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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Rape Conviction Upheld: Grandfather's Betrayal of Trust and the Testimony of a Child Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, relying on the credible testimony of his young granddaughter and medical evidence.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Execution Pending Appeal and the Motion for Reconsideration Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when discretionary execution may issue and why a pending motion for reconsideration bars it.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
Revival of Judgment Safeguarding Property Rights After Forcible Entry
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner recovery actions, tenant protections under P.D. 1517, and property rights enforcement.
Mortgage Validity and Foreclosure: Protecting Property Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgage is void, how redemption periods work, and why prior judgments bind parties in foreclosure disputes.
NEA Authority Over Electric Cooperatives: Regulation and Due Process Boundaries
Supreme Court ruling on NEA's supervisory power over electric cooperatives and the due process required in administrative removal cases.
Navigating the Boundaries of Forum Shopping: Ensuring Integrity in Legal Advocacy
A lawyer's filing of two annulment cases raises forum shopping questions. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule and its limits.
Constructive Dismissal and Abandonment: When a Work Reduction Scheme Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between constructive dismissal and abandonment in labor cases, ruling on a hotel's work reduction scheme.
Judicial Impartiality: Why Judges Must Avoid Financial Dealings With Litigants
A judge borrowed money from a party-litigant in a pending case. The Supreme Court explains why this violates judicial conduct rules.
Amnesty Limits in the Olalia Murder Case: Political Belief vs Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that amnesty grants are limited to crimes disclosed in applications, not blanket immunity from prosecution.
When Can a Court Interfere With Another Court's Judgment? Lessons From Jimmy T. Go
The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of non-interference between co-equal courts and when injunctions against execution are improper.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Market Value vs. Statutory Factors
The Supreme Court rules that courts must follow Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not just market data, in fixing just compensation.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Dispelling Appearance OF Bias IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
Attorneys Accountability Ensuring Transparency IN Handling Client Funds AND Upholding Ethical Obligations
Certification Elections: No Forum Shopping Certificate, Union Legitimacy Rules
Supreme Court clarifies that certification election petitions need no non-forum shopping certificate and explains union legitimacy rules in labor disputes.
Court Personnel Accountability: Dismissal for Fund Shortages and Dishonesty
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for P147,972.60 in fund shortages, missing receipts, and dishonest collection practices.
Ejectment and Intervention: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, intervention timing, and the rights of non-parties bound by judgments.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi in Murder Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and what evidence proves carnal knowledge in rape cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Carnal Knowledge in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force, intimidation, and carnal knowledge in rape under RA 8353, affirming a conviction.
Intentional Burning and Syndicate Aggravation: Defining Arson and Its Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies arson's elements and the syndicate aggravating circumstance that raises the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
When Attorney Negligence Binds the Client: Appeal Deadlines and the Limits of Leniency
A missed appeal memorandum deadline cost respondents their case. The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds the client and when exceptions apply.