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.
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.
When Can Courts Dismiss a Case for Failure to Prosecute? A Land Registration Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for dismissing a case for failure to prosecute, using a land registration dispute as the backdrop.
Self-Defense vs Homicide: Understanding Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and homicide stands, explaining unlawful aggression, dying declarations, and criminal liability.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Presumption of Regularity vs. Misconduct Claims: Integrity in Court Execution
Learn how the presumption of regularity in official duty interacts with misconduct allegations in administrative cases, from a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Why Police Procedure Matters: Acquittal in Drug Cases and the Weight of Evidence
A buy-bust operation's failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 led to an acquittal. Learn the rules on evidence integrity.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
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.
Administrative vs Criminal Liability: Why Dismissal of One Does Not Dismiss the Other
A single act can trigger both administrative and criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why dismissal of one does not automatically end the other.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.
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.
Extinguishment of Debt by Overpayment and Nullification of Extrajudicial Foreclosure
When overpayment extinguishes a mortgage debt, a foreclosure based on alleged default has no legal basis and may be voided.
Filial Privilege When CAN A Child Testify Against A Parent IN Philippine Courts
Philippine law on when a child may testify against a parent in court, explained in plain language for lay readers.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules When Amended Laws Affect Pending Cases
When procedural rules change mid-case, retroactivity applies. Learn how the Supreme Court resolved this in Siena Realty.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence Proving Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a dying victim names her assailant, that statement can convict—but only if the prosecution proves every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Conduct When Judges Overstep Boundaries In Replevin Cases
A judge's delay in deciding an ejectment case leads to reprimand, clarifying judicial accountability versus judicial errors.
Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.
Dying Declarations and Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible and when extrajudicial confessions are not in murder prosecutions.
Unseen Eyes Unspoken Truths: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape with homicide, using the 1999 Bantilan case.
Employer-Employee Relationship and the Control Test: Lessons from Villa v. NLRC
The Supreme Court's ruling in Villa v. NLRC clarifies the control test in employer-employee relationships and the rules on evidence in illegal dismissal cases.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Demystifying Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Is It the Right Remedy for Your Land Dispute
Learn when Philippine courts allow quieting of title actions, what the requisites are, and whether this remedy fits your land dispute.
Minor Inconsistencies and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts treat minor inconsistencies in rape victim testimony, and why small discrepancies can strengthen rather than destroy credibility.