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.
Understanding the Time Limits for Executing Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for enforcing court judgments in the Philippines, including the rules on execution, revival, and important exceptions.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Standards and Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies legal standards for incestuous rape and how courts assess victim credibility in such cases.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in public procurement cases, emphasizing that mere signature on documents does not prove bad faith.
Attempted vs. Frustrated Homicide: The Gemenez Ruling on Proving Fatal Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, homicide—key lessons on proving fatal injuries.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Municipality of Bakun v. Municipality of Sugpon
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how local government boundary disputes are appealed, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Navigating Conflict of Interest: The Importance of Ethical Notarization in Legal Practice
A lawyer who notarizes an adverse party's affidavit risks conflict of interest and suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
When the Ombudsman Can Dismiss Graft Cases: Ownership Disputes and Certiorari Limits
Explaining when the Ombudsman may dismiss a graft complaint that hinges on a property ownership dispute, and why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment.
Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Understanding Procedural Missteps in Philippine Legal Appeals: The Gallego Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed in favor of substantive justice, especially in illegal dismissal cases.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Why Following the POEA-SEC Medical Process Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC's three-doctor rule or risk losing disability claims entirely.
Due Process vs Economic Realities: Navigating Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action accrues and what valid termination requires under POEA-SEC.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Quijano
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for illegal drug possession stands despite chain of custody issues and claims of lack of knowledge.
Plea Bargaining in Philippine Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court's Sayre Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining in drug cases: prosecutors' guidelines bind the prosecution, not the courts.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Understanding Arbitrary Detention and Murder: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling explains when police detention becomes arbitrary detention and murder, and how complex crimes are charged.
Treachery and Self-Defense in Philippine Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery applies in murder cases, how self-defense claims are weighed, and the limits of conspiracy liability.