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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Protecting Children Upholding Justice IN Child Abuse AND Rape Cases Under Philippine LAW
A look at how Philippine courts decide rape cases, the weight given to credible victim testimony, and the rules on force, intimidation, and delay in reporting.
Determining Fair Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Key Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Bautist
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bautista.
Certiorari Limits: When Courts Can Review Administrative Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review administrative findings in certiorari petitions, using a Sandiganbayan graft case as the vehicle.
Falsification and Probable Cause: Protecting Individuals From Baseless Criminal Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutors' findings and what probable cause requires in falsification cases.
Hierarchy of Courts: Direct Filing of Certiorari, Prohibition, and Mandamus to the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismisses a direct petition for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus, reaffirming the strict policy on the hierarchy of courts.
Parental Incest and Rape Law in the Philippines: The Buado Case
How Philippine courts handle incestuous rape by a parent, the proof of minority required, and the effect of the death penalty abolition.
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.
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.
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.
The Perils of Proximity: Proving Illegal Drug Sales Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts weigh proximity and buy-bust evidence in drug cases, using People v. Hambora as a guide.
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.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine courts require strict chain of custody for seized drugs. Learn the rules and what happens when police break them.
Ejectment vs. Accion Publiciana: Why Courts Dismiss Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case fails and why "tolerance" must be proven, not just alleged.
Default Judgment: The Consequences of Neglecting Legal Deadlines in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows how missing a pre-trial conference can lead to default judgment and why courts enforce deadlines strictly.
Establishing Filiation: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required for Support Orders in the Philippines
Philippine courts require clear and convincing evidence to establish filiation for child support. Learn the legal standards and practical implications.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Deadlines in Expropriation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may take judicial notice of land values and why the DAR formula must govern just compensation in agrarian expropriation.
Injunction Against Bank Foreclosure: When Borrowers Cannot Stop the Sale
Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure, and why defaulting borrowers cannot rely on disputed interest rates.
Rape Conviction Stands: How Courts Weigh Inconsistencies in Victim Testimony
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not destroy credibility.
Dismissal of Appeal: Fugitive Status Bars Access to Judicial Relief
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an accused who jumps bail loses the right to appeal and seek relief from the courts.
Civilian Courts Prevail Over Military Tribunals for Non-Service-Connected Crimes
Supreme Court clarifies that military personnel accused of murder face trial in civilian courts, not court-martial, under R.A. 7055.
Default Judgments: Balancing Procedural Rules and Fairness in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may declare a defendant in default for late answers, balancing strict procedural rules against fairness.
Payment to Authorized Agent Extinguishes Debt Even After Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when payment to an authorized agent extinguishes a debtor's obligation, and how courts treat issues tried with implied consent.
Accountability in Armed Robbery and Kidnapping: Defining Roles and Liabilities
A look at how Philippine courts assign criminal liability to each participant in armed robbery and kidnapping-for-ransom, based on a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Reopening Finalized Criminal Cases
A judge's dismissal for reopening a final and executory criminal case, and the duty of courts to respect finality of judgment.