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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Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
Nicknames and Initials on Ballots: The Villarosa v. HRET Precedent
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on nickname and initials votes in Villarosa v. HRET, and what it means for ballot validity.
The Unwavering Eye: How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining why a single eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and minor inconsistencies.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Why Trial Courts Hold Decisive Power in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts' assessment of rape victim credibility is given great weight, absent any clear error or arbitrariness.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery Homicide Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, alibi, and treachery in murder cases, using People v. Bergonio.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams in the Philippines: Supreme Court Ruling on Large Scale Swindling and Estaf
The Supreme Court explains when a Ponzi scheme constitutes large scale swindling and estafa under Philippine law.
Indispensable Parties in Philippine Property Disputes: Why Mortgagees Aren't Always Necessary
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mortgagee is not an indispensable party in property disputes, explained in plain language.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: How Landowners Get Paid Under RA 6657
Understand how just compensation is paid in cash and bonds under RA 6657, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Santos v. Land Bank.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Labor Disputes: Swift and Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in a labor case, showing how parties can settle disputes amicably and avoid prolonged litigation.
When Eyewitness Testimony Falters: Safeguarding Justice Through Scrutiny of Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits two murder accused after exposing material inconsistencies in the sole eyewitness's testimony, reaffirming the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Breach of Trust vs Criminal Intent: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa through abuse of confidence does not require criminal intent—breach of trust suffices.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough for a Conviction in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction, using an estafa case against a judge as the backdrop.
Trial Delays Have Consequences: Edrial v. Quilat-Quilat on Due Process
When parties repeatedly seek postponements, courts may finally refuse to reopen a case. Learn the limits of due process in trial proceedings.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Protecting Your Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Filipinos from unlawful search and seizure, using the landmark Sevilla case as a guide.
Election Protest Dismissed: Filing Fees, Verification, and Forum Shopping Pitfalls in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court ruling on how unpaid filing fees, defective verification, and non-disclosure in forum shopping certification can doom an election protest.
Unmasking Trust Receipts When a Loan Is Not What It Seems in Philippine Law
When is a trust receipt really just a loan? The Supreme Court clarifies in Colinares v. Court of Appeals.
Treachery, Abuse of Superior Strength, and Dwelling in Murder: Lessons from People v. Riglos
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery absorbs abuse of superior strength and how dwelling aggravates murder in People v. Riglos.
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Treachery and Dwelling in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and dwelling qualify a killing as murder, using the Riglos case as a guide.
Gross Negligence in Handling Public Property: A Public Official's Liability for Malversation in the Philippine
Explaining when a public officer's careless handling of entrusted property becomes malversation, based on a Supreme Court ruling on lost shabu evidence.
When Justice Delayed: The Supreme Court's Firm Stance on Judicial Efficiency
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions, fining a judge who took 17 months to rule on a case.
Equity vs Right of Redemption: Key Lessons From Huerta Alba Resort on Philippine Foreclosure Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between equity of redemption and statutory right of redemption in foreclosure cases.
Presidential Power Bidding Wars Navigating Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's authority to overturn government contract awards and the limits on foreign bidders' rights.
Principals vs Accomplices: Degrees of Participation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains the difference between principals and accomplices in Philippine criminal law, and how courts determine each participant's liability.