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.
Paying Appellate Docket Fees on Time Is Mandatory for a Valid Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory, and what happens when an appeal is filed without them.
Self-Defense in Philippine Law: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
Learn what Philippine courts require to prove unlawful aggression in self-defense, and why mere threats or insults do not justify killing.
DNA Evidence and Conviction: The Yatar Case and the Standard for Admissibility
Explaining how the Supreme Court in People v. Yatar set the standard for admitting DNA evidence in Philippine criminal cases.
Tax Exemption Start Dates for Pioneer Enterprises Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 6-year local tax holiday for BOI-registered pioneer enterprises begins and NPC's tax liability.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proof of Written Notice of Dishonor: The Sia Case
Conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof the accused received written notice of dishonor. The Sia case explains why.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
One-Year Limit on Ejectment Suits: Why Timely Filing Matters in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains the one-year deadline for ejectment cases and why missing it shifts jurisdiction to the RTC.
The Insanity Defense: Establishing the Boundaries of Criminal Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense and treachery rules in a murder appeal, reducing conviction to homicide with precise legal standards.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
Incestuous Rape Revisiting Penalties and the Application of Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for incestuous rape, emphasizing proof of minority and the mandatory award of civil indemnity.
Negligence in Notarial Duties Upholding Attorneys Oath and Public Trust
SC disbars notary for life for notarizing an affidavit without the affiant's presence and falsely stating a residence certificate was exhibited.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Provocation and Homicide: When a Victim's Actions Reduce Criminal Liability
Explore how a victim's provocative act can reduce murder to homicide, as ruled in People v. Tigle.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Mistake of Law vs Mistake of Fact: Grounds for Relief from Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only mistakes of fact, not errors of law, justify relief from judgment under Rule 38.
Attorney Sanctioned for Neglecting Client’s Appeal: Lessons in Diligence
A lawyer who failed to file an appellant’s brief was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules that every Philippine attorney must follow.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies evidence required to reconstitute lost land titles, balancing strict rules with practical realities in property disputes.
Breach of Contract vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Proper Forum
When a landowner files ejectment over a breach of a sale agreement, the Supreme Court clarifies which court has jurisdiction.
Defying Court Orders Corporate Officers Held Liable For Contempt AND Restitution
Corporate officers who defy court orders to return property can be held in contempt and ordered to pay restitution personally, even if a fire later destroys the property.
Final Decisions Stand: The Immutability of NLRC Rulings in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final and executory NLRC decision cannot be modified. Learn what this means for illegal dismissal claims and back wages.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.