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.
When Can Courts Dismiss a Case for Failure to Prosecute? A Land Registration Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for dismissing a case for failure to prosecute, using a land registration dispute as the backdrop.
Child Abuse vs Physical Injury: Delineating Intent in Acts Against Minors
When does hitting a child become child abuse under RA 7610? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial role of intent in Bongalon v. People.
Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Protection When Personal Use Justifies Eviction
Explore how Philippine courts balance a landlord's need to repossess property for personal use against a tenant's rights under urban land reform laws.
Overseas Workers' Full Compensation for Illegal Dismissal: Key SC Ruling
SC clarifies that illegally dismissed overseas workers with contracts under one year get full unexpired term salaries, including benefits.
Motion for Reconsideration Before Certiorari: The Novateknika Rule
Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before filing certiorari. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why it matters.
Dispensing With the Confidential Informant: Upholding Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable in drug cases when police officers personally witness the illegal sale.
Consumer Rights vs Electric Utilities: Supreme Court Upholds Damages for Breach of Compromise Agreement
Supreme Court rules electric cooperatives must honor compromise agreements, awarding damages to consumers for repeated billing harassment and disconnection threats.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes
When a property owner loses title without notice, annulment of judgment may lie. The Supreme Court clarifies extrinsic fraud and due process rules.
Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to state "extrinsic fraud" verbatim does not doom a petition for annulment of judgment.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: When Arrastre Operators Escape Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims, the burden of proof, and when arrastre operators may avoid liability.
Stare Decisis in Indigenous Land Claims: Upholding Prior Rulings on the Busol Watershed
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to reverse an injunction favoring indigenous land claims in the Busol Watershed, following an earlier ruling.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Shared Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, making each participant equally liable for murder even without direct evidence of a prior agreement.
Finality of Judgment vs Newly Discovered Evidence in Homicide Cases
When a conviction becomes final, can newly discovered evidence reopen the case? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Trust Receipt vs. Loan: When a Security Agreement Becomes a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a loan, affecting liability and criminal exposure.
Shareholder Rights Demanding Corporate Transparency Through Inspection Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on stockholder inspection rights under Section 74 of the Corporation Code and the limits of judicial review of prosecutorial findings.
When Courts Can No Longer Enforce Agreements: The Difference Between Entrapment and Instigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when police buy-bust operations are legal entrapment versus illegal instigation, and why the distinction matters in drug cases.
Courts, Not Legislators, Set Just Compensation in Philippine Eminent Domain Cases
Supreme Court rules statutory caps like NPC's 10% easement limit cannot override judicial determination of just compensation.
Probable Cause vs Evidentiary Weight: The DOJ Secretary’s Review Power Delineated
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ Secretary oversteps by weighing evidence in a preliminary investigation, not just determining probable cause.
Determining Fair Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Key Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Bautist
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bautista.
Tenants Rights and Landlords Title: Estoppel and Redemption in Lease Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on repurchase agreements, estoppel, and landlord-tenant rights in foreclosure cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
How sudden, unexpected attacks qualify killings as murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Falsification and Probable Cause: Protecting Individuals From Baseless Criminal Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutors' findings and what probable cause requires in falsification cases.