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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Safeguarding Notarial Seals: A Lesson from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
What happens when a notary's seal is used without authorization? A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's administrative liability.
Execution Sales, Cash Payment Rules, and Third-Party Claims in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to pay bid in cash or state third-party claims voids execution sales.
Understanding the Elements of Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of rape under Article 266-A, the importance of the victim's credible testimony, and the limits of charging.
Boundary Disputes and Court Jurisdiction: Lessons from Palacat v. Heirs of Hontanosas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies which court hears boundary disputes and when exhaustion of administrative remedies applies in possession cases.
Understanding Separation Benefits and Liability Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when employee benefits are lawful, who bears liability for unauthorized disbursements, and the limits of board authority.
Robbery With Rape vs. Separate Offenses: The Barrera Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with rape applies versus separate robbery and sexual assault charges, and why the distinction matters.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails in homicide cases and the penalties that follow.
Understanding Forum Shopping: Protecting Legal Integrity and Client Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping rules, penalizing a lawyer with two-year suspension for refiling a dismissed labor case.
Proving Rape With Circumstantial Evidence A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such proof suffices beyond reasonable doubt.
Understanding the Insanity Defense: Key Insights from a Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that clarified the test for legal insanity.
Understanding Disturbance Compensation in Land Conversion: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on disturbance compensation claims in land conversion, including prescription periods and evidentiary requirements.
Navigating Accountability in Government Procurement: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on CNA incentives clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed funds and how special funds may be spent.
Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies what the prosecution must prove in reckless imprudence resulting in homicide cases, and why mere negligence is not enough.
Unlawful Detainer and Tolerance: When Permission Isn't Enough to Eject
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, tolerance must exist from the start of possession or the case fails.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Can Lead to Acquittal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and why each matters.
Contract Renewal vs. Extension: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the critical legal difference between renewing and extending a lease, and why precise contract language matters.
Illegal Dismissal Due to Health Issues: What Employers Must Prove in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's illness justifies termination, requiring proof of incurability and a medical certification.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a simulated deed of sale is void. Learn the rules on genuine intent in property transactions.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the right to speedy disposition of cases and prescription rules for graft charges under RA 3019.
Prescription and Speedy Disposition in Philippine Criminal Cases: Key Insights
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for graft cases begins and what constitutes inordinate delay.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Can Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil and hold officers personally liable for fraud and mismanagement.
Understanding Treachery and Premeditation in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court D
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and use of motor vehicle as aggravating circumstances in murder convictions.
Understanding the Extinguishment of Criminal Liability Upon Death: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruli
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rules from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.