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.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short: The Burden of Proof in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that conspiracy in robbery with homicide requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, but concerted acts establish liability.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and why treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law.
Voice Recognition as Evidence Identifying the Accused in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voice recognition evidence in rape cases, admissibility standards, and the importance of credible victim testimony.
Lenient Application of Procedural Rules Upholds Justice in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules courts may relax procedural rules to serve substantial justice, citing a 2003 agrarian case.
Pre-Trial Stipulations Enforceability and Binding Effect on Parties
How stipulations made during pre-trial bind parties and the court, with rules on enforceability under Philippine procedure.
Closure of Business: Employer's Right vs Union Busting Allegations in Labor Disputes
When can an employer close shop without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains the rules on legitimate business closure.
Sheriffs Authority and Limits in Carrying Firearms During Writ Enforcement
Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duties, custody of seized goods, and limits of authority in enforcing search warrants.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
Supreme Court clarifies cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery by the offended party, not from publication, and settles unsigned resolution doctrine.
Default Judgments Are Disfavored: Lessons from Go v. Tan on Procedural Liberality
When can Philippine courts set aside a default judgment? Go v. Tan explains the rule on procedural liberality and the importance of hearing cases on the merits.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Sheriff's Dereliction of Duty: When Delayed Execution Erodes Public Trust in Courts
A sheriff who delayed executing writs and failed to file required reports was fined P10,000 for dereliction of duty, underscoring judicial accountability.
Judicial Misconduct: Court Fines Retired Judge for Gross Inefficiency
Supreme Court holds retired judges accountable for gross inefficiency, imposing fines deductible from retirement benefits.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Upholding Preliminary Investigation Rights: A Judge's Duty to Ensure Due Process
When a judge skips preliminary investigation, due process suffers. This ruling clarifies a judge's non-waivable duty to protect the accused's substantive rights.
Final Decisions Stand: The Immutability of NLRC Rulings in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final and executory NLRC decision cannot be modified. Learn what this means for illegal dismissal claims and back wages.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Standards and Penalties for Court Employees
Explaining the Supreme Court's standards on habitual tardiness for judiciary employees, the penalties imposed, and practical compliance tips.
Equitable Mortgages Have No Redemption Right in Judicial Foreclosure for Private Mortgagees
In a judicial foreclosure of an equitable mortgage by a private lender, the mortgagor has no right of redemption after confirmation of sale.
Oral Extrajudicial Confession Alone Cannot Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling an uncorroborated oral extrajudicial confession is insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.
Fiduciary Duty and Accountability: The Consequences of Violating Court Circulars on Fund Management
A clerk of court who released a bail bond without a written court order was fined for violating Supreme Court Circular No. 50-95.