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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Robbery With Homicide: When the Killing Lacks the Required Connection to the Robbery
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a killing is "by reason or on the occasion" of robbery, and when separate crimes result instead.
Seafarers Disability: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on a seafarer's disability claim for heart disease under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Lost Appeal Timeliness Rules in Expropriation Cases in the Philippines
When must an expropriation appeal be filed? Philippine Supreme Court clarifies appeal timeliness rules in land compensation cases.
Attorney Disbarred for Gross Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who neglected a client's criminal case and misappropriated P18,000 intended for bail bond.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Credibility and Immediate Reporting Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, emphasizing victim credibility, immediate reporting, and trial court deference in assessing witness testimony.
Spousal Consent in Real Estate Sales: When a Sale Without It Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why selling conjugal property without the wife's consent makes the sale void, explained in plain language.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Chain of Custody in Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, explaining the rules on entrapment and evidence integrity.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Corporate Officer Liability in Labor Disputes
When can corporate officers be personally liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil in Nisda v. Sea Serve Maritime Agency.
Mental Retardation and Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: People v. Martinez
The Supreme Court affirms that mental retardation alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying credibly.
Easement Rights in Property Use Disputes: The Legaspi Towers 300 Case
Supreme Court clarifies when easements arise in property disputes, explaining voluntary easements, apparent signs, and unjust enrichment under Philippine law.
Default Orders and the Law of the Case: When Prior Rulings Bind Subsequent Appeals
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of law of the case bars relitigating a default order previously upheld with finality.
Forum Shopping in Ejectment Cases: Lessons from Dy v. Mandy Commodities
Filing two ejectment suits over the same property amounts to forum shopping, a practice the Supreme Court penalizes with twin dismissal.
Rectifying Election Errors: COMELEC's Authority to Ensure Accurate Representation of Voters' Intent
When election documents are compromised, COMELEC can correct manifest errors even after proclamation. The Supreme Court explains why.
Reclassifying Criminal Liability Murder Conviction Upheld Despite Initial Kidnapping Charge
Supreme Court clarifies when taking a victim is incidental to killing—reclassifying kidnapping with murder to plain murder in People v. Estacio.
Hierarchy of Courts: When Direct Resort to the Supreme Court Is Not Allowed
The Supreme Court explains the hierarchy of courts rule and why direct petitions for certiorari must first go to the Court of Appeals.
HRET Discretion vs Due Process: Protecting the Electorate's Will
When can the House Electoral Tribunal compel a candidate to continue a counter-protest? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review.
Inducement vs Direct Participation: Defining Falsification of Public Documents in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a mayor who notarizes false affidavits can be convicted of falsification even without direct proof of authorship.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Negligence by Preponderance of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability if negligence is proven by preponderance of evidence.
Voluntary Easements: Enforceability and Extinguishment of Right of Way Agreements
When can a voluntary right of way be cancelled? The Supreme Court explains why adequate access does not extinguish an agreed easement.
Voluntary Easements Survive: Why Adequate Access Does Not Cancel a Granted Right of Way
A voluntary right of way cannot be cancelled just because the dominant estate gains another outlet. Learn the rule from a 2009 Supreme Court case.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when prosecution fails to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu.
Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law: Enforceability of a Writ of Possession During Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures can be enforced even while an appeal is pending.
When Is a Board Resolution Required for a Corporate Loan? Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate by-laws can authorize a president to borrow money without a board resolution.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.