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.
Protecting the Family Home When Courts Must Investigate Exemption Claims
The Supreme Court voids a writ of execution where the trial court ignored claims that the property was an exempt family home.
Family Home Exempt from Execution: When Courts Must Inquire Before Levy and Sale
Supreme Court voids execution sale of alleged family home, requiring trial courts to conduct proper inquiry before levying exempt properties.
Evaluating Witness Credibility When a Trial Court’s Findings Prevail in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in homicide cases, why trial court findings prevail on appeal, and the role of circumstantial evidence.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Plea Bargaining and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Balancing Justice and Public Interest
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court commits grave abuse of discretion in denying a plea bargain, using Daan v. Sandiganbayan as the guide.
Perfected Appeal: No Second Notice Needed After Decision Modification
A timely first notice of appeal perfects an appeal even if the trial court later modifies its decision. Learn the rule from PNB-Republic Bank v. Cordova.
Philippine Courts Must Honor Foreign Arbitration Clauses Under RA 9285
Philippine courts must respect foreign arbitration clauses. The Supreme Court explains when trial courts should refer disputes to arbitration.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Homicide Cases: Lessons from Lascano v. People
The Supreme Court reaffirms that credible eyewitness identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases, explaining why appellate courts respect trial court credibility findings.
Independent Assessment Prevails: Dismissal Based Solely on DOJ Resolution Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information, not merely adopt DOJ resolutions.
Contract Rescission and RTC Jurisdiction: Lessons from Villena v. Payoyo
When rescinding a contract is the primary remedy, the case belongs in the Regional Trial Court—even if the monetary claim is small.
Ejectment Proceedings Ownership Disputes DO NOT Oust Metropolitan Trial Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising ownership issues in an ejectment case does not divest the Metropolitan Trial Court of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Double Jeopardy Prevails When Acquittal Bars Further Prosecution
Philippine Savings Bank v. Bermoy clarifies that an acquittal on demurrer to evidence bars any further prosecution, even if the trial court erred.
Dismissal of Civil Cases: Understanding Failure to Prosecute in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dismissal for failure to prosecute is proper, and when trial courts abuse their discretion.
Witness Credibility vs Forensic Evidence: When Supreme Court Defers to Trial Court Findings
Philippine Supreme Court explains why witness credibility often outweighs forensic gaps in criminal convictions, citing Siccuan v. People.
When Can a Philippine Court Reopen a Case? Limits on Trial Court Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case, ruling that trial courts abuse discretion when they flip-flop without cogent reasons.
Witness Credibility and Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Convictions: People v. Trinidad
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a single credible eyewitness, explaining how trial courts assess witness credibility and circumstantial evidence.
Staggered Payment of Docket Fees: Balancing Access to Justice and Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may allow staggered payment of docket fees and why such discretion deserves respect on appeal.
When a Final Conviction Can Be Corrected: Habeas Corpus and Illegal Penalties
A habeas corpus petition fails because a conviction was final, but the Court corrects an impossible penalty imposed by the trial court.
Judicial Authority and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Power and Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that municipal trial court judges may conduct preliminary investigations, and errors in judgment alone do not warrant administrative liability.
DARAB Contempt Powers: Why Arrest Orders Must Come From Courts
The Supreme Court limits DARAB's contempt power—arrest orders for indirect contempt must come from the Regional Trial Court, not administrative bodies.
Ejectment vs Ownership: When Courts Decide Possession in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claims of ownership do not strip municipal trial courts of jurisdiction over ejectment cases.
Eminent Domain and Jurisdiction: Why Expropriation Cases Belong to Regional Trial Courts
Expropriation suits are incapable of pecuniary estimation, so they belong to regional trial courts regardless of property value. Learn why.
Expropriation Cases Belong to RTCs: Bardillon v. Barangay Masili
Why expropriation suits always belong to regional trial courts, regardless of property value, and what this means for landowners and local governments.
The Indispensable Hearing Safeguarding Rights in Bail Petitions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds trial courts that bail in capital offenses requires a full hearing, not just a motion.