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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When Silence Is Not Golden: Witness Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery with homicide despite delayed witness identification, explaining why silence does not destroy credibility.
Finality of Court Control Over Criminal Cases: SSS v. Seno on Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in SSS v. Seno on trial court discretion over motions to withdraw criminal informations and due process limits.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof of Loss
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles, emphasizing the importance of proving the unavailability of prior sources under Republic Act No. 26.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Conditional Sales and Default: When Unpaid Balances Void Property Claims
A buyer who fails to pay the balance in a contract to sell loses rights to the property, as the Supreme Court affirmed in Mandin-Trotin v. Bongo.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility Protecting Registered Landowners From Delayed Claims
The Supreme Court affirms that Torrens titles become incontrovertible after one year, barring late claims against registered landowners.
The Weight of Witness Testimony Establishing Conspiracy in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and conspiracy in murder convictions, with practical guidance for building a strong case.
Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquits in drug cases when police fail to prove possession, knowledge, and control beyond reasonable doubt.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Redemption Rights and Prescription
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redemption periods apply in equitable mortgages versus sales with pacto de retro.
Retroactive GCTA: Supreme Court Upholds Inmates' Right to Good Conduct Time Allowance
The Supreme Court struck down the IRR's prospective application of R.A. 10592, affirming inmates' right to retroactive good conduct time allowance credits.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Employment Status and Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Guide
Explaining how Philippine courts determine employment status and jurisdiction in illegal dismissal cases, using the Loreche-Amit v. CDMC ruling.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
When Land Boundaries Prevail Over Stated Area in Lump-Sum Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump-sum land sales, boundaries control over stated area, preventing relitigation of ownership disputes.
The Importance of Evidence: How a Case Falters Without Proper Presentation
A case on land possession shows why evidence must be properly presented—bare allegations and uncertified documents can derail even a strong claim.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
How failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 can destroy the prosecution's case and uphold the accused's presumption of innocence.
Unlawful Detainer The Jurisdictional Tightrope of Ejectment Cases in the Philippines
Understand the jurisdictional rules in unlawful detainer cases and why getting the wrong court can cost you your case.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Bail in Capital Offenses: Evidence of Guilt Must Match the Crime Charged
A murder charge does not automatically mean no bail; the prosecution must show strong evidence of murder, not just any wrongdoing.
PHAPi v. Medialdea: Standing and Justiciability in the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law Challenge
The Supreme Court dismissed PHAPi's constitutional challenge to R.A. 10932 for lack of legal standing and absence of an actual case or controversy.
Judicial Accountability: Dismissal of Charges Absent Bad Faith or Corruption
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable, dismissing charges against a judge who issued a TRO without bad faith.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Indefinite TRO and Delay in Resolving Case
SC penalizes judge for issuing an indefinite TRO and for undue delay, clarifying rules on multiple administrative offenses.
Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases Are Immediately Executory
The Supreme Court confirms that Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory, even pending appeal, unless a court issues a TRO or preliminary injunction.