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.
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Speedy Justice Delayed: The Right to Timely Disposition in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay violates the right to speedy disposition of cases and why accused persons must timely assert this right.
Questioning a Search Warrant Is Not Obstruction of Justice: Fua v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a governor of obstruction of justice, ruling that questioning a search warrant's legality is a protected right, not a crime.
Summons by Publication in Annulment Cases: Why Due Process Demands Diligent Service
The Supreme Court nullified an annulment ruling because summons by publication was premature. Learn the service-of-summons rules.
Procedural Lapses and Waiver: When Court Rules Trump Substantive Claims in Estafa Cases
A look at Chingkoe v. Sandiganbayan, where the Supreme Court ruled that the right to speedy disposition of cases must be timely invoked, or it is deemed waived.
Proving Filing by Registered Mail: Timely Submission of Pleadings in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove the filing date of pleadings sent by registered mail, and why a postmaster's certification may not suffice.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Property Dispute Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies appellate review standards in property disputes, emphasizing substantial justice over technical procedural rules.
Financial Support and VAWC: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for criminal liability under RA 9262.
Succession Rights and DAR Secretary's Authority in Agrarian Beneficiary Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DAR Secretary's exclusive jurisdiction over successor designation in agrarian reform beneficiary disputes, reversing CA ruling.
Government Procurement: Upholding Integrity and Accountability in Public Bidding Processes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies accountability of BAC members in irregular government procurement under RA 9184, ruling on grave and simple misconduct.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Prescription Periods and Proving Work-Related Death
Learn the strict rules on prescription and compensability in seafarer death benefit claims, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Money Laundering Prosecution Can Proceed Independently of Unlawful Activity Requires Proof Beyond Reasonable D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering cases may proceed independently of predicate crimes, but the unlawful activity's elements must still be proven.
Money Laundering: Knowledge of Unlawful Proceeds, Not Clean Appearance, Determines Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering guilt hinges on knowing proceeds are from unlawful activity, not on making them look clean.
Liberalizing Amendments Safeguarding Justice AND Preventing Delay IN Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts must liberally allow amended pleadings, balancing justice against procedural delay.
Enforcing Debt Obligations: Promissory Notes and Checks as Evidence in Sales Transactions
Supreme Court rules promissory notes and dishonored checks can prove a sale and enforce payment, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Treachery and Intent in Philippine Homicide Convictions: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery and evident premeditation qualify killings as murder, and when they do not.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: Holding Nurses Accountable for Post-Operative Patient Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur to hold nurses liable for a patient's death after post-operative care failures.
Upholding Land Sale Agreements: Clear Evidence Needed to Challenge Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ortigas land dispute underscores the heavy burden of proving intimidation in challenging real estate sales.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Balancing DOJ Guidelines and Judicial Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies how plea bargaining works in drug cases, balancing DOJ Circular No. 027 with judicial discretion under A.M. No. 18-03-16-SC.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Nuisance Per Se and Local Police Power: The Biñan Hog Farm Ordinance Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld Biñan's ordinance phasing out large hog farms near homes, treating foul odors as a nuisance per se abatable through local police power.
Upholding Honesty in Court: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements
A lawyer's false denial of a compromise agreement led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that candor to courts is non-negotiable.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Work-Related Connection for Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove their illness is work-related by substantial evidence, not merely allege it.
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Redefining Rape Anatomical Thresholds and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the exact anatomical threshold distinguishing attempted from consummated rape through penile penetration, and reaffirms victim testimony standards.