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.
Rape Conviction on Credible Testimony: Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, proving qualifying circumstances, and the effect of R.A. 9346 on the death penalty.
Navigating Libel Law: Probable Cause and Privileged Communication in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause for libel is a prosecutor's call, and privileged communication is a trial defense.
Reimbursement Rights When a Payor Can Recover Debt Paid on Another's Behalf
When can a co-maker recover payment made on a debtor's loan? The Supreme Court explains Article 1236 reimbursement rules.
Land Ownership Disputes: Proving Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes government instrumentalities from GOCCs in real property tax disputes, and what this means for proving ownership claims.
Ejectment and Land Ownership: What a Torrens Title Means for Property Owners in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how registered owners can eject tolerated occupants, why laches does not bar recovery, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
Indispensable Parties in Certiorari Petitions: The Rule on Due Process
Why omitting an indispensable party in a certiorari petition can invalidate proceedings and how to avoid this procedural pitfall.
Dishonesty and Falsification in Public Service: A Clerk of Court’s Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a clerk of court for dishonesty and falsifying her Personal Data Sheet, underscoring integrity standards in the judiciary.
Incestuous Rape Upholding THE Testimony OF Vulnerable Victims AND Addressing Familial Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for incestuous rape, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony and the State's duty to protect children from familial abuse.
When Courts Can Invalidate an Extrajudicial Settlement: The Tayco Case
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of extrajudicial settlement can be voided despite formal requirements being met.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Agricultural Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the essential elements of agricultural tenancy and security of tenure in Heirs of Barredo v. Besañes.
Construction Disputes: Substantial Completion and Liquidated Damages in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 95% substantial completion bars liquidated damages in construction disputes under CIAP rules.
Compromise Agreements: When Can a Court Modify a Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judgment by compromise can be modified, and why finality usually prevails.
Bigamy and Nullity: When a Void Marriage Declaration Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a belated judicial declaration of nullity of a first marriage does not automatically defeat a bigamy charge under Philippine law.
Due Process in Philippine Tax Assessments: The Critical Role of the Preliminary Assessment Notice
Philippine tax assessments require a Preliminary Assessment Notice; without it, the assessment is void for denying due process.
Continuing Security: How Future Debts Can Affect Real Estate Mortgages in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a real estate mortgage can secure future loans, not just the original debt, through continuing guaranty clauses.
Correcting Errors in Your Birth Certificate: A Guide to Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law handles corrections to birth certificate entries, including the difference between clerical fixes and substantial changes.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Filing Similar Cases Can Get Your Suit Dismissed
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why filing similar cases can lead to dismissal with prejudice.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at what makes illegal recruitment a crime of economic sabotage, who can be held liable, and the penalties involved.
Incomplete Witness Testimony: When Death Before Cross-Examination Makes Evidence Inadmissible
Philippine courts generally strike out a witness's direct testimony if the opposing party never gets to cross-examine. Dela Cruz v. Papa explains why.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
Falsification of Public Documents: Presumption of Authorship Explained
Learn how Philippine courts presume authorship of falsified documents and why beneficiaries bear the burden of proof under Article 172.
Sheriff's Duty in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: When Stubborn Reliance on Obsolete Rules Costs a Career
A sheriff's dismissal for gross neglect of duty in extrajudicial foreclosure shows why court officers must keep abreast of procedural rules.