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.
Reasonable Doubt and Due Process in Criminal Cases: The Arco Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court’s ruling in People v. Arco underscores the presumption of innocence and the prosecution’s burden in criminal cases.
Workplace Sexual Harassment in the Philippines: Substantial Evidence and Employee Rights
Understand how the Supreme Court protects employees in sexual harassment cases, applying substantial evidence in administrative proceedings.
National vs Local Amusement Tax: Who Taxes PBA Games in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that amusement tax on PBA games is a national tax, not a local one. Learn the legal basis.
Execution of Judgment in Ejectment Cases: Why the Court of Origin Matters
In ejectment cases, execution of an affirmed judgment generally belongs to the trial court of origin, not the appellate court. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why.
Lis Pendens Cancellation in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
Learn when a Notice of Lis Pendens can be cancelled in the Philippines, the grounds under PD 1529, and key lessons from Yared v. Ilarde.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
Immediate Execution of RTC Ejectment Judgments: What the Supreme Court Has Held
When the RTC affirms an ejectment ruling, the order to vacate is immediately enforceable—even if the losing party appeals. Here's why.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Negligence in Patent Applications: How Attorney Laches Can Cost You Patent Rights
When lawyers fail to respond to patent office actions, applicants may lose their rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
The Price of Silence: Witness Credibility and the Duty to Report in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's silence and lack of immediate report do not destroy credibility.
Pollution Adjudication Board Jurisdiction: Balancing Environmental Protection and Mining Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Pollution Adjudication Board retains jurisdiction over pollution cases involving mining operations, despite the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Attorneys Fees and Simulated Sales: Protecting Lawyers' Rights in the Philippines
A lawyer's right to collect contingent fees can extend to challenging simulated sales that defeat payment, as the Supreme Court ruled in Alberto v. Court of Appeals.
Modal Institutions in Philippine Wills: Heirs' Obligations and the Rabadilla Ruling
Learn how modal institutions in Philippine wills impose enforceable obligations on heirs, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rabadilla v. Court of Appeals.
Expropriation in the Philippines: When Can Land Be Sold During Proceedings
Learn when landowners can still sell property during expropriation proceedings and who gets just compensation, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Sole Testimony of a Rape Victim: The Hofileña Case and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence holds that the sole, credible testimony of a rape victim can sustain a conviction. Learn the rules from People v. Hofileña.
Unreliable Witness Identification When Does It Impact A Criminal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when witness identification and conspiracy evidence fail to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Non-Compete Clauses and Preliminary Injunctions: Time Limits and Mootness in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how non-compete clauses affect preliminary injunction validity, time limits, and mootness in employment disputes.
Canceling a Fictitious Birth Certificate: The Babiera v. Catotal Ruling
When can a birth certificate be canceled as fictitious? The Supreme Court explains in Babiera v. Catotal.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing due process and jurisdictional requirements to protect property rights.
Verbal Contracts in the Philippines: Why Written Agreements Win in Court
Verbal contracts are valid in the Philippines but hard to prove. Learn from Romago v. Court of Appeals why written agreements prevail.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
When a Franchise Expires: Object of Sale and Royalty Fees Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue when the assigned franchise right expires, interpreting contract intent.
Royalty Payments After Franchise Expiration: When the Assigned Right Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue after the underlying franchise agreement expires and the assigned right ceases to exist.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injuries, Consent, and Intimidation Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that lack of physical injuries and absence of resistance do not negate rape when intimidation is present.