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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Discovery Proceedings: The Consequences of Concealing Evidence in Forfeiture Cases
A look at Republic v. Tantoco, Jr., where the Supreme Court upheld sanctions for concealing evidence during discovery in a forfeiture case.
Discovery in Criminal Cases: Why Requests for Admission Do Not Apply
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that requests for admission under Rule 26 apply only to civil cases, not criminal proceedings.
Prescription of SALN Violations Under RA 6713: When the Eight-Year Period Runs
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for failing to file SALNs under RA 6713 begins—from commission, not discovery.
Administrative Due Process and Bank Secrecy: The Sibayan v. Alda Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how administrative due process and bank secrecy limits discovery in BSP proceedings, as shown in Sibayan v. Alda.
Discovery Rights in Administrative Proceedings: Balancing Efficiency and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when modes of discovery may be denied in administrative cases, balancing efficiency with due process in PHIC proceedings.
Lost Evidence Lost Case: How Discovery Failures Impact Proof in Court
A Supreme Court ruling shows how losing original evidence and raising defenses late can sink a case, even when the accused claims innocence.
Beyond Procedure: Substantial Justice Prevails Over Strict Notice Rules in Forcible Entry Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that procedural lapses in discovery should not defeat substantial justice, but warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Prescription in Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights and Time Limits Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for heirs contesting extrajudicial estate settlements, fraud discovery, and time limits.
Deposition Denied: Balancing Discovery Rights and Diligence in Court Proceedings
When can a court deny a deposition? The Supreme Court explains the limits of discovery rights when a party delays proceedings.
Unmasking Behest Loans: Government's Right to Recover Ill-Gotten Wealth Supersedes Prescriptive Timelines
The Supreme Court clarifies that behest loan offenses prescribe only upon discovery, reinforcing the government's power to recover Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
Trade Secrets vs Discovery: Balancing Business Confidentiality and Legal Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when trade secrets are privileged from compulsory disclosure in civil discovery proceedings.
Behest Loans and Prescription: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan cases begins, ruling it starts upon discovery, not execution.
Deposition Deadlines in Intra-Corporate Cases: Philippine Computer Solutions v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day discovery period under the Interim Rules on Intra-Corporate Controversies and the rule on interlocutory orders.
Setting the Critical Date for Electric Rate Refunds in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a refund claim over utility charges is barred by prescription, and why the date of payment, not discovery, controls.
Reformation of Contract: When Does the Prescription Period Begin?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-year prescriptive period for reformation of contract starts—not from execution, but from discovery of the mistake.
Lost Your Land to Fraud? Understanding the 10-Year Deadline for Reconveyance in the Philippines
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing reconveyance of fraudulently titled land in the Philippines and how courts apply the discovery rule.
Prescription Period for Reconveyance Actions Based on Implied Trusts
Learn when a reconveyance action based on implied trust prescribes—10 years from title issuance, not 4 years from fraud discovery.
Unlocking Discovery: Compelling Answers to Written Interrogatories in Philippine Civil Procedure
Explore when courts must compel answers to written interrogatories and why "fishing expedition" objections fail under Philippine discovery rules.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
Supreme Court clarifies cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery by the offended party, not from publication, and settles unsigned resolution doctrine.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery, not publication, and settles the doctrinal value of unsigned resolutions.
Unraveling Behest Loans Discovery Rule AND Ombudsmans Discretion
Meralco's Power Play: When Disconnecting Electricity Demands Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled that Meralco cannot disconnect electricity for alleged meter tampering without an officer of the law or ERB representative witnessing the discovery.
Behest Loans, Prescription, and Ombudsman Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the discovery rule for behest loan offenses and the Ombudsman's broad discretion to dismiss complaints lacking probable cause.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.