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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Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases requires a full trial to determine the child's best interests, not just the child's production in court.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Ejectment Cases: When Courts May Admit Evidence Not in the Pleadings
Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit evidence not raised in pleadings, and how prior titles prevail in ejectment disputes.
When Courts Can Stop a Foreclosure: Preliminary Injunctions in Mortgage Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when a court may issue a preliminary injunction to stop a bank's extrajudicial foreclosure pending trial.
Speedy Trial vs Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused's Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a motion to dismiss for speedy trial violation and a demurrer to evidence, protecting accused rights.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Lost Appeal: Lessons from Republic v. Yang Chi Hao
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, even in naturalization cases where the government seeks to question a trial court's ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
When May a Court Excuse a Late Pre-Trial Brief? BPI v. Dando
The Supreme Court relaxed a mandatory procedural rule to let a bank pursue its collection suit, showing when courts may excuse a late pre-trial brief.
Striking a Balance When Justice Requires Flexibility in Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court explains when courts may relax mandatory procedural rules, using a bank's late pre-trial brief as the case in point.
Probate Jurisdiction Absence OF Estate Value Dooms Will Allowance
The Supreme Court nullified a will allowance because the petition failed to allege the estate's gross value, stripping the trial court of jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Credibility and Immediate Reporting Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, emphasizing victim credibility, immediate reporting, and trial court deference in assessing witness testimony.
Navigating Property Disputes When CAN Metropolitan Trial Courts Decide Ownership
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
Carnapping Penalties: The Critical Importance of Allegations in the Information
In Andres v. People, the Supreme Court lowered a carnapping penalty because the Information failed to allege the qualifying circumstances proven at trial.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Speedy Trial Rights: When Delay Is Not a Violation
The Supreme Court explains when delays in criminal prosecution do not violate the right to speedy trial, and the limits of double jeopardy.
Summary Judgment Genuine Factual Issues Demand Full Trial
Judicial Conduct: Premature Archiving of Criminal Cases and the Bounds of Ignorance of the Law
The Supreme Court fined a judge for gross ignorance of the law after prematurely archiving a criminal case, clarifying rules on trial in absentia.
Judicial Misconduct and Due Process: When Courts Can Try a Judge for Off-Duty Acts
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges may face criminal trial in regular courts for off-duty acts, while administrative supervision stays with the Court.
When Failure to Appear at Pre-Trial Does Not Merit Dismissal: Lessons from Anson Trade Center v. Pacific Banki
The Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's non-appearance at pre-trial may be excused, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Jurisdiction Over Arbitral Awards: The Role of Regional Trial Courts in PCHC Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCHC rules cannot vest RTCs with jurisdiction to review arbitral awards; proper remedies explained.
Courts Must Ensure Proper Appeal Venue in Malversation Cases
Supreme Court rules trial courts must forward appeals to the correct forum, protecting accused persons' right to liberty in malversation cases.