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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Histrionic Personality Disorder as Ground for Nullity: Understanding Marital Obligations and Psychological Inc
The Supreme Court affirms that histrionic personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36, explaining the standards for declaring a marriage void.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Insanity Defense and Mental State at the Time of the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for insanity defense and mental state in criminal cases, using People v. Rupal as a guide.
Foreclosure Sales and Repurchase Rights: Understanding Bank Discretion in Asset Disposition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that after the redemption period expires, former owners have no enforceable right to repurchase foreclosed property from the bank.
Upholding Ethical Standards When Personal Conduct Impacts A Lawyers Professional Standing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for conduct unbecoming, even without proof of sexual immorality.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Judicial Retirement Benefits: Tacking Leave Credits for Optional Retirees
The Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirees may tack earned leave credits to increase longevity pay, settling a longstanding issue.
Self Defense Claim Fails Understanding Unlawful Aggression IN Philippine Homicide LAW
Philippine Supreme Court explains why self-defense failed in a murder case, focusing on the crucial element of unlawful aggression.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Annulling Extrajudicial Settlements for Lack of Informed Consent
The Supreme Court annuls an extrajudicial settlement where an illiterate heir signed without understanding its terms, protecting vulnerable parties.
Bail VS Trial Understanding THE Standard OF Proof IN Provisional Liberty Petitions
When Trespassers Meet Prior Court Rulings Understanding Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property disputes involving trespassers and prior rulings, and what it means for landowners.
Good Faith Belief and Lack of Intent: Understanding Theft in Corporate Contexts
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith belief in authority negates theft intent and owner consent in corporate settings.
Diminished Liability Understanding Homicide Conviction In Spontaneous Altercations
The Supreme Court explains when spontaneous fights reduce homicide liability, and when treachery still qualifies murder despite provocation.
CO Ownership AND THE Right TO Alienate Understanding Property Partition IN THE Philippines
Hierarchy of Courts and Locus Standi When Constitutional Issues Override Procedural Rules
Explaining when the Supreme Court allows direct petitions despite the hierarchy of courts and relaxed standing rules in constitutional cases.
Annulment of Free Patents vs Reversion: Who May Sue and When
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between annulment of free patents and reversion actions, and who has the legal standing to file each.
Redundancy Programs and Employee Rights: Understanding Valid Dismissals and Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid redundancy programs, separation pay, quitclaims, and GSIS gratuity pay in PNB v. Dalmacio.
Telegraphic Transfers and Bank Liability: Understanding the Limits of Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's duty ends in telegraphic transfers and why courts cannot rule on unpleaded negligence claims.
Perfecting Land Sales Understanding Contractual Obligations AND Legal Timelines IN Philippine Property LAW
Learn the legal rules on perfecting land sales in the Philippines, including contractual obligations and critical timelines under property law.
Voluntary Retirement VS Illegal Dismissal Understanding Employee Consent IN Retirement Plans
Bigamy and Void Ab Initio Marriages: The Crucial Role of Legal Standing in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on bigamy highlights why only the Solicitor General can appeal criminal dismissals, not private complainants.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding the Boundaries in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery is determined in Philippine criminal cases.
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Understanding DARAB's Role in CLOA Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB can cancel CLOAs and when the DAR Secretary holds jurisdiction, in Union Bank v. DAR officers.
Eyewitness Identification and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when eyewitness identification suffices and why treachery must be proven, not presumed, in Philippine criminal cases.
Insanity as a Defense: Establishing Mental Incapacity in Criminal Proceedings
Understanding how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense and what evidence is needed to establish mental incapacity in criminal cases.