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.
When Can You Compel Government Agencies to Issue Regulations? A Mandamus Guide
Learn when Philippine courts will issue mandamus to compel agencies to act, and when they will not, based on the Pacheco v. SRA ruling.
Jurisdictional Threshold Resolving Agrarian Disputes in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases must be referred to agrarian courts, and the importance of hearing jurisdictional issues.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Entities: Summons and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts validly exercise jurisdiction over foreign corporations? The Banco do Brasil case explains the rules on summons and due process.
Unreliable Witness Identification When Does It Impact A Criminal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when witness identification and conspiracy evidence fail to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Non-Compete Clauses and Preliminary Injunctions: Time Limits and Mootness in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how non-compete clauses affect preliminary injunction validity, time limits, and mootness in employment disputes.
Canceling a Fictitious Birth Certificate: The Babiera v. Catotal Ruling
When can a birth certificate be canceled as fictitious? The Supreme Court explains in Babiera v. Catotal.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of the Victim's Testimony and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a credible victim's testimony, corroborated by medical findings, establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing due process and jurisdictional requirements to protect property rights.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in criminal convictions.
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.
Verbal Contracts in the Philippines: Why Written Agreements Win in Court
Verbal contracts are valid in the Philippines but hard to prove. Learn from Romago v. Court of Appeals why written agreements prevail.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
When a Franchise Expires: Object of Sale and Royalty Fees Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue when the assigned franchise right expires, interpreting contract intent.
Reasonable Doubt and Eyewitness Credibility in Philippine Murder Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, explaining when alibi and alleged discrepancies fail.
Royalty Payments After Franchise Expiration: When the Assigned Right Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue after the underlying franchise agreement expires and the assigned right ceases to exist.
Upholding Justice Over Technicality When Courts Must Excuse Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that dismissing appeals on mere technicalities, like a nine-day delay, can be grave abuse of discretion.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injuries, Consent, and Intimidation Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that lack of physical injuries and absence of resistance do not negate rape when intimidation is present.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
Learn how treachery qualifies homicide to murder in Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Obosa.
Amended Complaints and Officer Liability in Corporate Disputes
When can a plaintiff amend a complaint to seek new relief? When are corporate officers personally liable? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Understanding Double Jeopardy and Void Judgments in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts treat double jeopardy, void judgments, and conditional guilty pleas through this Supreme Court ruling.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: What the Supreme Court Said in Faustino Co Shu Kiam
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Lease Renewal Rights: When "Subject to Renewal" Means Mutual Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lease clause "subject to renewal" does not mean automatic renewal—both parties must agree.
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.
Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.