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.
Fake Lawyer Defense: When an Impostor Can Void a Criminal Conviction in the Philippines
Convictions can be overturned when the accused was represented by a non-lawyer. Learn the rules and how to verify counsel credentials.
Deficiency Tax Collection: When BIR Warrants Are Premature Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when BIR collection of deficiency taxes is premature, and why the OSG must represent the CIR.
Credibility Counts: How Philippine Courts Decide Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases
Philippine courts weigh credibility heavily when accused persons invoke self-defense in murder cases. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Free Patent Restrictions: Can Leasing or Mortgaging Your Land Cause Reversion to the State?
Learn when leasing or mortgaging free patent land can void your title and cause reversion to the State.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When a Final Sentence Can Be Modified
Explore when favorable penal laws apply retroactively and whether a final sentence can be modified, based on People v. Caco.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
Conspiracy and Circumstantial Evidence: When Is It Enough for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence and conspiracy can—and cannot—support a criminal conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When Does a Lighter Sentence Apply
Explaining when Philippine courts apply a new, lighter penal law retroactively, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magtibay.