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.
Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants
A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.
Expropriation and Summary Judgment: Protecting Just Compensation in Philippine Condemnation Cases
When can summary judgment decide just compensation in expropriation cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and protects landowners' rights.
Probable Cause and Conflicting Testimonies in Rape and Illegal Detention Cases
When may courts override prosecutors on probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies in a case of rape, illegal detention, and conflicting testimonies.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can convict. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in People v. De la Cruz.
Filing Deadlines on Weekends and Holidays: The Rule on Extended Periods in Philippine Courts
When an extended filing deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, Philippine courts allow filing on the next working day—here's the rule.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Choosing the Right Appeal: Rule 41 vs. Rule 42 in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use an ordinary appeal versus a petition for review in property cases, emphasizing the importance of the correct mode of appeal.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining force, intimidation, witness credibility, and damages in Philippine criminal law.
Upholding Conviction in Rape Cases: Credibility and the Element of Force
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how trial courts assess witness credibility and prove force or intimidation.
Fair Compensation in Land Reform: Upholding Valuation Standards in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts must follow DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform cases, not subjective judgments.
DARAB Jurisdiction and Land Sale Nullification: Key Lessons from a 2013 Ruling
When can the DARAB nullify a land sale? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of its jurisdiction in this 2013 ruling.
When Attorney's Fees Are Not Automatic: The Rule of Article 2208
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may award attorney's fees under Article 2208 of the Civil Code, requiring clear factual and legal justification.
Conviction for Statutory Rape of Minor Upheld Despite Accused’s Denial and Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of an uncle who assaulted his 5-year-old niece, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
Publication Requirement Prevails: Unpublished Handwritten Addendum Has No Legal Effect
Supreme Court rules unpublished handwritten addendum to a presidential proclamation has no force of law, reaffirming the indispensable publication requirement.
The Testimony of a Minor as Sufficient Proof in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor's credible testimony alone can prove statutory rape, even without medical evidence of injury.
Academic Freedom and Ethical Standards: Selling Books to Students as Conduct Prejudicial to Service
A professor's sale of books to her own students was upheld as conduct prejudicial to service, clarifying limits of academic freedom.
Support Pendente Lite: Defining Indispensable Needs in Marital Separation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what expenses count as support pendente lite and which deductions are allowed in marital separation cases.
Attorney’s Fees in the Philippines: When Courts Can Award Them
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without clear justification. Learn the rules under Article 2208 of the Civil Code.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Waiver of Demand and Interest Rate Limits in Philippine Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when demand is unnecessary before default and why courts reduce excessive stipulated interest rates.
Possession vs Ownership: Forum Shopping in Land Dispute Cases
When two ejectment suits over one lot become forum shopping, and why actual possession matters more than tax declarations.
Court Personnel Neglect of Duty: When Delayed Case Records Trigger Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simple neglect of duty by court personnel who delayed transmitting appeal records, with penalties explained.