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.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
When Barangay Conciliation Is Not Required: Court Ruling on Real Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when barangay conciliation is not required before filing real property cases in court.
Finality of Dismissal: Why a "Without Prejudice" Order Still Becomes Final After the Appeal Period
A dismissal without prejudice is still a final order. After 15 days without appeal, it becomes final and executory, barring revival by mere motion.
Deadline Missed: Understanding Election Protest Filing Periods in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-day period to file an election protest is suspended, and when it is not.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
When may a trial court validly treat a counsel's absence as a waiver of the accused's right to present evidence? The Supreme Court explains.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Rebose and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts can convict in rape cases based solely on credible victim testimony, even without medical evidence. Learn the rules from People v. Rebose.
Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Drug Cases: The Lagmay Acquittal
How the Supreme Court applied the presumption of innocence to acquit a drug suspect when prosecution evidence fell short of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
When Workplace Fear Leads to Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Seafarers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal for seafarers who quit due to well-founded fear for their safety at work.
Preponderance of Evidence: Winning Your Civil Case in the Philippines
Learn how the preponderance of evidence standard works in Philippine civil cases, and why failing to meet it means losing your case.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
The Perils of Delayed Disclosure: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, voice recognition, and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
DARAB Jurisdiction Explained: Filing Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
Learn where to file agrarian disputes in the Philippines—DARAB vs. PARAD jurisdiction clarified under R.A. 6657 and the DARAB rules.