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.
Breach of Contract Rescission and the Importance of Proving Payment
A buyer who claims full payment must prove it with credible evidence; the Supreme Court explains rescission under Article 1191.
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Breach of Parental Trust: Rape of a Minor and the Abolition of the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's qualified rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua under R.A. 9346.
Rape in the Victim's Home: When Dwelling Aggravates the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court explains when "dwelling" aggravates rape, and how RA 9346 changed the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Failure to Appear at Judgment Promulgation: Losing Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, skipping judgment promulgation without justifiable cause forfeits remedies like appeal or reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains.
When Court Officials Clash: Professional Conduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk's public quarrel, and what it means for decorum in the judiciary.
Breach of Contract: Enforcing Penalty Clauses in Government Projects
Explaining when penalty clauses bind contractors in government projects, based on a Supreme Court ruling on DBP and PD 1594.
Judicial Restraint vs Workplace Conduct: Defining Boundaries of Authority and Decorum in the Philippine Judici
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's abuse of authority and a clerk's misconduct clarifies decorum standards for all judiciary personnel.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.
Doubt and Acquittal: Assessing Witness Credibility in Attempted Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Gerardo Biong of attempted murder, stressing that credible testimony, not just a credible witness, is required for conviction.
MCIT Grace Period for Reopened Banks: The Manila Banking Corporation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank that reopens after receivership starts its four-year MCIT grace period under the Tax Code.
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
Restarting the Clock: Minimum Corporate Income Tax and the Revival of Thrift Banks
When a closed bank reopens as a thrift bank, when does its MCIT grace period begin? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Exclusive Venue Stipulations: When "Exclusively" Means What It Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractual venue stipulation is truly exclusive and binding on the parties.
When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
Res Judicata: How a Final Judgment Prevents Relitigation of the Same Issue
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of settled issues, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on a disputed deed of donation.
Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal OF Criminal Charges DUE TO Prosecutorial Delay
Explore how prosecutorial delay impacts speedy trial rights and when criminal charges may be dismissed in the Philippines.
When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
Judicial Reconstitution of Lost Titles and the Limits of the Bercede Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may rely on "other documents" to reconstitute lost titles, and how the Bercede guidelines apply.
Suspended Sentences for Juvenile Offenders: Limits and Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a juvenile offender cannot get a suspended sentence, even under RA 9344.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: Understanding Legal Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal in property sales, including the rules on offers, counter-offers, and legal redemption.