminal Proceedings
Learn when Philippine courts suspend criminal cases due to prejudicial questions, and why appeal, not certiorari, is the proper remedy.
Valid Service of Summons and Corporate Due Process in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts ensure valid service of summons and corporate due process in civil cases, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: When Filing a Second Civil Case Backfires
The Supreme Court explains how filing a second case over the same vessel violated the rule against forum shopping and triggered res judicata.
Valid Service of Summons in Philippine Civil Cases: Velayo-Fong v. Velayo
The Supreme Court in Velayo-Fong v. Velayo explains when extraterritorial service of summons applies and why a process server's return is presumed regular.
Counterclaims and Forum Shopping: Why No Certification Is Needed for Defenses
Learn when a forum shopping certification is required in Philippine civil cases—and why counterclaims and defenses are exempt under the rules.