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.
Motion to Dismiss Trap: Why Filing One Can Waive Your Right to Claim Damages in Philippine Courts
Learn how filing a motion to dismiss in Philippine courts can waive your right to claim damages, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Positive Eyewitness ID Trumps Alibi Conviction Upheld IN Philippine Robbery Rape Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of nurse-aide who assaulted a schizophrenic patient, rejecting alibi and upholding the victim's positive identification.
Immediate Execution of RTC Ejectment Judgments: What the Supreme Court Has Held
When the RTC affirms an ejectment ruling, the order to vacate is immediately enforceable—even if the losing party appeals. Here's why.
Can a Notary Public Also Be a Witness? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine law generally allows a notary public to also witness the documents they notarize, except for wills. Learn the rules and limits.
Murder or Homicide: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder, using the Antonio v. People case as a guide.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Bail in Capital Offenses: The Mandatory Hearing Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must hold a hearing before granting bail in capital offenses like rape.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Why RTCs Always Have Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that expropriation suits are incapable of pecuniary estimation, so RTCs have exclusive jurisdiction regardless of property value.
Intrafamilial Trust Betrayal Overcoming Testimony Inconsistencies IN Incestuous Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony against minor inconsistencies, and why credibility prevails over trivial contradictions.
Voluntary Submission Cures Procedural Defects in Administrative Cases
Learn how voluntary participation in administrative proceedings can cure procedural defects, as ruled in NAPOLCOM v. Bernabe.
Due Process in Bail Applications: The Mandatory Hearing for Capital Offenses
Bail in capital offenses requires a mandatory hearing to determine if evidence of guilt is strong. Learn the rules from Narciso v. Sta. Romana-Cruz.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Courts Defer to Anti-Graft Investigations
Philippine courts defer to Ombudsman findings in anti-graft cases absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn from Morong Water District.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Intoxication and Criminal Liability: Lessons from People v. Acaya
The Supreme Court clarifies how intoxication affects criminal liability, treachery, and penalties in a Philippine homicide case.
Protecting the Defenseless: Upholding Conviction for Child Rape Despite Claims of Unreliable Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child of tender years can be a credible witness, upholding a conviction for acts of lasciviousness against a minor.
Child Witnesses and Acts of Lasciviousness: The Dulla Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child can testify and how acts of lasciviousness differ from rape in this 2000 ruling.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Notarial Duty and Due Diligence: Attorneys Cannot Notarize Documents They Sign for Others
A lawyer who signs a verification for clients and then notarizes it violates the Notarial Law. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a notary's duties.
When Family Ties Meet Election Law: Disqualification for Acts of Terrorism
A spouse can be disqualified from office for election terrorism committed by her husband when the acts enhance her candidacy.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Tourist Duty Free Shops v. Sandiganbayan: Limits of PCGG Sequestration and Litis Pendentia
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia applies and the limits of PCGG sequestration powers over corporations.
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.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Age of Consent in the Philippines: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims under 12, and why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a prosecution.