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 Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.
Trademark Rights vs Registration: Resolving Unfair Competition Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark registration and actual use affect unfair competition claims under the Intellectual Property Code.
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.
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.
Philippine Search Warrants and Territorial Jurisdiction: When Can a Manila Court Order a Search in Cavite
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when courts can issue search warrants outside their territorial jurisdiction.
Dation in Payment and Perfected Contracts of Sale Under Philippine Law
When is a deposit earnest money? This case explains when a contract of sale is perfected and why a bank's qualified acceptance was only a counter-offer.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Corporate Residence and Venue: Where a Corporation Must Sue
The Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
Forum Shopping Prohibited: No Separate Civil Action After B.P. 22 Criminal Case
Filing a B.P. 22 criminal case automatically includes the civil action. A separate civil suit for the same checks is barred as forum shopping.
Right of First Refusal Under P.D. No. 1517: Limits on Urban Land Reform Tenant Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies when the right of first refusal under P.D. No. 1517 applies—and when it does not.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Injunction Power in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's void writ of injunction clarifies the territorial and procedural limits of injunctive relief in the Philippines.
When Payment Defaults Threaten Property Rights: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Sales
A buyer's failure to pay the full purchase price can lead to contract rescission, even after years of partial payments. Learn the rules.
Upholding Barangay Dispute Resolutions Enforceability AND Timeframes FOR Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when barangay amicable settlements become final and how the six-month execution period under the Local Government Code should be counted.
Correcting Penalties in Drug Cases: Fair Application of Republic Act No. 7659
When a drug conviction carries an impossible penalty, the Supreme Court can correct it even after finality—here's how.
When a Final Conviction Can Be Corrected: Habeas Corpus and Illegal Penalties
A habeas corpus petition fails because a conviction was final, but the Court corrects an impossible penalty imposed by the trial court.
Judicial Conduct: Errors of Judgment vs Misconduct in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is mere error of judgment versus administrative misconduct requiring bad faith.
Positive Identification Overrules Alibi in Vergara Robbery Case
Supreme Court affirms robbery conviction, holding that a victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's alibi and bare denial.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
The Perils of Verbal Land Deals: Why Written Authority Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how the Supreme Court protects small property owners from expropriation and why written authority is crucial in Philippine land deals.
Rape and Mental Incapacity: Consent, Force, and the Case of People v. Lopez
A niece with mild mental retardation is raped by her uncle. The Court explains consent, force, and why the death penalty failed.
Falsifying Court Documents Consequences for Process Servers in the Philippines
Process servers who falsify officer's returns face grave misconduct penalties, including suspension or dismissal, as shown in Catalan v. Umali.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injuries, Consent, and Intimidation Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that lack of physical injuries and absence of resistance do not negate rape when intimidation is present.
Official Duty vs Personal Liability: Defining Immunity in Defamation Cases
Can a diplomat or international organization worker claim immunity for defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies when official duty ends and personal liability begins.