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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Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decision Making in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within reglementary periods. This article examines a Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and its consequences.
Treachery in Murder: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Criminal Law
Understanding treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder cases, explained through a 2002 Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Lease Renewal Rights: Mutual Agreement Required for Contract Extension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lease renewal options are reciprocal—both lessor and lessee must agree to extend a lease contract.
When Courts, Not the SEC, Decide Succession and Corporate Veil Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when inheritance claims against a corporation belong in regular courts, not the SEC.
Jurisdictional Challenge Too Late: Estoppel Bars Belated Attacks on DARAB Authority
A party who actively participates in DARAB proceedings cannot belatedly challenge jurisdiction on appeal. The Supreme Court explains estoppel by laches.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: When Accomplices Share the Blame Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and conspiracy work together in murder cases, and why accomplices share equal blame.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
Protecting Trademarks: Infringement and Damages for Similar Designs
Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement rules, damages, and copyright cancellation for similar arcuate designs on jeans.
Attempted Rape, Lack of Penetration, and the Significance of the Victim's Resistance
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape, and a victim's resistance is not essential when intimidation is present.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.
Homicide vs Murder: When Doubt Benefits the Accused
The Supreme Court explains why treachery must be proven beyond doubt, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Improvident Plea and Due Process in Capital Offenses: People v. Galvez
The Supreme Court nullified a death sentence because the trial court failed to conduct a searching inquiry before accepting a guilty plea in a capital case.
Supreme Court Rules on Social Media as Qualifying Circumstance in VAWC Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media use raises the penalty for psychological abuse under VAWC, citing Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Voting Rights of Assigned Shares: Ensuring Corporate Control in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies voting rights of assigned shares and how corporations can protect control through share restrictions and legal safeguards.
Laches and Land Ownership: Time Limits in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how laches, prescription, and procedural deadlines can bar heirs from contesting property transfers in the Philippines.
Dismissed for Delay? Understanding Due Diligence in Philippine Court Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles procedural delays and due diligence in labor cases, using a recent illegal dismissal ruling as a guide.
Conviction Upheld on Circumstantial Evidence Despite Accused's Escape in Rape-Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape-homicide based on circumstantial evidence, ruling escape waives right to appeal.
Lawyer's Missed Deadline Leads to Reprimand: Lessons on Diligence and Client Rights
When a lawyer's missed filing deadline costs a client his case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of excusable negligence and counsel's duty of diligence.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Forcible Abduction Case
Supreme Court affirms rape and forcible abduction conviction, ruling positive identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases.
When Can the President Reorganize Government Agencies? The Mabalot Case on LTFRB and DOTC Powers
Supreme Court ruling on the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, explained for non-lawyers.
Finality of Judgment: HLURB Cannot Modify Executed Decisions to Include Unclaimed Expenses
The Supreme Court bars HLURB from adding transfer and titling expenses to a final judgment, affirming that execution must follow the dispositive portion.
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling: a government employee who returns missing funds can still be dismissed for dishonesty. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Presidential Authority vs Legislative Power in Reorganizing Government Agencies
Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, distinguishing it from legislative authority.