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.
Judicial Courtesy vs Timely Justice: Resolving Stale Checks and Prolonged Litigation
The Supreme Court clarifies that judicial courtesy is the exception, not the rule, in suspending trial court proceedings.
When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.
Upholding Conviction in Rape Cases: Credibility and the Element of Force
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how trial courts assess witness credibility and prove force or intimidation.
Custodia Legis: Ensuring Impartial Custody of Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts may order physical turnover of agrarian reform deposits to the clerk of court for custodia legis, ensuring impartial custody pending final valuation.
When Courts Rule on Marriage Nullity First: The Yu v. Yu Doctrine on Ancillary Issues
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may resolve marriage nullity before hearing evidence on custody, support, and property.
Upholding Judicial Integrity When Court Employees Abuse Authority
When trial courts blindly follow prosecutors, they abdicate judicial duty. The Supreme Court explains why double jeopardy did not attach.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Dismissal Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy rules and trial court duties in dismissing criminal cases.
When Courts Overturn Convictions: Lessons on Evidence and Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a rape convict, explaining when appellate courts may disregard trial court credibility findings and why prosecution evidence must stand on its own.
Redirect Examination Waiver and Court Discretion: Soriano v. Mendoza-Arcega
When a trial court may deem redirect examination waived due to a party's delay, and why appellate courts will uphold that discretion.
Due Process Prevails: How Motions for Reconsideration Can Cure Procedural Lapses in Writ of Possession Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration can cure a trial court's procedural lapse in granting a writ of possession without prior hearing.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Contractual Obligations and Delivery Disputes: When Factual Findings Prevail
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld factual findings in a delivery dispute, reinforcing the binding nature of trial court determinations in contractual obligations.
Finality of Election Protest Decisions: Protecting the Electorate's Will Over Technicalities
When election protest appeals are dismissed, the trial court's decision becomes final. COMELEC cannot issue injunctions against final judgments.
Upholding Electoral Mandates: Respecting Trial Court Decisions in Election Protests
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC gravely abused its discretion in setting aside a trial court's execution pending appeal in an election protest.
Dissolution of Preliminary Injunction When Dismissal Trumps Pending Appeal
A preliminary injunction ends automatically when the trial court dismisses the main case, even if an appeal is pending. Here's why.
Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Lost Appeal: Lessons from Republic v. Yang Chi Hao
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, even in naturalization cases where the government seeks to question a trial court's ruling.
Probate Jurisdiction Absence OF Estate Value Dooms Will Allowance
The Supreme Court nullified a will allowance because the petition failed to allege the estate's gross value, stripping the trial court of jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Credibility and Immediate Reporting Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, emphasizing victim credibility, immediate reporting, and trial court deference in assessing witness testimony.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Jurisdiction Over Arbitral Awards: The Role of Regional Trial Courts in PCHC Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCHC rules cannot vest RTCs with jurisdiction to review arbitral awards; proper remedies explained.
Courts Must Ensure Proper Appeal Venue in Malversation Cases
Supreme Court rules trial courts must forward appeals to the correct forum, protecting accused persons' right to liberty in malversation cases.
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.