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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Judicial Delay: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, the consequences of delay, and practical lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Ad Placement Errors: When a Publisher Is Not Liable for Non-Publication
Learn from David v. Manila Bulletin when a newspaper is not liable for a failed obituary ad, and how proper ad placement procedures protect both parties.
Bouncing Checks and the Importance of Written Notice: Domagsang v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court rules that a mere verbal demand is not enough to convict under the Anti-Bouncing Check Law—written notice of dishonor is required.
Third-Party Claims in Philippine Execution Sales: Protecting Your Property
Learn how spouses and third parties can protect their property from wrongful execution sales in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Naguit v. Court of Appeals.
Prescription of Falsification: When the Clock Starts Running Under Philippine Law
Learn when the prescriptive period for falsification of public documents begins under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Recebido v. People.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, employee abandonment, overtime pay, and employer duties in termination cases.
Rape Conviction: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed intimidation, delayed reporting, and victim credibility in affirming a rape conviction.
Prescription for Falsification of Public Documents: When the Clock Starts
Learn when the prescription period begins for falsification of public documents under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recebido v. People.
When Does A Killing Qualify As Homicide Instead Of Murder
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, focusing on treachery and its proof.
Murder or Homicide: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law from People v. Templo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack amounts to treachery—and when it is only homicide, not murder.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Sinda
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery in People v. Sinda, and what it means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
When Summary Proceedings Fail: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights During Spousal Incapacity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that guardianship, not summary proceedings, governs disposal of conjugal property when a spouse is incapacitated.
Statutory Rape vs. Rape by Force: Key Distinctions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the key differences between statutory rape and rape by force, and why a victim's age matters most.
Bigamy and Annulment in the Philippines: When Can a Civil Case Stop a Criminal Charge
Learn when a civil annulment case can suspend a bigamy prosecution, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Arthur Te v. Court of Appeals.
Protecting Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Testimony and Age Evidence
The Supreme Court explains how courts assess a child rape victim's testimony and why proof of age matters in statutory rape convictions.
PAGCOR’s Authority Unveiled: Navigating the Limits of Gambling Franchises in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules PAGCOR’s franchise covers gambling casinos, not jai-alai. A landmark case on legislative franchises.
When Alibi Fails Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Kidnapping Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence is insufficient to convict in kidnapping-murder cases, acquitting two accused.
Valid Votes Are King: Why Philippine Election Protests Hinge on Ballots, Not Badges of Fraud
The Supreme Court nullified a trial court ruling that set aside valid vote tallies based on "badges of fraud," reaffirming that plurality of valid votes decides election contests.
Battling Court Delays: Understanding Summary Procedure Violations in the Philippines
A judge's fine for granting extensions and delaying a forcible entry case—what the Supreme Court ruling means for speedy justice.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of statutory rape, the need to prove the victim's age, and the rules on force and damages.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Witness Testimony Is Key to Conviction
How the Supreme Court reaffirmed that credible witness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in rape convictions, shaping Philippine criminal law.
In Rape Cases, a Child's Testimony Can Be Enough: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A child's testimony alone can convict in rape cases. Learn key rules from People v. Segui on credibility, alibi, and damages.
Timely Justice: A Judge's Duty to Act Promptly on Injunction Prayers
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying action on a preliminary injunction prayer—even for good reasons—undermines justice and invites sanctions.
Sheriffs and Judges: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in resolving cases underscores the ethical duties of court officials and the importance of timely justice.