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.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Conviction: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for murder, applying the Rules of Court standard.
Causal Connection Is Key in Seafarer Disability Claims for Work-Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove a causal connection between their illness and work to receive disability benefits.
Work-Related Skin Illness: Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits Despite Fit-to-Work Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer with work-related skin illness can get disability benefits even if declared fit to work.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Torrens Title vs Mortgage Resolving Property Possession Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on which Torrens title prevails when property claims overlap, tracing validity to the mother title.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Breach of Contract: Upholding Banks' Right to Set Off Loans Against Deposits
Supreme Court rules banks may set off deposits against unpaid loans when valid hold-out agreements exist, reversing lower court rulings.
Search Warrants and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What the Posada Ruling Teaches
The Supreme Court upholds drug convictions, clarifying search warrant validity, chain of custody rules, and constitutional safeguards under RA 9165.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.
Presumption of Compensability Protecting Seafarers With Cardiovascular Disease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits for cardiovascular disease, presumption of compensability, and POEA-SEC.
Malicious Prosecution: Holding Employers Accountable for Unjust Accusations
When employers file baseless criminal charges against workers, they may face damages for malicious prosecution. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Bail and Illness: Balancing Liberty and Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court ruled that bail may be granted for humanitarian reasons, especially when an accused's health is fragile, even in non-bailable offenses.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict Compliance Prevails Over Prior BIR Rulings
Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day VAT refund periods; late judicial claims fail despite BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Bail and Treachery: Reassessing Provisional Liberty in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be granted in murder cases and how treachery must be proven by strong evidence.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.
Perfecting Appeals and the Strict Rules on Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles
The Supreme Court reminds courts that petitions for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demand strict compliance with RA 26.
Stringent Compliance is Key: Reconstitution of Torrens Title Requires Strict Adherence to Law
The Supreme Court reiterates that judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demands strict compliance with RA 26, or the petition fails.
Perfected Contract of Sale When a Preliminary Agreement Becomes Binding
When does a preliminary agreement become a perfected contract of sale? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine banking liquidation case.
Real Party in Interest: When Can an Agent Sue on Behalf of a Principal?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an agent may sue in its own name and the limits of an agent's authority to file suit.
BP 22 Acquittal: Why Actual Receipt of Notice of Dishonor Is Critical
In Robert Chua v. People, the Supreme Court acquitted a BP 22 accused because prosecutors failed to prove actual receipt of the notice of dishonor.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony Prevails Over Minor Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not impair credibility when the essential facts are clearly established.
Surety Bonds and Indemnity: Why Renewal Disputes Don't Erase Contractual Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a deed of indemnity authorizing bond renewals binds signatories even without separate consent to each renewal.
Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.