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.
Forum Shopping and Foreclosure: Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries in Mortgage Disputes
When properties in different provinces are foreclosed, filing separate suits to stop each sale is not forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Grave Consequences of Betrayal Within Family Ties
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a brother who raped his 17-year-old sister, underscoring the law's treatment of incestuous rape.
Incestuous Rape: Why the Supreme Court Upheld the Victim's Testimony Against Her Brother
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for incestuous rape, explaining why a victim's testimony against her own brother deserves full credence.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases Under Philippine Law
When does a sudden attack qualify as treachery in Philippine murder cases? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Pedrigal.
Witness Credibility and Alibi Defense: How the Supreme Court Affirmed a Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs the defense of denial and alibi.
Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Buenavidez
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony prevails over alibi, and how treachery is proven in murder cases.
Substantial Compliance in Labor Disputes: Upholding Merits Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court rules that substantial compliance with procedural rules, not technicalities, should govern labor dispute resolutions.
Judicial Misconduct: Court Fines Retired Judge for Gross Inefficiency
Supreme Court holds retired judges accountable for gross inefficiency, imposing fines deductible from retirement benefits.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Justifiable Homicide and the Burden of Proof
Explore the requisites of self-defense in Philippine criminal law and how the burden of proof shifts to the accused, as illustrated in a landmark Supreme Court acquittal.
Retrenchment During Financial Strain: Employers' Right to Minimize Losses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly retrench workers during business losses, including evidence rules on appeal.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Res Judicata and One-Year Prescription: Supreme Court Settles Cyber Libel Rules
Supreme Court clarifies cyber libel prescribes in one year and that unsigned resolutions bind only parties, not the public.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales: Vendee's Rights and Vendor's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer must pay the balance in a real estate sale and when a vendor can rescind.
Checks and Deceit: Establishing Estafa Beyond Issuance
Supreme Court clarifies that estafa through false pretenses can arise from deceitful assurances about checks, not just issuing them.
Maintaining Judicial Integrity: Upholding Ethical Conduct in the Philippine Judiciary
Court employees must uphold propriety and decorum. Leaving work during office hours and reporting drunk warrants administrative discipline.
Judges Fined for Undue Delay in Resolving Motions: A Lesson in Judicial Efficiency
The Supreme Court fined a judge P11,000 for failing to resolve a motion within the 90-day reglementary period, underscoring the duty of judges to act promptly.
Release of Seized Evidence Before Trial: Upholding Prosecutorial Authority and Due Process
A judge's order releasing seized evidence before trial drew administrative sanctions. Learn the rules on custody of evidence and prosecutorial control.
When Intent Falters: Attempted Robbery With Homicide vs. Consummated Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when a robbery that ends in death is only attempted, not consummated, and explains the proper penalty.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
Superior Strength in Murder: Philippine Jurisprudence on Armed Assaults
When is a killing murder by abuse of superior strength? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Rollon.
Upholding Decorum: The Limits of a Process Server's Conduct in Serving Legal Documents
Process servers must maintain courtesy and dignity even when challenged. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of conduct in serving court documents.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
False Testimony and Prejudicial Questions: When Criminal Proceedings Must Wait
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases for false testimony must be suspended pending resolution of a prejudicial civil question.
Fair Rental Value as Measure of Reasonable Compensation in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair rental value and reasonable compensation when lease agreements fail to fix rental rates.