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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When a Clerk of Court Oversteps Judicial Power: Limits on Court Personnel Authority
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that clerks of court cannot approve bail or order releases—judicial powers reserved for judges alone.
Midnight Appointments by Local Executives: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court rules on whether local executives can make midnight appointments before presidential elections, explaining the limits of the constitutional ban.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Substantial Compliance and Employer Duty to Assess Fitness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits, substantial compliance with POEA contract, and employer responsibility in fitness assessment.
Agents Cannot Acquire Principal's Property: Imprescriptible Action to Recover Trust Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an agent's acquisition of the principal's property is void and the action to recover it is imprescriptible.
Due Process and Foreclosure: Protecting Debtor Rights in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling shows how procedural rules on venue protect property owners from baseless suits, and what it means for debtors facing foreclosure.
Robbery With Homicide: How Multiple Killings Affect Sentencing in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether multiple killings in robbery with homicide warrant death penalty or reclusion perpetua.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Murder: People v. Baltazar
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how positive eyewitness identification outweighs alibi, paraffin test results, and claims of witness bias.
Lis Pendens and Good Faith Purchasers: Property Rights After Notice Cancellation in the Philippines
Learn how lis pendens, notice cancellation, and good faith purchasers affect Philippine property rights, with insights from a 2001 Supreme Court ruling.
Land Retention Rights Prevail Landowners Choice Overrides Prior Land Transfer Certificates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a landowner's retention right under PD 27 can override a previously issued Certificate of Land Transfer.
Judicial Overreach: What Happens When a Judge Exceeds Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases
A judge issued arrest warrants after losing jurisdiction over a case. The Supreme Court ruled it was gross ignorance of the law.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Summary Judgment and Forum Non Conveniens
Philippine courts explain when summary judgment is proper in enforcing foreign judgments and when forum non conveniens applies.
When Silence Is Not Acquiescence: Fear and Delayed Testimony in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when fear justifies delayed testimony and how incomplete self-defense works in homicide cases.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt In Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Cases
Learn how deceptive recruitment schemes establish guilt in large-scale illegal recruitment cases under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Full Penetration: The Importance of Touching in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration of the labia is enough to consummate rape, even without full vaginal penetration.
When Fear, Not Force, Proves Rape: Lessons from People v. Cuadro
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions where a stepfather exploited moral dominance and intimidation, explaining why submission is not consent.
The Lone Testimony Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Delayed Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on the victim's credible lone testimony, despite a six-month delay in reporting the crime.
Preliminary Investigation Protecting Individual Rights Before Trial
Learn how preliminary investigation safeguards individual rights before trial, as explained in a Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Unconstitutional Confessions Protecting Rights IN Criminal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the admissibility of confessions and the protection of constitutional rights during criminal investigations.
Rape Conviction Requires Proof of Specific Dates Alleged in Information
Supreme Court ruling on proving specific dates in rape and acts of lasciviousness cases under Philippine law.
Confirmed Flight Bookings vs Timely Check-In: Balancing Airline Obligations and Passenger Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a confirmed airline booking does not guarantee boarding if a passenger checks in late.
Child Testimony AND RES Gestae THE Admissibility OF Child Statements IN Sexual Abuse Cases
Rape Consensual or Forced: Evaluating Delayed Reporting and Parental Authority in Incest Cases
Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, delayed reporting, and admissibility of a child victim's res gestae statements.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Delayed Witness Testimony in Murder Cases
When a witness stays silent for years, does that weaken a murder conviction? The Supreme Court explains when delay is excusable.