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.
Proving Ownership in Replevin: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Golden Delta v. Pre-Stress
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate factual findings may be overturned and how to prove ownership in replevin cases.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Construction Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's recovery of overpayment from a government contractor, clarifying quantum meruit limits, due process, and procedural deadlines.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Rape: When Touching Is Not Insertion in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when digital touching amounts to acts of lasciviousness rather than rape by sexual assault.
Child Witness Credibility in Statutory Rape Cases: People v. Perez
How the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, despite the presumption against rape accusations.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court annuls a COMELEC ruling that nullified execution pending appeal in an election protest, clarifying the standards for the remedy.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: Court Personnel Cannot Exercise Judicial Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies that court personnel cannot exercise judicial discretion in granting execution pending appeal in election contests.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: The Pecson v. COMELEC Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal in election contests, and when COMELEC commits grave abuse of discretion in nullifying such orders.
Legislative Inquiry vs Individual Rights: Due Process in Senate Investigations
The Supreme Court ruled the Senate violated due process by conducting "Hello Garci" inquiries without publishing its rules of procedure.
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: What Buyers Must Know About Payment and Transfer of Rights
Learn the rules on redeeming foreclosed property, including payment amounts and assignment of redemption rights, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.
Mandamus and Manila Bay Cleanup: Defining Ministerial Duties in Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, defining environmental duties as ministerial.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when dismissal is too harsh a penalty for workplace policy violations, explained in plain language.
Due Process Prevails: Officer Unfairly Dismissed Is Ordered Reinstated
The Supreme Court reinstates a police officer dismissed without notice, affirming that due process is essential in administrative proceedings.
Challenging a Judge's Qualifications: The Fine Line Between Direct and Indirect Attacks
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between direct and indirect attacks on a judge's qualifications in administrative cases.
Equitable Mortgage: When an Absolute Sale Is Really a Loan Security
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and what parties must do to recover property.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Consummated Rape: Degree of Penetration and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape penetration, victim testimony, and proof of qualifying circumstances for proper conviction.
Judicial Impartiality and Finality: Lessons from CHED v. Dasig on Court Discipline
The Supreme Court reminds lower courts that judicial impartiality demands adherence to its rulings, as shown in CHED v. Dasig.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
Rape and Reasonable Doubt: Why the Supreme Court Spared an Incestuous Father from Death
The Supreme Court explains why a father convicted of raping his daughter was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, not death, for lack of proof of qualifying circumstances.