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.
Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability
Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Certiorari Without Motion for Reconsideration: Exceptions Under Rule 65
Learn when Philippine courts allow a direct petition for certiorari without a prior motion for reconsideration, based on the PAL-PESALA case.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.
Contractor’s Liens and Privity of Contract: Lessons from Jan-Dec Construction v. FTI
A contractor’s lien under Article 2242 has limits—privity of contract and the right remedy matter. Learn from Jan-Dec Construction v. FTI.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Representation in Barangay Conciliation: Magno v. Jacoba
A lawyer who appeared for a party in barangay conciliation proceedings was fined P5,000 for violating the Local Government Code.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Battered Woman Syndrome as Defense and Mitigating Circumstance in Parricide
The Genosa ruling explains when battered woman syndrome can mitigate parricide, and why it is not a complete self-defense.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining "Combination or Series" in Amassing Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes a "combination or series" of acts in plunder cases, and the scope of conspiracy among co-accused.
Rape With a Deadly Weapon: Understanding Penalties and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
A guide to how Philippine courts treat rape with a deadly weapon, the penalties involved, and when aggravating circumstances apply.
The Perils of Compromise When Legal Counsel Exceeds Authority in Criminal Cases
Learn how defective pretrial notice can void default judgments and why counsel's authority to compromise has strict limits.
Fixed Terms for Constitutional Commissioners: The Gaminde Case on Staggered Terms
The Supreme Court clarifies that a constitutional commissioner's term follows the staggered system, not the appointment paper's date, as shown in Gaminde.
Rape of an Unconscious Person in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Philippine law treats sex with an unconscious person as rape—consent cannot exist without consciousness. Learn the rules from People v. Ramos.
Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Sworn Statements Are Admissible
Sworn statements can be admitted in Philippine courts not to prove their truth, but to show they were made. Learn the hearsay rule's limits.
Habeas Corpus Appeals in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule Explained
The Supreme Court confirmed that habeas corpus appeals now follow the 15-day period under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, replacing the old 48-hour rule.
Sole Testimony of a Rape Victim: The Hofileña Case and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence holds that the sole, credible testimony of a rape victim can sustain a conviction. Learn the rules from People v. Hofileña.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Good Faith Fails as a Defense
Good faith may defend falsification charges, but it must be proven. Resoso v. Sandiganbayan shows why authorization and documentation matter.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Gross Negligence of Public Officials: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
When are public officials liable for gross negligence? This article explains the legal standard and how Philippine courts apply it.
Tortious Interference in the Philippines: Upholding Contractual Rights in Business Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies tortious interference with contract elements, malice requirement, and attorney's fees in business lease disputes.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Valid Search Warrants in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Specificity
Philippine law requires probable cause and particular description for valid search warrants. Kho v. Makalintal clarifies how specific these must be.
RTC vs. MTC Jurisdiction: Filing Property Partition and Deed Annulment Cases
Learn when property partition and deed annulment cases belong in the RTC or MTC, based on Russell v. Vestil.