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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Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
The Limits of Appellate Courts Introducing New Evidence on Appeal in Philippine Law
Philippine appellate courts generally cannot receive new evidence on appeal; review is limited to the trial record. This article explains the rule.
Cease and Desist Orders Secs Authority and the Limits of Judicial Intervention
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal from a trial court's dismissal order involves questions of fact, not just law.
When Courts Err on Indigent Status: The Pangcatan Ruling on Filing Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court's mistake on indigent litigant status affects jurisdiction over a case.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Search Warrant Validity: MTC Authority and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies that a Municipal Trial Court may issue a search warrant even for offenses outside its trial jurisdiction, within the same judicial region.
Judicial Clarity Required: Nullifying Decisions Without Factual and Legal Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that decisions lacking clear factual and legal bases are void, upholding the Court of Appeals' nullification of a trial court ruling.
Supreme Court Reverses on Bt Eggplant Field Trials, Dismisses Case as Moot
The Supreme Court reverses its 2015 ruling on Bt talong field trials, dismissing the case as moot due to completed permits and a new regulatory framework.
Mootness Prevails: SC Reverses Course on Bt Eggplant Field Trials
The Supreme Court dismisses the Bt talong case as moot, reversing its earlier ruling and vacating the permanent injunction against field trials.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Probable Cause and Bribery When Doubts Justify A Trial
Supreme Court ruling on who may appeal criminal case dismissals and venue rules for online libel.
Pre-Trial Stipulations and Signature Authentication: Heirs of Salud v. Rural Bank of Salinas
A 2016 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when pre-trial stipulations bind parties and how courts weigh handwriting expert findings against direct testimony.
The Fine Line When Excuses Don't Excuse Absence in Court
When does a valid excuse justify missing pre-trial? The Supreme Court clarifies when postponements are a privilege, not a right.
Trial Court Discretion and Fair Trial: Nullifying Pre-Trial Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may nullify pre-trial proceedings and the limits of judicial discretion in criminal cases.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines 3
Probable Cause and Human Trafficking: When Judges May Not Dismiss on Disputed Facts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a human trafficking case for lack of probable cause, and when trial is required.
Reckless Driving and the Duty of Care: What Senit v. People Means for Motorists
The Supreme Court affirms that overtaking another vehicle demands a high degree of care, and explains when trial in absentia is valid.
Arbitrary Penalty Imposition Justification Required FOR Maximum Sentences
Trial courts must justify imposing the maximum penalty within a period; otherwise, the lowest penalty applies, as ruled in Ladines v. People.
Balancing Innovation AND Ecology Philippine Court Halts GMO Field Trials
Land Registration Jurisdiction: When Full Trial Beats Summary Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when land registration cases need full trial instead of summary proceedings under PD 1529.
Final Liquidation Court Orders Prevail Over Collection Suits: Solidbank v. CA
A final liquidation court order cannot be overturned by a trial court in a separate collection suit, explains the Supreme Court in Solidbank v. CA.
When Can One Court Interfere With Another's Decisions? The Rule on Judicial Non-Interference
The Supreme Court explains why a Regional Trial Court cannot restrain the execution of an Ombudsman's decision in disciplinary cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Witness Testimony and the Defense of Denial
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, ruling that the trial court's assessment of witness credibility prevails over the accused's weak defenses of denial and alibi.