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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Piercing the Corporate Veil in Loan Agreements: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold stockholders personally liable for corporate loans.
When a Buy-Bust Conviction Stands: The Weight of Police Testimony in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buy-bust team's testimony can convict a drug seller, and when courts will respect that credibility finding.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Homicide vs Murder: When a Sudden Attack Lacks Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, spontaneous attack with a beer bottle is homicide, not murder, for lack of treachery.
Good Faith and Public Office: Reassessing Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith and lack of manifest partiality can defeat graft charges under RA 3019.
Upholding Attorney Duty Truthfulness in Legal Filings and the Scope of Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that bad faith in graft cases requires dishonest purpose, not mere error or negligence.
Kidnapping for Ransom: How Conspiracy and Flight Establish Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy liability, and damages in People v. Niegas.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Money Claims Against LGUs: The Province of Aklan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against local government units must first be filed with the Commission on Audit, not the regular courts.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court denies former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Elections and Financial Regulations: Analyzing the Limits of Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Comelec's money ban resolution as moot, leaving key constitutional questions unanswered.
Right to Remain Silent Prevails: Silence at Custodial Investigation Not an Admission of Guilt
Supreme Court rules silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt in rape case.
Proving the Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Hilarion
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution must prove a rape victim's age, and why the failure to do so downgrades statutory rape to simple rape.
Real Property Tax on Franchise Holders: When Tax Exemptions Apply
Supreme Court rules on real property tax exemptions for franchise holders, explaining what "exclusive of this franchise" means under RA 7678.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Common Carriers vs Arrastre Operators: Who Bears Liability for Cargo Damage?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a common carrier's custody of cargo ends and an arrastre operator's begins, and when customs brokers become common carriers.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Limits for Landowners With Other Agricultural Holdings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners with other agricultural lands lose retention rights over tenanted rice lands under LOI 474.
GSIS Funds and Contractual Obligations: When State Policy Yields to Private Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS funds may be garnished and when execution pending appeal is proper.
Forged Documents and Good Faith: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
When forged deeds meet buyers' good faith, Philippine courts weigh title protection against prudence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Notice of Loss in Chattel Mortgage Agreements
When a mortgaged vehicle is stolen, borrowers must prove they notified the bank. Learn the burden of proof rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Nullifying Contracts vs. Recovering Land Rights
When can the government nullify land titles? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in property disputes involving military reservations.
Ending Pork: Supreme Court Defines Limits on Congressional Power Over Budget
The Supreme Court struck down PDAF as unconstitutional, redefining the limits of congressional power over the national budget.
When Public Funds Meet Private Entities: The Boundaries of the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial assistance to private organizations may or may not violate Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.