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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Strict Liability and the Comelec Gun Ban: Why Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
The Supreme Court explains why carrying a firearm during an election period without a permit is a strict liability offense under COMELEC Resolution No. 2323.
Limits of Free Speech When Criticism of the Judiciary Becomes Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine law balances free speech with judicial integrity. Learn when criticism of judges crosses the line into contempt of court.
When Two Lawsuits Overlap: Litis Pendentia and the Peril of Splitting One Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when a second lawsuit over the same dispute must be dismissed, even without forum shopping.
When a Lawyer's Appeal Becomes Misuse of Legal Processes: A Philippine Lesson
A UP lawyer was reprimanded for appealing a student tribunal's dismissal. Learn the limits of a lawyer's duty and legal process.
Judicial Efficiency: A Judge's Duty to Expedite Case Resolution and Avoid Undue Delay
The Supreme Court reminds judges of their duty to expedite proceedings, ruling that prolonged arraignment delays violate the constitutional right to speedy trial.
Compromise Agreements: Who Is Actually Bound by a Settlement?
A compromise agreement binds only its signatories. Learn how the Supreme Court protected a co-maker not named in the settlement.
Arraignment Delays and Your Right to Speedy Trial in the Philippines
When repeated postponements of arraignment violate the constitutional right to speedy trial, dismissal of the case and release may be warranted.
Navigating Multiple Lawsuits Understanding Litis Pendentia IN THE Philippines TO Avoid Case Dismissal
Learn how litis pendentia can lead to case dismissal in the Philippines, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules.
Unveiling Implied Trust: How Purchase Money Defines Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains purchase money resulting trust under Article 1448, Civil Code, and its effect on donations of property.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Disputes: Preventing Endless Litigation
When can a co-owner file ejectment alone? The Supreme Court clarifies Article 487 and the rules on indispensable parties.
Understanding Judicial Delay and Accountability Through a Landmark Philippine Rape Conviction
A father's rape conviction highlights Philippine rules on judicial delay, information amendment, and accountability in criminal procedure.
Breach of Trust: When a Donation Fails Because the Donor Was Only a Trustee
A donor cannot give away property that belongs to another. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and void donations in Comilang v. Burcena.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case in the Philippines? Yes, Under Article 487
A single co-owner can file an ejectment suit without the others. The Supreme Court explains how Article 487 of the Civil Code works.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: What the CSC v. DBM Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies means full, automatic release of appropriations—not subject to DBM cash management policies.
Clerk of Court Negligence Consequences and Due Diligence in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on the consequences of a clerk of court's negligence in transmitting case records and the duty of due diligence.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Why Mere Denial Isnt Enough in Philippine Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a notarized deed of sale cannot be overturned by a seller's bare denial, explaining the burden of proof in property disputes.
Court of Appeals Cannot Stop a Writ of Possession Through a Standalone Injunction Petition
A buyer who fully paid for foreclosed condominium units cannot ask the Court of Appeals for a standalone preliminary injunction to stop a writ of possession. Jurisdiction rules explained.
When Certifying Completion: Public Official Liability for Inaccurate Certifications
A provincial treasurer certified PSB projects as 100% complete when they were not. The Supreme Court explains when officials face liability.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Agencies: Full Release of Appropriations Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms that fiscal autonomy requires automatic and full release of appropriations to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Single Act, Multiple Charges: Duplicity and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Environmental Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that one act can violate several environmental laws without violating double jeopardy protections.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: Automatic Release of Funds for Constitutional Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy requires full, automatic release of funds to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Syndicated Estafa in the Philippines: Defining a Syndicate and Bail Rights
Learn how Philippine courts define a syndicate for syndicated estafa under PD 1689 and when bail remains a matter of right.
Perfecting a Contract to Sell: Why Payment Terms Matter in Philippine Real Estate Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why agreeing on price alone does not perfect a contract to sell real property—payment terms are essential.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.