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.
Upholding Forfeiture Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth Hidden Abroad
Philippine courts retain jurisdiction over forfeiture cases involving ill-gotten wealth even when assets are hidden in foreign jurisdictions.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.
Mistake vs Malice: When Honest Error Defeats Theft Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when honest mistake negates criminal intent in theft cases, acquitting a man who cut trees on the wrong property.
B.P. 22 Defense: Payment Before Information Filing Can Defeat Dishonored Check Charges
The Supreme Court explains when paying a dishonored check before charges are filed can defeat a B.P. 22 prosecution.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
When Paying a Bounced Check Before Charges Are Filed Can Mean Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court explains when full payment of a dishonored check before the filing of an Information can lead to acquittal from BP 22 charges.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Claims: Insurers Must Prove Actual Damages to Recover Subrogated Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply in cargo loss claims when actual damages cannot be proven with certainty.
Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Adherence TO Procedural Rules IN Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court reinstates NLRC dismissals, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural rules in labor appeals and the finality of judgments.
Navigating SEC Appeals: Understanding the Scope of Review and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may relax procedural rules and the limits of certiorari review in labor appeals.
Protecting Judicial Independence When Administrative Complaints Cross The Line
Explore how the Supreme Court safeguards judicial independence when administrative complaints are used to pressure judges in pending cases.
Upholding Warrantless Arrests: The Limits of Challenging Drug Possession Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when warrantless arrests and seizures in drug cases are valid, and when procedural lapses still allow conviction.
Sobriety vs Perception: Protecting Rights During Traffic Stops in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a driver of drunk driving and resisting arrest, clarifying that smelling of alcohol is not the same as being under its influence.
Upholding Conviction in Drug Cases: The Importance of Timely Objections to Chain of Custody
Learn why raising chain of custody objections late in drug cases fails, and how timely objections protect accused persons under RA 9165.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
Forged Signatures and Void Contracts: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage, forged signatures, and pactum commissorium.
Rape and the Incapacity to Consent: Protecting the Intellectually Disabled in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats rape as a violation of autonomy, especially when the victim cannot consent due to intellectual disability. This article explains the key ruling.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Moral Reformation and Rehabilitation
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement, clarifying the high burden of proving moral reformation.
Reconstitution of Lost Title Allowed: Supreme Court Clarifies R.A. 26 Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.
When a Corporate Club Member Changes Nominees: Who Pays the Membership Fee?
Supreme Court ruling on whether a golf club can charge new membership fees when a corporate member replaces its designated nominees.
Corporate Membership Dues: Who Pays When Nominees Change
Supreme Court rules on whether golf clubs can charge new membership fees when corporate members replace their nominees.