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.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The High Standard for Rape Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt for rape convictions. This article explains the standard and what it means for accusers and the accused.
Arbitration Clauses and Third Parties: When Courts Refuse to Stay Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration clauses bind only signatories and why courts may deny suspension of proceedings for non-parties.
Writ of Possession: Buyer's Right After Foreclosure Despite Pending Disputes
After foreclosure and failed redemption, a property buyer can obtain a writ of possession even if the former owner raises objections. Learn the rules.
Buyer Beware: Understanding Delivery Delays and Liabilities in Philippine Sales Contracts
Learn how Philippine courts treat conditional sales, court approval requirements, and seller liability when property sales face delays.
Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Management Prerogative in Reorganization: Upholding Business Needs in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when demotions during corporate reorganization are valid and when they constitute illegal dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? IBP Jurisdiction Over Attorney Misconduct and Private Debts
A lawyer who ignores IBP orders can face sanctions even when the underlying complaint involves a private debt. Learn the rules.
Navigating Inheritance for Distant Relatives in the Philippines: Understanding the Rule of Proximity
Learn how Philippine intestate succession works for distant relatives, including the rule of proximity and who inherits when no immediate family exists.
Prescription of Falsification: When the Clock Starts Running Under Philippine Law
Learn when the prescriptive period for falsification of public documents begins under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Recebido v. People.
Reviving Expired Judgments in the Philippines: The Terry Case and Contempt Limits
Learn when Philippine judgments expire, how to revive them, and why contempt cannot enforce stale court orders under the Terry ruling.
Expired Business Permit and Court-Ordered Reopening: The Mathay v. Felt Foods Rule
When a business permit expires, courts generally cannot compel an LGU to allow reopening—even if the closure order was questionable.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Justifies Dismissal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When a Sheriff Witnesses a Settlement: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A sheriff who witnessed a settlement and served pleadings faced suspension. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Cutting Utility Lines Without a Permit: Unjust Vexation Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong Chiu Kwan v. Court of Appeals treats unauthorized cutting of utility lines as unjust vexation.
Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Rape Cases: People v. Desamparado Explained
How the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite medical evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal justice.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Mariano
Philippine courts give significant weight to a child's credible testimony in rape cases. Learn the key principles from People v. Mariano.
Pactum Commissorium: Why Automatic Property Grab in Loan Agreements Is Illegal in the Philippines
Philippine law bans pactum commissorium—automatic property forfeiture in loans. Learn the rule, the Marino v. Salcedo case, and your rights.
Understanding Res Judicata When a Court Order Becomes Final in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata applies when Philippine court orders become final, based on Supreme Court rulings and practical legal insights.
Demolition Orders and Road Right of Way: Understanding Philippine Property Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may order demolition of structures obstructing an established road right of way.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).