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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When Presence Is Not Enough: Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence or even physical restraint does not make one an accomplice absent community of criminal design.
Technical Malversation in the Philippines: When Is Public Fund Misuse Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies technical malversation under of the Revised Penal Code and when public fund diversion becomes a crime.
Unlocking Swift Justice: How Summary Judgment in the Philippines Can Expedite Your Case
Learn how summary judgment in Philippine civil cases can fast-track litigation, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Preponderance of Evidence Key to Ill-Gotten Wealth Recovery in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court ruled that preponderance of evidence, not proof beyond reasonable doubt, governs ill-gotten wealth cases.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and using social media raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court rules Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties when committed through ICT.
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 arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Statutory Rape and Circumstantial Evidence: How Philippine Courts Weigh a Child's Testimony
In a 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed statutory rape convictions based largely on the child victim's testimony. Here is what the decision teaches.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Eminent Domain vs Rulemaking: Prioritizing Fair Compensation in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 8974 governs expropriation of national infrastructure projects, prioritizing immediate payment to property owners over Rule 67's deposit system.
Estafa Liability and the Need for Pre-Existing Fraudulent Intent in Business Dealings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa requires false pretenses made before or simultaneously with the fraud, not mere subsequent breach.
Dismissal Denied: Why Properly Stating Your Cause of Action Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal in a security guard's case and why precise legal claims are crucial.
Trust Betrayed: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Based on Loss of Confidence in the Philippines
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of confidence? The Supreme Court explains the rules and limits in Wah Yuen Restaurant v. Jayona.
Probate of Wills in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Testamentary Capacity Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in will probate and the test for testamentary capacity under the Civil Code.
Forum Shopping One Bite at the Apple in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court barred a co-owner's legal redemption claim for being filed seven years after actual knowledge of the sale, applying laches and the relaxed written notice rule.
Co-Owner Redemption Rights: When Actual Knowledge Overrides Written Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal redemption rights of co-owners, actual knowledge vs written notice, and laches in property sales.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employer Actions Create Unbearable Working Conditions
Constructive dismissal happens when an employer makes continued work unbearable, forcing an employee to resign. Learn how Philippine law and the Supreme Court treat it.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Breach of Trust When Public Office Becomes A Vehicle For Deception
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on breach of trust in Wah Yuen Restaurant v. Jayona.
Default Judgments and Proper Appeals: Navigating Procedural Errors in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court treats default judgments, appeal errors, and legal redemption deadlines in Philippine civil procedure.
Good Faith in Property Sales: Protecting Buyers From Fraudulent Land Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void reconstituted titles and the rights of innocent purchasers for value in property sales.
Understanding Contempt of Court When Persistence Crosses the Line
When does relentless filing become punishable contempt? The Supreme Court explains the limits of persistence in Alcantara v. Ponce.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Why One Signature May Not Be Enough in Collective Labor Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in collective claims, a certification against forum shopping signed by only one petitioner is insufficient unless expressly authorized.