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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Vehicular Manslaughter and the Limits of Self-Defense: Analyzing Criminal Intent in Complex Crimes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts weigh criminal intent, self-defense claims, and qualifying circumstances in complex crimes.
Unraveling Estafa: The Supreme Court's Stance on Misappropriation and Probable Cause
A look at Burgundy Realty v. Reyes, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of estafa and the low bar for probable cause in preliminary investigations.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
Supreme Court: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules Prevails in Labor Appeals
Learn when courts may relax procedural rules in labor cases and why the Supreme Court rejected a belated appeal in Building Care Corp. v. Macaraeg.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
When Can Conjugal Assets Be Seized to Pay a Spouse's Criminal Liability?
The Supreme Court explains when conjugal partnership properties may be levied to satisfy civil indemnities arising from a spouse's criminal conviction.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Why Original Documents Matter for Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for reconstituting lost land titles under RA 26, emphasizing original documents over substitutes.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Boundaries of Justification in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill prevails in frustrated homicide cases under Philippine law.
Reconveyance and Good Faith: When a Torrens Title Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a Torrens title obtained in bad faith may be defeated by an action for reconveyance by one with a better right.
Reconstitution of Title: The Critical Requirements of Loss and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles under RA 26.
Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delay in Rendering Decisions
When an appeal is dismissed for a late brief, is that the end? The Supreme Court weighs strict procedural rules against substantive justice in CMTC v. Bhagis.
Causal Connection in Seafarer Death Claims: Proving the Link Between Injury and Fatality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for death compensation claims in seafarer cases, requiring substantial proof of causation.
Seafarers Death Benefits Proving Causation Between Injury AND Fatal Illness
Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' death benefits: bare allegations of causation between injury and fatal illness are not enough.
Dying Declarations and Eyewitness Testimony Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how eyewitness testimony and dying declarations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Arbitrator Impartiality and Third Party Influence in Philippine Arbitration Awards
When can a third party's conduct taint an arbitration award? The Supreme Court clarifies standards for vacating awards on grounds of evident partiality.
Guardianship Ends Upon Death: Abad v. Biason and the Mootness Doctrine
When a guardian dies, the guardianship automatically ends. The Supreme Court explains why the case became moot.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Seafarers Disability Claims Strict Compliance With POEA SEC Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must strictly comply with POEA-SEC disability claim procedures, including the 3-day post-employment medical examination rule.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform Land: What Land Bank v. Costo Teaches
The Supreme Court affirms that courts, not agencies, have the final say on just compensation for agrarian reform land.
Prolonged Layoff Equals Constructive Dismissal Employer Liability FOR Separation PAY
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged layoff becomes constructive dismissal, entitling employees to separation pay and backwages.
IBP Elections: SC Clarifies Rotation Rule for Governor Elections
Supreme Court clarifies IBP rotation rule: after a full cycle, all chapters may compete again, except the last served chapter.
Forcible Entry Cases: Prior Possession and Real Party-in-Interest Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than who holds title or certificate.
When Can't a Party Change Legal Strategy on Appeal: Crisologo v. People
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable on trust receipts, and the limits of changing legal theories on appeal.