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.
Habeas Corpus Appeals in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule Explained
The Supreme Court confirmed that habeas corpus appeals now follow the 15-day period under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, replacing the old 48-hour rule.
Subleasing Without Landlord Consent: Ejectment Risks in Philippine Unlawful Detainer Cases
Sublessees without landlord consent face eviction when the main lease ends. Learn the rules from Jimenez v. Patricia, Inc.
Credibility Counts: Why Witness Testimony Decides Drug Cases in the Philippines
In drug case appeals, the Supreme Court defers to trial courts on witness credibility. Learn why from People v. Lacson.
Enforcing Court Orders: Why Sheriffs and Judicial Restraint Matter in Philippine Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease rescission, execution pending appeal, and the limits of a sheriff's power to enforce court orders.
Judicial Efficiency in the Philippines: Understanding Timely Decision Mandates for Judges
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. Learn the rules, penalties, and what Esguerra v. Loja teaches about judicial accountability.
Defining Kidnapping When Taking A Child Becomes A Crime IN THE Philippines
When does taking a child become kidnapping? The Supreme Court explains the elements of serious illegal detention under the Revised Penal Code.
Unbroken Chains: How Circumstantial Evidence Proves Guilt in Philippine Robbery Homicide Cases
A robbery-homicide conviction upheld on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn the rules of proof and what constitutes an unbroken chain of circumstances.
CBA Arbitral Award Retroactivity in the Philippines: Meralco v. Secretary of Labor Explained
Learn the rule on retroactivity of CBA arbitral awards from Meralco v. Secretary of Labor, including the six-month period and hold-over principle.
Accountability for Homicide: Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Circumstance in a Stabbing Case
The Supreme Court explains when voluntary surrender mitigates homicide and why a fleeing co-accused may be acquitted.
When Can a Trial Court Resolve a Motion to Quash a Search Warrant Issued by Another Court?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies which court resolves a motion to quash a search warrant when the criminal case is pending in a different court.
Mistaken Identity vs Positive Identification: When a Wrong Name Does Not Exonerate a Killer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a witness's wrong name for the accused destroys identification and exonerates the killer.
When the Supreme Court Sits En Banc: Jurisdiction in Philippine Land Disputes
Learn when the Supreme Court sits en banc in land disputes, and how jurisdiction and land classification shape property rights in the Philippines.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Why RTCs Always Have Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that expropriation suits are incapable of pecuniary estimation, so RTCs have exclusive jurisdiction regardless of property value.
Incestuous Rape and the Moral Ascendancy Standard: Key Lessons from People v. Nava
The Supreme Court explains the moral ascendancy standard in incestuous rape and why qualifying circumstances must be pleaded in the information.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Entities: Summons and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts validly exercise jurisdiction over foreign corporations? The Banco do Brasil case explains the rules on summons and due process.
Non-Compete Clauses and Preliminary Injunctions: Time Limits and Mootness in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how non-compete clauses affect preliminary injunction validity, time limits, and mootness in employment disputes.
Concurrent Jurisdiction and Forum Shopping: Lessons from a Copyright Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts of concurrent jurisdiction must defer to the court first acquiring jurisdiction to prevent forum shopping.
Lease Renewal Rights: When "Subject to Renewal" Means Mutual Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lease clause "subject to renewal" does not mean automatic renewal—both parties must agree.
Finality Prevails: Enforcing Judgments and Preventing Alterations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final judgments are immutable and why execution must strictly follow the dispositive portion.
When Drunken Brawls Lead to Deadly Stabs: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
The Supreme Court acquits an accused of murder, explaining how failure to prove treachery and identity can reduce the charge to homicide.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Civil Case Does Not Stop Criminal Prosecution
A pending civil action to nullify trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that bars criminal prosecution for estafa under Philippine law.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Defining Jurisdiction: Courts vs Energy Regulatory Board in Overcharging Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that regular courts, not the ERB, hear disputes over electric overcharging and recovery of sums.
Judicial Misconduct Upholding Integrity and Independence in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for landowners vs. NHA in expropriation cases, emphasizing proper legal procedures and constitutional challenges.