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.
Estate Inventory Disputes: Probate Courts' Provisional Powers on Inclusion of Properties
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on probate courts' authority to provisionally determine ownership for estate inventory inclusion.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How It Elevates Murder Charges in the Philippines
Learn how treachery qualifies killing into murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
Buy-Bust Operations: Warrantless Arrests and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to preserve the chain of custody, explaining the rules on buy-bust operations and evidence.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Injury Claims: Proving Self-Inflicted Harm
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer can defeat a seafarer's disability claim by proving the injury was self-inflicted.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Reconstitution of Title: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Copy
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost certificate of title, emphasizing proof of loss over mere speculation.
Judicial Misconduct: Falsifying Service Certificates and Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court holds a retired judge liable for gross misconduct and false certificates of service, and a clerk of court for simple misconduct.
Tenant Rights vs Land Ownership: Establishing a Valid Tenancy in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves a valid tenancy relationship in agrarian disputes, and why a tenant's claim failed.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, penalties, and damages in People v. Con-ui.
Incestuous Rape: Child Victims' Testimony and Parental Responsibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies attempted rape vs. acts of lasciviousness distinction.
Incestuous Rape: Why Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony in Parental Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victims' credible testimony, explaining why intact hymen and minor inconsistencies don't defeat prosecution.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
Closure Due to Serious Losses: When Separation Pay Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business closure due to serious losses exempts employers from separation pay, but still requires proper notice.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Prescription and Laches in Deed of Sale Cases: Lessons from Sanchez v. Sanchez
When can a deed of sale be challenged in court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and laches in Sanchez v. Sanchez.
Work-Related Illness Compensability of Myocardial Infarction Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on compensability of myocardial infarction as a work-related illness, explained through Supreme Court rulings and legal standards.
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Admissibility of Testimony From Persons With Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that persons with mental retardation can be credible witnesses in rape cases, provided they understand questions and testify clearly.
Falsification of Public Documents and Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019
When does falsification of public documents justify preventive suspension under Section 13 of RA 3019? The Supreme Court explains.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.