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.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly Despite Pending Memoranda
The Supreme Court reminds judges that pending memoranda do not suspend the 90-day period to decide cases, imposing fines for delay.
Loan or Trust: Resolving Estafa Charges in Investment Disputes
When does a failed investment become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a simple loan and a criminal trust agreement.
Rape With Intimidation: The Standard of Resistance and Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that in rape, intimidation can substitute for physical resistance, and aggravating circumstances need not be alleged in the information.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Delayed Baggage Claims: When Airlines Avoid Moral and Exemplary Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when delayed baggage delivery triggers only limited damages, not moral or exemplary awards.
Judicial Efficiency vs Unnecessary Delays: The Case of Farrales vs Camarista
A look at Farrales vs Camarista, where a judge was fined for gross inefficiency and ignorance of the law in delaying summary procedure cases.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Technical Rules Give Way
When a defective notice of hearing cost a man his appeal and his liberty, the Supreme Court showed when technical rules must yield to substantial justice.
Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee has a right of first refusal to buy leased property, and when a sale to a third party stands.
Summary Procedure and Motions for Reconsideration: Scope of Prohibited Pleadings Clarified
A judge may validly act on a motion for reconsideration of a dismissal order in summary procedure cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Rape Conviction: Credibility of Testimony and the Nuances of Penetration
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, clarifies penetration nuances, and adjusts penalties and damages.
Beyond Consanguinity: Redefining Consent in Familial Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Servo clarified that stepfathers can commit rape through moral ascendancy, not just physical force.
Extradition and Due Process: Balancing Treaty Obligations and Individual Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a prospective extraditee enjoys basic due process rights—notice and hearing—even during the executive evaluation stage of extradition proceedings.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Delayed Reporting Does Not Mean Fabrication
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's delay in reporting, especially in incest cases, does not automatically mean the charge is fabricated.
The Searching Inquiry: Why Guilty Pleas in Capital Cases Demand Extra Care
Philippine Supreme Court explains why guilty pleas to capital offenses require a searching inquiry to protect the accused's constitutional rights.
Filing Replevin Cases in the Philippines: Understanding MTC Jurisdiction Limits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on MTC jurisdiction in replevin cases with damages claims, citing Movers-Baseco vs. Cyborg Leasing.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines and Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict enforcement of motion for reconsideration deadlines and distinguishes certiorari from appeal in jurisdictional challenges.
Nationwide Reach of Replevin Writs: Jurisdiction and Enforcement in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts can enforce replevin writs nationwide. Learn how jurisdiction is determined and what it means for creditors and debtors.
Beware Illegal Recruiters Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence FOR Large Scale Fraud
Supreme Court affirms life sentence for illegal recruitment in large scale. Learn the elements of the crime and key lessons.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: When Presence Means Principal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in robbery with homicide makes all participants liable as principals, even without direct participation in the killing.
Tortious Interference in the Philippines: Upholding Contractual Rights in Business Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies tortious interference with contract elements, malice requirement, and attorney's fees in business lease disputes.
When Sweetheart Turns Sour: Consent and Deception in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a claim of sweetheart cannot defeat a rape charge when intimidation and force are proven beyond reasonable doubt.