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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When Silence Is Not Golden: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains conspiracy in murder cases, when intoxication and evident premeditation apply, and why silence after a crime matters.
Psychological Incapacity Under Philippine Law: What Qualifies and What Does Not
The Supreme Court clarifies what does not qualify as psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code in Republic v. Galang.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Improper Handling Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to properly mark, inventory, and document seized shabu, underscoring the importance of chain of custody.
Navigating Legal Representation After Death Ensuring DUE Process IN Philippine Courts
When a party dies during a case, substitution rules protect due process. The Supreme Court explains the proper procedure.
Conspiracy and Corruption: How Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippi
The Supreme Court clarifies how public officers and private individuals can be held liable for graft under RA 3019, using the landmark Respicio case as a guide.
Corporate Liquidation and Minority Rights in Distressed Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling on how rehabilitation proceedings protect minority stockholders from majority abuse in distressed corporations.
Upholding Judicial Integrity When Court Employees Abuse Authority
When trial courts blindly follow prosecutors, they abdicate judicial duty. The Supreme Court explains why double jeopardy did not attach.
The PET Is Constitutional: Supreme Court Upholds Its Power Over Presidential Election Contests
The Supreme Court affirms the Presidential Electoral Tribunal's constitutionality, explaining how the Constitution grants it sole jurisdiction over presidential election contests.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Dismissal Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy rules and trial court duties in dismissing criminal cases.
Res Judicata in Social Security Cases When Prior Labor Rulings Prevail
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar an SSS contribution claim after a final NLRC ruling on employer-employee relationship.
Filing for Muslim Divorce in the Philippines: The Clerk of Court's Ministerial Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the clerk of court's ministerial duty in registering Muslim divorces under the Code of Muslim Personal Laws.
COSLAP Jurisdiction in Land Disputes: Why Your Case Might Belong in Court, Not an Agency
The Supreme Court clarifies that COSLAP has limited jurisdiction over land disputes, and questions of ownership belong in regular courts.
Protecting Global Brands in the Philippines: Well-Known Marks and Trademark Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that well-known foreign marks like Harvard are protected in the Philippines even without local registration or use.
Due Diligence in Land Transactions: Why a Faulty Agreement Can Cost You Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on attempted estafa underscores the critical need for due diligence in Philippine land transactions.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on victim testimony credibility in rape cases, examining evidentiary standards and witness assessment principles.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Is Not Final
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Cerezo v. People on double jeopardy, valid case dismissals, and when courts may reopen criminal cases.
Venue Matters: Why Filing Corporate Rehabilitation in the Right Court Is Crucial
Learn how choosing the correct court for corporate rehabilitation filings can determine case success, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and contract of sale, and when ownership actually transfers.
When Religious Laws Prevail: Bigamy and Muslim Personal Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how the Code of Muslim Personal Laws affects bigamy charges, protecting valid Islamic marriages and divorces.
Probable Cause in Graft Cases: SC Upholds Ombudsman's Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in determining probable cause for graft charges under R.A. 3019.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Misconduct and Mishandling of Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for P3.1M fund shortages, affirms strict accountability for judicial personnel handling public funds.
Personal Liability of Public Officials: COA Disallowances and Due Process in Philippine Government Contracts
When can public officials be held personally liable for disallowed government payments? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due process and liability.
Confidentiality Rules for Court Personnel: Lessons from a Legal Researcher's Misconduct Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court personnel breach confidentiality and why even "harmless" disclosures to litigants constitute misconduct.
When a Judgment Becomes Final: Back Wages and Reinstatement for Dismissed Government Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judgment against a government agency becomes final, and what an illegally dismissed employee may recover.