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.
Hearsay, Dying Declarations, and Reasonable Doubt: Acquittal in Homicide Case
Supreme Court acquits homicide accused where prosecution relied on inadmissible hearsay, not direct evidence, and medical evidence conflicted.
Calculating Redemption Price in Extrajudicial Foreclosures: BPI v. LCL Capital Explained
Learn how Philippine courts compute redemption prices in bank foreclosures under the General Banking Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in BPI v. LCL Capital.
Failure to State vs. Lack of Cause of Action: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Cases
Learn the crucial difference between failure to state a cause of action and lack of cause of action, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Roa v. Sy.
Estafa by Deceit in Property Sales: Lessons from Dulay v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Dulay v. People clarifies estafa by deceit in property transactions and the buyer's duty to verify ownership.
Infanticide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts convict in infanticide cases using circumstantial evidence, as shown in People v. Adalia.
Fraud and Writs of Preliminary Attachment: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When does non-payment of a debt amount to fraud justifying a writ of preliminary attachment? A recent Supreme Court ruling provides clear guidance.
Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.
Spousal Consent in Property Leases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that leases of common property without written spousal consent are void. Learn the rules and practical safeguards.
Property Ownership and Possession: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies ownership, possession, and the role of tax declarations in property disputes.
Can Laches Bar a Registered Owner’s Right to Recover Property in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that laches cannot defeat a registered owner’s right to recover property under the Torrens system.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: When Illegal Searches Taint Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that evidence from an illegal search cannot be used in administrative proceedings, reinforcing the exclusionary rule's reach.
Res Judicata in the Philippines: When a Dismissed Case Cannot Be Refiled
Learn when a dismissed case can be refiled in the Philippines and how res judicata bars re-litigation, based on a Supreme Court ruling on failure to prosecute.
Child Sexual Abuse Under RA 7610: Key Ruling on Section 5(b) vs. 10(a)
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a child falls under Section 5(b) rather than 10(a) of RA 7610, affecting penalties and prosecution.
Foreign Spouses Can File for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: The Ambrose Ruling
Foreign spouses married in the Philippines have legal standing to file for nullity of marriage, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Ambrose v. Suque-Ambrose.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Key Lessons from Site for Eyes v. Daming
The Supreme Court ruled that repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat regular employment status. Learn the key lessons from this landmark case.
Consent and Intoxication in Rape Cases: Key Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine law on rape and intoxication: when severe drunkenness or unconsciousness negates consent, and why credible testimony can convict.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.