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.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Key Insights from People v. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability in rape cases, and why the defense failed in this case.
Land Title Reversion in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling on land title reversion explains when the State can cancel titles over public domain lands, even against innocent purchasers.
Understanding Witness Reliability in Criminal Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insanity defenses work in criminal cases and why witness credibility remains central to convictions.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
Understanding the Real Estate Service Act Integration Ruling: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court upheld the IRR defining the AIPO for real estate practitioners. Learn what this landmark ruling means for RESPs.
Quasi-Delict Claims and Negligence: Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies negligence standards in vehicular accidents, affirming insurer's right to recover repair costs from negligent driver and vehicle owner.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
Understanding the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is crucial.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Turns Into Legal Disputes Over Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated possession in unlawful detainer cases must begin and how co-ownership affects ejectment suits.
Lascivious Conduct Involving Minors: Legal Standards and Defenses in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts define and penalize lascivious conduct against minors, including key defenses and evidentiary rules.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Concealment Claims Fail and How to Claim Compensation
Learn when a seafarer can still claim disability benefits despite alleged concealment, and why the company-designated physician's final assessment matters.
Understanding Redundancy in Employment: A Guide to Legal Termination in the Philippines
Learn the four requisites for valid redundancy termination in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling on BPO layoffs.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A mayor's conviction for graft and malversation over an illegal price escalation payment—key lessons on public fund disbursement.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights From a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery must be alleged in an Information and when an accused waives the right to question it.
When Foreclosure Threatens Your Home: Buyer Protection Under PD 957 Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court protects condominium and subdivision buyers from summary eviction through writs of possession after foreclosure.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases: A Landmark Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder, with practical guidance from a 2021 ruling.
Proving Ownership in Land Disputes: Key Lessons From a Supreme Court Ruling on Quieting of Title
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what it takes to prove ownership in a quieting of title case, and why tax declarations alone are not enough.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Understanding the Critical Timelines and Exceptions
Learn the strict 120+30 day rules for VAT refund claims in the Philippines, plus the key exception that saved this taxpayer's case.
Excluding Heirs in Estate Partition: A Guide to Philippine Succession Law
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a quieting of title case involving excluded heirs, tax declarations, and property partition in Philippine succession law.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Importance of Timely Appeals in the Philippines
Learn why timing matters in Philippine tax disputes and how missing an appeal deadline can forfeit a taxpayer's right to challenge an assessment.
Employee Dismissal and Due Process: Lessons from the TESDA v. Abragar Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void judgment in labor cases can be attacked, and why impleading indispensable parties matters.