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.
Forged Documents and Land Titles: Protecting Registered Owners From Fraudulent Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles under Republic Act No. 26, protecting registered owners from fraud.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Evidence Rules in Slight Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains self-defense burdens and when unoffered evidence may still be admitted in slight physical injuries cases.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith in Philippine Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, buyer good faith, and protecting land ownership rights.
Falsification of Public Documents: Balancing Expert Testimony and Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how NBI expert reports and due process rights interact in falsification preliminary investigations.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles under RA 26, easing rigid evidence standards after disasters.
Right to Present Evidence: Examining Forged Signatures in Graft Cases
Sandiganbayan's denial of a graft accused's request to have questioned documents examined by the NBI was grave abuse of discretion.
Incomplete Witness Testimony: When Death Before Cross-Examination Makes Evidence Inadmissible
Philippine courts generally strike out a witness's direct testimony if the opposing party never gets to cross-examine. Dela Cruz v. Papa explains why.
Proximate Cause in Homicide: Liability for Unintended Fatal Consequences
A punch that led to a fatal fall still means homicide. The Supreme Court explains proximate cause and criminal liability under Article 4 of the RPC.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.
Contract Interpretation: Plain Language Prevails Over Extrinsic Evidence
When contract terms are clear, courts must apply them literally. Extrinsic evidence cannot rewrite a written agreement.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Eyewitness Identification and Inconsistent Statements in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, minor inconsistencies, and alibi defenses in robbery with homicide convictions.
Formal Offer of Evidence: Why Failure Can End a Land Ownership Case
A missed deadline to formally offer evidence can doom a land dispute. Learn the rule from Heirs of Pasag v. Parocha.
Defective Land Titles: Good Faith Purchasers and Torrens System Fraud in the Philippines
When a land title traces to a fictitious source, even good faith buyers lose protection. Learn the rule from a 2007 Supreme Court case.
Unmasking Land Title Fraud Evidence and Due Diligence in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forged deeds, church death certificates as evidence, and due diligence in property disputes.
OFW Illegal Dismissal Claims and Forged Documents: Key Lessons from G & M Philippines v. Cuambot
The Supreme Court explains how forged payslips and resignation letters affect OFW illegal dismissal claims, and why doubts are resolved in favor of labor.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Adoption Requires Clear Parental Consent Protecting Family Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on adoption: biological parent's written consent is indispensable, and foreign documents must be authenticated.
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.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
Proving Loss of Filipino Citizenship in Election Disputes: The Matugas v. COMELEC Standard
What evidence proves a candidate lost Filipino citizenship? The Supreme Court's ruling in Matugas v. COMELEC sets the standard.
The Right to Confrontation: Why Live Testimony Matters in Philippine Criminal Trials
The Supreme Court vacated a rape conviction because prosecutors used transcripts from another trial instead of presenting live witnesses, violating the accused's right to confrontation.
Admission vs Confession: Key Distinctions in Philippine Criminal Evidence
Learn the legal difference between an admission and a confession in Philippine criminal cases, and why it matters for evidence and conviction.