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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Pacto de Retro Sales in the Philippines: When a Land Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a pacto de retro sale stands as a true sale, not an equitable mortgage.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Specific Allegations: People v. Bayona
The Supreme Court reduced a father's death sentence for rape to reclusion perpetua because the informations failed to allege his relationship to the victim.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: Prompt Resolution of Court Matters and Accountability for Delays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to resolve matters promptly, with accountability for delays in court administration.
Navigating Reasonable Doubt When Conflicting Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Criminal Conspiracy
When a key witness contradicts himself, reasonable doubt arises. The Supreme Court acquits one accused in a murder case, clarifying conspiracy rules.
Recanted Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and Victim Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts evaluate credibility in rape cases, including the role of recanted testimony and medical evidence.
Rape Conviction Stands Despite Intact Hymen: Supreme Court on Penetration and Consent
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction despite an intact hymen, clarifying that full penetration is not required for consummated rape.
Retraction of Witness Testimony and Its Impact on Criminal Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how recanted testimony is weighed in criminal cases, using a father's rape conviction as the key example.
Demand to Vacate: What Landlords Must Prove in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies demand-to-vacate requirements in unlawful detainer cases, ruling on res judicata and landlord rights.
Bank Negligence in Clearing Checks: When Depositors Escape Liability
Supreme Court rules banks must follow clearing rules before allowing withdrawals, holding BPI liable for its own negligence in counterfeit check case.
The Testimony of a Witness With Disabilities: Ensuring Justice and Fair Trial
How the Supreme Court upheld rape convictions based on a deaf-mute victim's credible testimony, affirming that disability does not disqualify a witness.
Consent and Credibility in Rape and Forcible Abduction Cases: The Claudio Standard
The Supreme Court acquits in Claudio, stressing that prosecution must prove lack of consent beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Minority and Murder: How a Minor’s Age Affects the Penalty for Murder in the Philippines
A 17-year-old convicted of murder saw his penalty reduced because of minority. The Supreme Court explains how age affects sentencing.
Bank Liability for Negligence in Protecting Depositors in Foreign Currency Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in foreign currency deposit withdrawals and the duty to protect depositors.
Lis Pendens in Co-Development Disputes: Protecting Rights Over Real Property
When can a notice of lis pendens be registered? The Supreme Court clarifies in Viewmaster v. Maulit that co-development claims over land qualify.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Technical Rules Give Way
When a defective notice of hearing cost a man his appeal and his liberty, the Supreme Court showed when technical rules must yield to substantial justice.
Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.
When Courts May Suspend Ejectment Proceedings: Balancing Possession and Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains the narrow exception when an ejectment case may be suspended pending an ownership action, and why equity matters.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: When the NLRC Must Rule on a Motion to Reduce the Appeal Bond
In Coral Point v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that a motion to reduce the supersedeas bond must be resolved before an employer's appeal is dismissed.
Breach of Banking Duty: Bank Liable for Mortgage Fraud Due to Negligence in Identifying Impostors
Philippine Supreme Court holds bank liable for mortgage fraud when it failed to verify impostors' identity, applying the last clear chance doctrine.
Orchestrating Death: Conspiracy and Accountability in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how a hacienda overseer who ordered killings was held liable as a principal under conspiracy doctrine.
Child Rape in the Philippines: What People v. Lomerio Teaches About Credible Testimony
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on convicting a child rapist on the victim's testimony, the meaning of carnal knowledge, and how aggravating circumstances are weighed.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Due Process and Jurisdictional Validity
When is service of summons on a corporation valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on proper service, substantial compliance, and jurisdiction.
Confirmation of Imperfect Title: Prior Possession of Forest Land Not Counted in 30-Year Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court rules that possession of forest land before its classification as alienable cannot be counted toward the 30-year requirement for confirmation of imperfect title.
Qualified Theft vs Robbery with Homicide: Force and Intent Distinguished
Supreme Court clarifies when unlawful taking without proven force is qualified theft, not robbery with homicide.