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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Usury Law in the Philippines: When Courts Cut Excessive Interest Rates
The Supreme Court struck down a 48% annual interest rate as unconscionable in Bulos v. Yasuma, showing courts can reduce excessive loan interest even without the Usury Law.
Void Judgments Create No Rights: The Borres Heirs Case
A judge who decides after retirement acts without authority. His decision is void ab initio and can never become final or create rights.
Custody of Minors and Habeas Corpus: Understanding Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts and the Court of Appeals share concurrent jurisdiction over habeas corpus petitions involving custody of minors.
Sheriffs Authority Limits On Enforcing Barangay Settlements
When can sheriffs enforce a barangay amicable settlement? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sheriff authority in Solway v. Pascasio.
Losing the Right to Appeal: The Importance of Following Election Rules in Electric Cooperatives
A Supreme Court ruling on election contests shows why strict compliance with procedural rules in electric cooperative elections is non-negotiable.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a sudden, unexpected attack, using a husband stabbing his sleeping wife as the defining example.
Contempt of Court and Lawyer Accountability: The Roxas Case
A lawyer's intemperate letter to a Supreme Court Justice led to a P30,000 fine for indirect contempt and a reminder of professional ethics.
Custody Habeas Corpus: Family Courts and the Court of Appeals Share Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts do not have exclusive jurisdiction over habeas corpus petitions involving child custody disputes.
Marital Violence Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Parricide Cases
A husband who stabbed his sleeping wife was convicted of parricide. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and clarified the rules on child testimony, treachery, and damages.
Sovereign Solvency: Why the Republic Is Exempt From Attachment Bond Requirements
The Supreme Court affirms that the Republic of the Philippines, as a sovereign, is exempt from posting attachment bonds in civil cases.
Lease or Disguised Sale: Recto Law Protects Lessees in Equipment Financing Agreements
When is a lease really a sale? The Supreme Court explains how the Recto Law shields lessees in disguised financing deals.
Authentication or Bust: When Private Documents Need Proof to Fly in Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private documents like audited financial statements must be authenticated before courts can admit them as evidence.
Robbery With Homicide: When Intent to Rob and Resulting Death Define the Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, why attempted murder is absorbed, and the penalties imposed.
Concurrent Jurisdiction Safeguarding Minors Across Regions in Habeas Corpus Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts share concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court in habeas corpus cases involving custody of minors.
Price Certainty in Real Estate Sales: When a "Yes" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a contract of sale requires a definite price; vague terms and unresolved payment details prevent perfection.
Finality of Judgments: When Persistence Becomes Contempt of Court
A lawyer's relentless attacks on a final Supreme Court ruling led to indirect contempt. Learn the limits of fair criticism.
Custody Disputes: Why a Mother's Fitness Prevails for Children Under Seven
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the tender-age presumption in custody disputes, affirming a mother's right to sole custody absent compelling evidence of unfitness.
Condonation in Foreclosure: Defining the Scope and Effect of Debt Forgiveness
The Supreme Court clarifies when condonation of a deficiency after foreclosure takes effect and its scope, with practical lessons for debtors and creditors.
Petty Thievery and Breach of Trust: Accountability for Court Personnel
Explore the Supreme Court's firm stance on court personnel accountability, emphasizing integrity and the severe consequences of misconduct.
Seafarer Breach Before Boarding: Damages Despite No Employer-Employee Relationship
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer can claim damages for unjustified non-deployment even without employer-employee relationship.
Finality vs Appeal: When an Unreadable Decision Tolls the Appeal Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unreadable court decision interrupts the appeal period, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
From Public Land to Private Right: Establishing Land Ownership Through Acquisitive Prescription
How long possession of alienable public land can ripen into private ownership, explained through a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility of Witnesses and Inconsistencies Between Affidavits and Court Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, affidavit-testimony inconsistencies, and penalties for rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Prosecute Public Officials: Galario v. Ombudsman
When can the Ombudsman charge a different offense than what was complained of? The Supreme Court explains in Galario v. Ombudsman.