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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Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Can a Judge Be Sanctioned for Incompetence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges face sanctions for incompetence versus mere judicial error, citing De Vera v. Judge Dames II.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations in the Philippines: What Talsan v. Baliwag Transit Teaches
Learn when service of summons on a corporation is valid in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Talsan Enterprises v. Baliwag Transit.
Burden of Proof in Conspiracy: When Family Ties Aren't Enough for a Homicide Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, family ties, and the burden of proof in homicide cases—what the prosecution must establish.
Fair Trial for the Deaf and Mute: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court vacated a death sentence because the deaf-mute accused was tried without a sign language interpreter, violating due process.
Objections to Election Returns Must Be in Writing: Lessons from Cordero v. Comelec
The Supreme Court explains why written objections and evidence are mandatory in pre-proclamation controversies under RA 7166.
When Shadows Speak: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Mangat, and what this means for criminal cases.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: How Group Actions Lead to Collective Liability for Carnapping and Murde
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy makes each member of a group equally liable for crimes committed during a joint criminal enterprise.
Unmasking Justice: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Murder Cases
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence, not eyewitness identification, can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Accion Publiciana: Recovering Possession of Real Property in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve accion publiciana cases—recovery of real property possession—through this Supreme Court ruling on prior possession vs. occupancy permits.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: How Philippine Law Protects Vulnerable Victims
In People v. Dizon, the Supreme Court upheld rape convictions based on the victims' credible testimony, reinforcing protections for minors and persons with mental disabilities.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Dismissing One Case Doesn't Always Mean Dismissing All
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping requires two pending cases; a dismissed appeal doesn't automatically trigger the rule.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi in Philippine Kidnapping Cases: People v. Ramos
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping conviction, ruling credible eyewitness identification prevails over alibi in People v. Ramos.
Bail Hearings Are Non-Waivable: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Criminal Procedure
The Supreme Court reaffirms that bail hearings in capital offenses are mandatory and cannot be waived, dismissing a judge who granted bail without one.
Ejectment Case Dismissed Understand Philippine Court Jurisdiction IN Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts have jurisdiction over ejectment cases. A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference between forcible entry and unlawful detainer.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Fixed-Term Contracts and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular, and why fixed-term contracts do not permit illegal dismissal.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Delay in Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that delay in reporting and lack of resistance do not undermine victim credibility.
Invalid Tax Assessment: Why an Affidavit for Criminal Complaint Does Not Count
The Supreme Court clarifies that a revenue officer's affidavit attached to a criminal complaint for tax evasion is not a formal assessment that can be appealed to the Court of Tax Appeals.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty and Falsification in Private Transactions
Supreme Court rules on misuse of official receipts for private deals, imposing strict accountability on court personnel.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases: The Insanity Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for the insanity defense in robbery with homicide cases, requiring complete deprivation of reason.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court explains when loss of confidence justifies employee dismissal and why employers cannot rely on mere suspicion.
Self-Defense or Murder: Justifying Circumstances and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
A guide to self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in Philippine criminal law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Bitoon.
When Judges Are Held Liable for Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for gross ignorance of the law, setting standards for judicial competence and accountability.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Why Jurisdictional Compliance Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Republic v. Estrada explains why strict compliance with RA 26 publication and notice requirements is mandatory in land title reconstitution cases.