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.
Judicial Accountability and the Good Faith Defense Against Unjust Judgment Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be held administratively liable for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent malice or bad faith.
Upholding Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes: The LM Power Case
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that courts should liberally construe arbitration clauses, requiring parties to honor their agreement to arbitrate construction disputes.
Challenging Drug Busts: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Sales
A Supreme Court ruling on warrantless searches in drug cases and the prosecution's burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Evidence Protecting Constitutional Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after warrantless arrest and search lacked probable cause, applying the exclusionary rule.
Father's Betrayal: Upholding Conviction for Robbery with Homicide on Credible Eyewitness Testimony
Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide conviction, ruling credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi defenses.
Binding Agreements Upholding Compromise Judgments Despite Claims of Fraud and Duress
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise judgments remain binding despite allegations of fraud, duress, and lawyer misconduct.
Upholding Duty Accountability for Court Personnel in Handling Evidence
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for delayed deposit of cash bond, affirming accountability standards for court personnel.
Taxing Telecommunications: Local Government Power vs. Franchise Exemptions
The Supreme Court ruled that the Local Government Code's withdrawal of tax exemptions prevails over PLDT's franchise exemption claim under R.A. 7925.
Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Documents and Fraudulent Land Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for forging a special power of attorney to sell clients' land without consent.
When Court Appointments Need No Confirmation: The Soriano v. Lista Ruling
Supreme Court explains which military appointments require Commission on Appointments confirmation, and why PCG officer promotions did not.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Bank Rights Prevail Over Third-Party Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial, and third-party claimants must use proper remedies.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: What Third-Party Claimants Must Know
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession in foreclosure sales and what third-party claimants must do to protect their rights.
Retroactivity vs Prospectivity: Protecting Vested Rights in Agrarian Reform Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when its ruling on the proper mode of appeal in agrarian cases applies, protecting vested rights.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Case and Failing to File Pleading
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for accepting fees but failing to file a client's Complaint-in-Intervention, violating professional ethics rules.
Lis Pendens When A Money Claim Doesnt Cloud Property Title
A money claim for construction services does not justify a notice of lis pendens on property titles, explains the Supreme Court.
Clarifying Contract Obligations: Rentals vs Purchase Price in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental payments form part of the purchase price in property disputes, protecting buyers from altered contract terms.
Breach of Contract: When a Separate Land Title Is a Condition Precedent to Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to deliver a separate land title justifies a buyer's refusal to pay the balance under a contract of sale.
Treachery and Homicide: The Nuances of Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder, and when it remains simple homicide.
Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Clarifying the Period for Filing Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions is counted, applying amended procedural rules retroactively.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Rubiso
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished self-defense from treachery in a murder case, and what this means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Disguised Employment and the Lawyer's Duty to Obey Court Orders
When a consultancy is really employment, a lawyer cannot use it to evade a court's disqualification order. The Supreme Court explains why.
Reservation Requirements in Philippine Civil Actions: Hambon v. Carantes Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Rule 111 reservation rules in Hambon v. Carantes, affecting civil damages claims tied to criminal cases.
Treachery and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Examining Witness Credibility in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how eyewitness credibility and treachery are evaluated against a bare denial.
Government Procurement Quality Standards Prevail Over Expediency in Public Spending
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of GSIS payment for non-conforming generator, upholding strict procurement standards over expediency.