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.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
Residency Redefined: Upholding Election Results Despite Challenges to Candidate's Domicile
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for local candidates, upholding John Henry Osmeña's win as Toledo City mayor despite domicile challenges.
Estafa by Abuse of Confidence: When Failing to Return Money Becomes a Crime
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence and when failure to return entrusted money constitutes a criminal offense.
Maceda Law Rights of Installment Buyers in Real Estate Contracts
The Supreme Court explains how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers, including the required cash surrender value before contract cancellation.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed in Jewelry Consignment Case
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for consignee who sold jewelry on credit and failed to remit proceeds or return items.
Sovereign Immunity and Environmental Responsibility: Jurisdiction in the Tubbataha Reef Case
The Supreme Court clarifies sovereign immunity limits and environmental accountability in the USS Guardian grounding at Tubbataha Reefs.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
Upholding Search Warrants in Copyright Infringement Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may quash search warrants in software piracy cases, and when they must uphold them.
Shared Intent, Shared Guilt: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in homicide cases—when one acts, all are liable, even without direct participation.
Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior
Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction and Apportions Liability Between Principal and Accompl
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between principal and accomplice in kidnapping for ransom, and how damages are shared.
The Weight of Silence: Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping for Ransom
When does silence and serving food make someone an accomplice to kidnapping for ransom? The Supreme Court explains.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of clerk of court who used judiciary funds for personal expenses, underscoring public trust.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith in Philippine Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, buyer good faith, and protecting land ownership rights.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Diplomatic Discretion vs Human Rights: Executive Power in International Claims
The Supreme Court affirms that the executive branch holds exclusive discretion over espousing international claims, even for human rights violations like those of Filipino comfort women.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Upholding Efficiency and Accountability
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office is a public trust demanding efficiency and accountability.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over broken chain of custody, stressing Section 21 compliance for seized evidence integrity.
Treachery and Self-Defense in Murder Conviction: People v. De Los Santos
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction where treachery attended killing and self-defense claim failed for lack of unlawful aggression.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty and Damages
Supreme Court modifies kidnapping conviction to special complex crime of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, affirming reclusion perpetua and awarding damages.