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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Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations and Proper Summons in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when foreign corporations are "doing business" and how summons must be served on them.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy and treachery from concerted acts, and the damages rules in murder convictions.
False Claims Real Consequences Falsification OF Public Documents AND THE Erosion OF Public Trust
Learn how Philippine courts treat falsification of public documents and why it erodes public trust in official records.
Mootness in Philippine Law: When Court Intervention Becomes Unnecessary
Learn how Philippine courts handle moot cases and when judicial intervention becomes unnecessary, with practical guidance for litigants.
Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: The Weight of Credibility
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's lone testimony, and why credibility often decides conviction or acquittal.
How Philippine Courts Compute the Two-Year Tax Refund Period
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Procedural Due Process and the Right to Be Heard in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine courts weigh procedural due process in land disputes, balancing technical rules against substantive justice for all parties.
Jurisdiction Over Non-Residents: Extraterritorial Summons and Actions In Personam
Philippine courts cannot acquire jurisdiction over non-resident defendants in personal actions through extraterritorial service of summons. Learn the rules.
Unfreezing Marcos-Era Assets: When Philippine Courts Can Act on Foreign Freeze Orders
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allows Philippine courts to hear cases involving foreign freeze orders on Marcos-era assets.
Amending Complaints: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Pursuit of Justice in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts balance strict procedural rules with substantive justice, as shown in Ogalisco v. Holy Trinity College.
Conspiracy and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Tan
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and establish conspiracy in murder cases, explained through a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Efficiency: Judge Fined P20,000 for Delayed Case Resolution
A judge's P20,000 fine for delaying a demurrer ruling shows why Philippine courts demand prompt case resolution.
Dismissal of Appeal: The High Cost of Missed Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Audi AG's certiorari petition dismissed for skipping motion for reconsideration and ignoring hierarchy of courts. A lesson in procedural rules.
Prejudicial Question in Philippine Courts: When Civil Cases Suspend Criminal Proceedings
Learn when Philippine courts suspend criminal cases due to prejudicial questions, and why appeal, not certiorari, is the proper remedy.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony Overcoming Inconsistencies in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a minor victim's credible testimony over minor inconsistencies, and the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Upholding Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Disputes in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court recalls a final resolution to approve a compromise agreement, reaffirming that amicable settlements are favored in Philippine law.
Perfecting Your Appeal Understanding Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements after a petition is denied, and what this means for litigants in the Philippines.
Loan or Sale? How Philippine Courts Determine the True Intent of a Contract
A Supreme Court ruling shows that reformation requires proof of mistake, fraud, or accident — and that courts will not rewrite a contract simply because one party regrets it.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Philippine Courts
A judge's three-year delay in deciding a summary procedure case leads to a P20,000 fine, reinforcing that justice delayed is justice denied.
The Perils of Procedural Missteps: Navigating Appeal Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Victory Liner v. Malinias shows how procedural errors, not the merits, can doom a case. Learn the rules on appeals, relief, and certiorari.
When Can Foreign Corporations Sue in the Philippines? A Guide
Learn when unlicensed foreign corporations can sue in Philippine courts under the Corporation Code and Foreign Investments Act.
Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Lessons from a Quasi-Delict Case
A look at how Philippine courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict claims.
Challenging Alibis in Rape Cases: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's positive testimony against denial and alibi, and why delay in reporting does not defeat a conviction.