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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Attempted Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: How Intent Shapes Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness—the intent to lie with the victim.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Due Process in Criminal Judgment Promulgation
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial accountability, highlighting due process in criminal judgment promulgation and the consequences of undue delay.
Substantial Compliance With Attestation Requirements in Will Probate
Philippine Supreme Court explains when defects in a will's attestation clause may still allow probate under the substantial compliance rule.
Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes: Why Complete Adjudication Matters
The Supreme Court explains why all indispensable parties must be joined in property cases, or the entire case fails.
Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.
Perjury and Probable Cause: When Sworn Statements Fall Short of Falsehood
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of perjury and the limits of probable cause in criminal complaints before the Ombudsman.
Judicial Accountability Ensuring Prompt Transmittal of Records in Appealed Cases
A judge's duty to supervise court personnel and ensure prompt transmittal of records in appealed cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff's Duty: Court Approval Required for Execution Expenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a sheriff for demanding P10,000 directly from a judgment creditor without court approval, clarifying the proper procedure under Rule 141.
Habeas Corpus Custody: When a Judge's Provisional Custody Order Is Not Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's provisional custody order in habeas corpus cases constitutes abuse of authority or gross ignorance of law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Face Personal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for contractual obligations, explaining the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserve Status Quo, Not Final Judgments — Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains why preliminary injunction orders are interlocutory, unappealable, and need not state full facts and law.
Judge's Negligence Over Court Funds: Fiscal Accountability and Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court rules on judge's liability for missing cash bonds and court fund shortages, emphasizing fiscal accountability and command responsibility.
Contract Validity: Illness and Consent in Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when illness affects consent in property sales, and the burden of proving lack of capacity to contract.
Sheriffs Duty Enforcing Writs With DUE Notice AND Jurisdictional Respect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to give notice and coordinate with local sheriffs when enforcing writs outside their jurisdiction.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Defer to Probable Cause Findings in the Philippines
Philippine courts generally defer to the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause, absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn what this means for respondents in administrative cases.
Filing Suits Is a Right, Not Harassment: Gatmaytan v. Ilao
When does filing a lawsuit cross the line into harassment under the Code of Professional Responsibility? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Election Contests After a Congressman's Proclamation
Once a winning congressional candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET, not the COMELEC or Supreme Court, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Creek Ownership and Land Disputes: Public vs. Private Property Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that creeks are public property, not private land, and how this affects boundary disputes.
Lost Deeds, Lost Claims: Proving Real Property Donations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a lost deed of donation cannot be proven by testimony alone, and the formal requirements for valid real property donations.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires employers to follow the two-notice rule before dismissing employees. Learn what this means from a Supreme Court ruling.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Benefits Despite Resignation
The Supreme Court ruled that a court employee's resignation does not erase administrative liability for dishonesty, and his retirement benefits may still be forfeited.
Breach of Contract to Sell in the Philippines: When Can a Buyer Claim Damages?
Full payment of a lot does not automatically entitle a buyer to moral damages. The Supreme Court explains what must be proven, and what can be recovered.
Upholding Due Process: Employees' Right to Notice in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that resignation does not shield court employees from administrative liability for dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.