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.
Can Philippine Universities Revoke Degrees? Academic Integrity and Due Process
The Supreme Court affirms a university's power to revoke degrees obtained through fraud, provided due process is observed.
Witness Credibility in Philippine Courts: Why Family Ties Don't Discredit Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility by quality, not family ties. A landmark case clarifies evidence rules, paraffin tests, and damages.
Barangay Appointments: Why Sangguniang Barangay Approval Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a Punong Barangay cannot appoint or replace barangay officials without Sangguniang Barangay approval.
Conspiracy and Mastermind Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Sanchez Doctrine
How Philippine courts hold crime masterminds liable for murder through conspiracy, even when they never appear at the crime scene.
Torrens Title vs. Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how the Torrens system protects land ownership in the Philippines and why proving fraud requires clear and convincing evidence, based on a landmark Supreme Court case.
Fencing in the Philippines: Why Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Matters – Tan v. People Case Analysis
Fencing charges require proof beyond reasonable doubt of every element, including knowledge the goods were stolen. Tan v. People shows why.
Second Chances in Appeals: Leniency for Late Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on late appeal docket fees when justice requires, as shown in this 1999 ruling.
Separation of Church and State: Supreme Court Upholds Labor Rights of Religious Workers
The Supreme Court rules that a pastor's dismissal is a secular employment matter, not an ecclesiastical affair, affirming labor protections.
Decoding Holographic Wills in the Philippines: Witness Requirements and Probate Challenges
Understand the mandatory three-witness rule for contested holographic wills in the Philippines and what Codoy v. Calugay means for probate.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Treachery and Identification in Philippine Murder Cases
How a lone eyewitness's positive identification and the suddenness of attack led to a murder conviction qualified by treachery.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Second Place Is Not Enough: Why Disqualification of a Winning Candidate Does Not Automatically Elevate the Run
Philippine election law: a disqualified winner's votes are not automatically void, so the second placer does not become the winner.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Key Insights from the Philippine Supreme Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Yabut explains how courts assess a child rape victim's credibility and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy it.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Protecting Accused Rights in the Philippines
Explaining how the 1987 Constitution's abolition of the death penalty retroactively benefits accused persons whose crimes were committed before its ratification.
Pillbox Possession in the Philippines: Understanding Illegal Explosives and the Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes a — a homemade explosive device. The case is a practical guide for understanding how courts evaluate explosive devices, the importance of chain of custody in crim
Legal Compensation of Debts in the Philippines: When Can You Offset Dues?
Learn when Philippine law allows compensation or set-off of debts, and why unliquidated claims cannot offset condominium dues.
Injunction Bonds and Due Process: What Philippine Sureties Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when injunction bond sureties are liable and what due process requires before damages are awarded against them.
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.
Moral Damages for Unfounded Lawsuits in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Winning a baseless lawsuit does not automatically entitle you to moral damages. Learn the rules from Expertravel v. CA.
When Can an Appellate Court Remand an Ejectment Case? Key Rules
Explains when RTCs may remand ejectment appeals for further evidence, and when remand is improper under Section 21(d).
Navigating the Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: Burden of Proof and Presumption of Sanity
The Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense in Philippine criminal law, emphasizing the presumption of sanity and the accused's burden to prove insanity beyond reasonable doubt.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Rebose and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts can convict in rape cases based solely on credible victim testimony, even without medical evidence. Learn the rules from People v. Rebose.
When Can a Claim Be a Compulsory Counterclaim? Lessons from Yulienco v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a claim must be raised as a compulsory counterclaim, and when separate suits are allowed.