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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Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Estafa Conviction Affirmed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for bouncing checks, ruling that deceit exists even with prior business relations and contracts.
Why Retractions and Delayed Reports Don't Weaken Rape Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that delayed reporting and lack of resistance do not weaken rape cases, reaffirming victim protection.
Proving Conspiracy in Civil Cases: Dutch Boy Philippines v. Seniel
A look at Dutch Boy Philippines v. Seniel on the burden of proving conspiracy in civil cases and the rules on damages awards.
Proving Fraud and Conspiracy in Civil Cases: The Dutch Boy Philippines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for proving fraud and conspiracy in civil cases, emphasizing preponderance of evidence and the presumption of good faith.
Residency Requirements for Dual Citizens in Philippine Elections: Establishing Domicile of Choice
How the Supreme Court ruled on residency requirements for dual citizens running for local office in the Philippines.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain, just compensation, and property rights when government takes land without expropriation proceedings.
The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction in the Philippines
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict, explained through a murder case where no one saw the killing.
Advertising Standards: Voluntary Self-Regulation vs Legal Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that the Advertising Board of the Philippines' clearance system is voluntary self-regulation, not government authority.
Conditional Sales and Inheritance Rights: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve land disputes involving conditional sales, inheritance, and registration requirements under the Public Land Act.
Renouncing Foreign Citizenship: A Hard Requirement for Elective Office in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a separate, sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship is required for elective office under RA 9225.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength fails as a qualifying circumstance, reducing murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Police Power vs Customs Authority: The Limits of Search and Seizure in the Philippines
When can police search cargo without customs authority? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Boac v. People.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
When Can You Challenge a Default Judgment: Annulment and Due Process Explained
Learn when a default judgment can be annulled in the Philippines, including grounds like extrinsic fraud and lack of jurisdiction, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Donation Mortis Causa vs Inter Vivos: Understanding Estate Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a donation is mortis causa, not inter vivos, and why formalities of a will matter.
Taxing Power Showdown: How Franchise Agreements Interact With Local Taxes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on whether "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in franchises exempt broadcasters from local franchise taxes.
Due Process Prevails: Demotion Without Notice Violates Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in employee discipline, examining demotion without notice and seafarer abandonment cases.
Union Security vs. Employee Rights: Navigating Unfair Labor Practice Claims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer's compliance with a union security clause is valid and what constitutes unfair labor practice.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke Section 21's chain of custody rules, protecting the accused's right to a fair trial.
Relief From Judgment Not Available in the Supreme Court: Purcon v. MRM Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38 cannot be filed in the High Court.
Accomplice Liability in Homicide: Defining the Scope of Criminal Participation in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts define accomplice liability in homicide cases, the rules on criminal participation, and what makes a person an accomplice rather than a principal.