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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Protecting Condominium Buyers: Annulling Improperly Foreclosed Mortgages
When a developer mortgages condominium units without required approval, buyers can annul the mortgage and foreclosure. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Protecting Condominium Buyers: Annulling Mortgage Foreclosure for Undeclared Encumbrances
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a condominium buyer from foreclosure due to undeclared mortgages, and what this means for property buyers.
Publicity vs Fair Trial: Reassessing Damages in Heinous Crime Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies that pervasive media coverage does not automatically deny an accused a fair trial, and adjusts excessive damage awards.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Law: Why Fictitious Contracts Are Void
A simulated deed of sale has no legal effect, and the resulting title must be cancelled. The Supreme Court explains why in pari delicto does not apply to fictitious contracts.
Treachery Unveiled When Opportunity TO Escape Negates A Finding OF Murder
Supreme Court explains when a victim's opportunity to escape or defend himself negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Self-Defense, Treachery, and Voluntary Surrender: How the Supreme Court Redefined Criminal Liability in Homici
A barangay captain's claim of self-defense fails as the Court clarifies the elements of unlawful aggression and mitigating circumstances in homicide.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Dismissal of Judge for Extortion-Adjacent Misconduct: Public Trust in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Muro for gross misconduct in releasing a detained accused—a lesson on judicial integrity and due process.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Illegal Firearms in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence and illegal firearms possession under PD 1866.
Self-Defense Claims and Treachery: Lessons from People vs. Mazo
A look at how the Supreme Court weighed self-defense, witness credibility, and treachery in a homicide conviction.
Rape Intimidation and Threat Sufficient for Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on threats and intimidation, ruling that absence of physical resistance does not negate the crime.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay Computation
Supreme Court rules a designated Acting Secretary's higher salary, even for one day, determines terminal leave pay basis.
Incestuous Rape THE Supreme Court ON A Daughters Delayed Revelation AND Parental Authority
Questioning Authenticity When A Deed Of Sale Fails The Test Of Due Execution
When can a deed of sale be declared void? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due execution and authenticity.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Unlawful Aggression Must Be Proven in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a barangay captain's self-defense plea failed in a homicide case, and what elements must be proven.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Reversion of Land Titles: Fraud, Public Domain, and the Limits of Possessory Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsino v. Republic on reversion of fraudulently issued free patents to public domain.
Terminal Leave Pay: Highest Salary Rule for Retiring Government Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on computing terminal leave pay using highest monthly salary, including acting capacity designations.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Nava v. COA Explained
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in preliminary investigations, clarifying the proper remedy for aggrieved parties and the limits of judicial review.
Ombudsman's Discretion and the Power to Prosecute in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence, malice, and criminal intent shows why intent, once proven, defeats a defense of accident.
Parricide vs. Accident: When a Fatal Shooting Is Not an Exempting Circumstance
The Supreme Court explains why the defense of accident fails when intent to kill is shown by overt acts, affirming a parricide conviction.
Finality of Labor Rulings: Appeal Limits in Union Registration Cases
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on appeal limits and finality in labor cases, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
Theft of an Aircraft: When Taking Without Consent Is Still Theft in the Philippines
A pilot's unauthorized flight of his former employer's aircraft was ruled theft. The Supreme Court clarifies intent to gain and penalties.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Overcoming Coercion and Protecting Victims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an affidavit of desistance in rape cases is coerced and how courts protect victims from intimidation.