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.
Infanticide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts convict in infanticide cases using circumstantial evidence, as shown in People v. Adalia.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Adoma v. People Teaches Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody of seized evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Understanding Unfair Competition in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, explained through a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar products.
Understanding Statutory Rape: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and qualified statutory rape, penalties, damages, and evidentiary rules under Philippine law.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Investigations in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal is final and how double jeopardy protects accused persons from repeated prosecution.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Property Ownership and Possession: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies ownership, possession, and the role of tax declarations in property disputes.
Intelligence and Confidential Funds: Limits on Local Government Spending
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may use intelligence and confidential funds, and the liability of officials who misuse them.
Navigating Government Allowances and Disallowances: Key Insights From the Supreme Court's Ruling on SSS vs COA
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on government allowances and disallowances, offering key insights for public officers and employees.
Defending Against Bigamy Charges: Void Marriages and Judicial Declarations
When can a void marriage be a defense in bigamy cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on judicial declarations of nullity.
Understanding Estoppel by Laches: When Silence Can Cost You Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches to bar a party from questioning a court's jurisdiction after years of silence and active participation.
Understanding Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a worker becomes a regular employee and what constitutes illegal dismissal, using a truck driver's case.
Eyewitness Identification in Philippine Criminal Cases: Lessons from People v. Torres
The Supreme Court acquitted Michael Torres, ruling that unreliable eyewitness identification cannot sustain a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
Rehabilitation Courts and Tax Disputes: The Power to Resolve Claims Tied to the Rehabilitation Plan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a rehabilitation court may resolve claims involving local tax disputes, distinguishing incidental claims from those requiring separate actions.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: Proper Legal Remedies for COA Decisions in the Philippines
Understand the proper legal remedies for COA decisions in the Philippines, including jurisdictional rules and practical guidance for aggrieved parties.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Intervention in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court on Timely Action and Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when intervention in property cases is proper, and why procedural rules still matter even in equitable remedies.
Understanding Qualified Rape and Child Abuse Penalties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape is qualified, why the penalty was reduced here, and what child abuse requires.