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.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations and Proper Summons in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when foreign corporations are "doing business" and how summons must be served on them.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reinterpreting Appeal Deadlines for Fair Adjudication
The Supreme Court clarifies the fresh period rule, allowing appeals within 15 days from denial of reconsideration, promoting substantial justice.
Contractual Obligations and Third Party Rights in Property Lease Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when lease penalties bind only contracting parties, not property owners who are third parties to the contract.
Bail and State Witness Rules in Murder and Parricide Cases: The Valerio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be denied and when an accused may be discharged as state witness in murder and parricide cases.
Balancing Infant Health and Commercial Freedom: Limits on Restricting Breast Milk Substitute Ads
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the DOH's 2006 rules banning breast milk substitute ads, ruling the agency exceeded the Milk Code.
Elections Held Despite a TRO Are Not Automatically Void: Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court explains when an election held in defiance of a temporary restraining order may be annulled, and when it may stand.
Court Funds Mismanagement and Undue Delay: Lessons from a Judicial Audit
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge who borrowed court funds and delayed cases, and the clerks who allowed it.
Default Judgments in Ejectment Cases: Upholding Due Process and the Rules of Summary Procedure
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in ejectment cases, emphasizing strict adherence to procedural rules and the proper grounds for default judgments.
Reasonable Doubt and Prior Inconsistent Actions in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed credibility, prior sexual history, and the sweetheart defense in a rape conviction.
Mandatory Foreclosure: GFIs Must Verify Borrower Payments Before Proceeding
Supreme Court ruling on P.D. 385: government financial institutions must verify borrower payments before mandatory foreclosure.
Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.
Government Liability When Illegal Land Seizure Requires Just Compensation
Supreme Court ruling on government liability for illegally seized property, default judgments, and limits on monetary awards.
Valid Buy-Bust Operation Upholds Conviction Despite Chain of Custody Concerns in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, ruling that minor lapses in chain of custody do not automatically warrant acquittal when the evidence's integrity is preserved.
Shares of Stock and Due Diligence: Examining the Duty to Verify Ownership in Legal Disputes
A look at Jimmy T. Go v. Abrogar, where the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to verify share ownership before claiming attachment rights.
Motion for Reconsideration: An Essential Step Before Certiorari
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a motion for reconsideration before filing a petition for certiorari, and the exceptions to this rule.
Binding Amicable Settlements: Understanding Repudiation in Barangay Justice
When is a barangay amicable settlement binding? The Supreme Court explains repudiation rules under the Local Government Code.
Philippine Government Employees and the Right to Protest: Understanding the Limits of Mass Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of civil servants' right to protest and the legal boundaries of mass actions in the Philippines.
Laches vs Torrens Title: When Delay Overrides Ownership Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when laches, not just prescription, can bar a registered owner from recovering possession of titled land.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When Judicial Efficiency Meets Due Process
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in rendering decisions, explaining the constitutional duty and consequences.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Pacoy v. Cajigal Explained
When can a court amend a charge from homicide to murder after arraignment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on amendment, substitution, and double jeopardy.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Objective Test in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the "objective" test for buy-bust operations and when a lone police witness can prove drug selling beyond reasonable doubt.
Upholding Ethical Standards Extramarital Affairs AND THE Judiciarys Integrity
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial ethics, holding court personnel accountable for procedural lapses and safeguarding public trust.
Diminished Will Mental Illness As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mental illness reduces criminal liability but does not exempt an accused from guilt.
Private or Public? COA Audit Authority Over Animal Welfare Societies
When is a corporation created by special law a government entity subject to COA audit? The Supreme Court clarifies the test.