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.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delay in Case Resolution
A judge's four-month delay in deciding a summary procedure case leads to a fine, reinforcing the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Delay, Upholding Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for deciding a summary procedure case four months late, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
UP vs Rosario: The Imperative of Valid Land Survey Approval in Property Registration
Why a missing survey approval can void a land title, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in UP v. Rosario.
Accion Pauliana: When the Four-Year Clock Starts on Fraudulent Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for accion pauliana begins, protecting creditors from fraudulent conveyances by debtors.
The Weight of a Witness Conviction Based on Uncorroborated Testimony in Philippine Rape Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a single, credible victim testimony suffices to convict in rape cases, and why corroboration is not always required.
Upholding Labor Tribunal Authority Regular Courts Barred From Enjoining Nlrc Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that regular courts cannot issue TROs against NLRC decisions, holding a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law.
Due Process and Audit Reports: Fair Hearings in Financial Disputes
When courts appoint commissioners to audit financial records, due process requires formal hearings—not just interviews. The Supreme Court explains why.
Breach of Trust Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, even without eyewitnesses or medical examination.
Stepfather's Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Victim Testimony
SC affirms stepfather's rape conviction, ruling a credible child victim's testimony alone suffices for conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Balano
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and the absence of medical examination.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Rebutting the Presumption of Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that the presumption of malversation is rebuttable, and mere failure to produce funds does not prove conversion beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Liability: Homicide, Conspiracy, and the Limits of Witness Testimony in the Phil
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies reasonable doubt, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder appeal that became homicide.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline clarifies duties to courts, consequences of misconduct, and how penalties apply to disbarred attorneys.
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
A look at parricide under Philippine law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabug, explaining the crime, penalties, and evidentiary rules.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Become Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal instigation in drug buy-bust operations.
Faith Healing or Reckless Endangerment: Distinguishing Intent in Unlicensed Medical Practices Under Philippine
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed faith healing causing death is reckless imprudence, not murder.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Diplomatic Immunity Slander and the Limits of Protection for International Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not crimes like slander.
Protecting Land Titles: The Limits of Collateral Attacks in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects registered land titles from collateral attacks, using the 2001 Tan v. Philippine Banking Corp. case.
Protecting Election Integrity: The 120-Day Voter Registration Ban Under RA 8189
Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's denial of special voter registration within 120 days before elections, affirming the mandatory registration deadline under RA 8189.
State Participation in Marriage Nullity Cases: Protecting the Inviolability of Marriage
The Supreme Court remands a nullity case for retrial because the State failed to actively participate, underscoring marriage's inviolable nature.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Motions in Estate Proceedings
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to resolve motions within 90 days is gross inefficiency, even in complex estate cases.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejecting the defenses of alibi and alleged due process violations.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: When Conspiracy Fails in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder, and the importance of witness credibility.