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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When Defense Turns Deadly Distinguishing Self Defense From Unjustified Aggression IN Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawful self-defense and criminal aggression in homicide cases, explaining burden of proof and reasonable belief.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Accountability in Civil Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's mandatory duty to execute writs promptly and the consequences of dishonesty in civil cases.
Contempt and Due Process: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on civil contempt, due process, and personal liability of corporate officers for violating court orders.
Unregistered Mortgage vs Notice of Lis Pendens: Priority Rights in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on priority between unregistered mortgages and notices of lis pendens in property foreclosure disputes.
Custodianship vs Trusteeship: Determining Liability in Investment Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a custodian and a trustee in investment agreements, and who bears liability when investments fail.
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Treachery and the Passage of Time: Examining the Boundaries of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a brief pause between an argument and a fatal shooting does not negate treachery, affirming a murder conviction.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Unlawful Detainer: Why Prior Physical Possession Is the Core Issue in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—is the decisive issue.
Consolidation of Bribery and Plunder Cases: Court Discretion in the Sandiganbayan
Explaining why the Supreme Court upheld the Sandiganbayan's discretion to deny consolidation of an indirect bribery case with a plunder case.
Misappropriation of Litigant Funds Leads to Judge's Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses judge for misappropriating P78,000 in fiduciary funds entrusted by litigants, violating Circular No. 50-95.
Judicial Efficiency Imperative Resolving Cases Within Prescribed Deadlines
Why Philippine judges must resolve cases within constitutional deadlines, and the consequences of delay, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Right of Legal Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory for Adjoining Rural Landowners
Supreme Court rules written notice under Article 1623 is mandatory for legal redemption by adjoining rural landowners, not just a formality.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for undue delay in deciding cases, and what the 90-day rule means for litigants.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's 90-day case resolution duty, its constitutional basis, and the consequences of delay.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Holder in Due Course and Payee Obligations Under Philippine Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a check payee qualifies as a holder in due course and the duties of parties to negotiable instruments.
Writ of Possession Is a Ministerial Duty of Courts in Foreclosure Cases
In Chailease Finance v. Spouses Ma, the Supreme Court ruled that issuing a writ of possession after foreclosure is a ministerial duty, not a discretionary act.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Ejectment and Due Process: When Occupants Become Parties in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether occupants not named as defendants in forcible entry cases are bound by execution and demolition orders.
Copyright Protection Scope of Advertising Display Unit Drawings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that copyright over technical drawings does not extend to the depicted object; patents protect inventions.
Minority as a Privileged Mitigating Circumstance: The Weight of a Birth Certificate in Criminal Cases
A birth certificate is the best evidence of age. The Supreme Court explains how minority can reduce a criminal penalty.