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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Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, with insights from People v. Santiago on qualifying circumstances and penalties.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Consent Rules, DOJ Circulars, and What the High Court Settled
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors must consent to plea bargains in drug cases and why courts cannot strike down DOJ circulars on their own.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court's Majingcar Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may allow plea bargaining in drug cases and the prosecutor's role in the process.
Courts May Provisionally Rule on Plaintiff's Death in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment courts may provisionally pass on a plaintiff's alleged death to resolve possession, without barring Rule 108 proceedings.
Employee Termination for Unauthorized Absences: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle employee termination for unauthorized absences and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Understanding the Rule on Hierarchy of Courts: Implications for Legal Venue and Depositions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts rule in Palafox v. Mendiola, addressing venue for defamation cases and deposition timing.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Bank Liquidation: Filing Claims Against Closed Banks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle claims against closed banks, including the liquidation court's exclusive jurisdiction under RA 7653.
When Justice Delays: The Cost of Unresolved Cases in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows why judges must decide cases on time—and what happens when they don't.
Navigating Docket Fee Challenges: Ensuring Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases and prevents inordinate delay in preliminary investigations.
Navigating Disability Claims KEY Insights From THE Supreme Courts Ruling ON Seafarers Rights
Understanding Freeze Orders Protecting Assets AND Upholding DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts issue freeze orders to protect assets and why due process remains essential in asset preservation cases.
Understanding Treachery In Murder Cases Insights From A Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, its elements, and practical implications from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Unlocking Compensation for Government Contracts: The Power of Quantum Meruit in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply quantum meruit to recover unpaid work in government contracts, with key rules and practical guidance.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decision
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using People v. Pereira to explain the rules on qualifying circumstances, self-defense, and damages.
Tax Exemption Challenges and the CTA's Exclusive Jurisdiction Over BIR Issuances
Learn why the Court of Tax Appeals, not regional trial courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over tax exemption cases and BIR revenue issuances.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When the Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Facts
A look at a 2026 Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict liability, negligence, and why factual findings of lower courts are often left undisturbed.
Understanding Self Defense and Treachery in Philippine Homicide Cases: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A landmark ruling explains how Philippine courts distinguish treachery from self defense in murder cases, and why alibi rarely prevails.
When Courts Allow New Evidence Not Pre-Marked During Pre-Trial in Philippine Litigation
Philippine courts may admit evidence not pre-marked during pre-trial if good cause is shown. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Reliable Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: People v. Dereco
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness accounts and alibi defenses.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.