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.
Mortgage Priority Good Faith Trumps Subsequent Attachment In Property Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on mortgage priority, good faith, and why unregistered attachments don't defeat prior real estate mortgages.
Double Sale of Property: Understanding Legal Ownership and Good Faith in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules under Article 1544, emphasizing possession in good faith determines ownership when no registration occurs.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reconciling Procedure and Justice in Appeals
The Supreme Court extends the Neypes fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring uniform 15-day appeal periods and protecting the accused's right to appeal.
When Public Use Fails: Reclaiming Expropriated Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when former owners can reclaim expropriated property after the public purpose is abandoned.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
Proving Actual Damages: The Standard for Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict standard for proving actual damages in contract disputes, requiring clear and convincing documentary evidence.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
Eyewitness Reliability Scrutinizing Identification in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness, clarifying standards for witness credibility and identification in criminal cases.
Plagiarism in Judicial Decisions: What the Del Castillo Resolution Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that plagiarism in judicial decisions requires malicious intent, distinguishing judicial writing from academic standards.
Dismissed Appeal: The Perils of Non-Compliance with Rules of Court
A dismissed appeal shows why strict compliance with Rule 44 on appellant's briefs is mandatory, not optional.
Intervention Denied: Protecting Court Efficiency in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when intervention in property cases is improper, emphasizing court efficiency and the need for direct legal interests.
Lease Rescission Rights and Structural Defects: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may rescind a lease for structural defects and when damages may be awarded.
Conviction for a Different Crime: When Courts Can Convict You of an Uncharged Offense
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a conviction for an offense not charged in the Information is valid under the Rules of Court.
When Courts Overturn Convictions: Lessons on Evidence and Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a rape convict, explaining when appellate courts may disregard trial court credibility findings and why prosecution evidence must stand on its own.
Client Responsibility Prevails: The Binding Effect of Counsel's Negligence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's negligence, and the duty to monitor one's case.
Lateral and Subjacent Support: Excavation Limits for Adjacent Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal easement of lateral and subjacent support between adjacent landowners and its effect on property titles.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force
Philippine law recognizes self-defense, but the burden of proof lies on the accused. Learn the legal limits of justifiable force.
Acquittal in Rape Cases: Reasonable Doubt and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
How inconsistent testimony and reasonable doubt led to an acquittal in People v. Bongat, a landmark Philippine rape case.
Executive Agreements vs Treaties: The RP-US Non-Surrender Agreement and Senate Concurrence
When does an international agreement need Senate concurrence? The Supreme Court explains in Bayan Muna v. Romulo.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Integrity of Evidence Over Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, ruling that minor procedural lapses in Section 21 compliance do not automatically invalidate seized evidence.
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.
Judicial Ethics: Why Judges Must Avoid Even the Appearance of Impropriety
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge soliciting donations from lawyers and prosecutors, and the duty to avoid impropriety.
When Is a Nurse's Negligence Serious Misconduct? The Medical Center Manila Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a nurse's lapse amounts to gross negligence justifying dismissal, and when suspension is the proper penalty.
When Is Employee Negligence Just Cause for Termination? A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal versus suspension, balancing employer rights and worker protection.