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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Boundary Disputes and Local Government Authority: Caloocan v. Malabon
Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes between LGUs must first go through sanggunian settlement before courts can intervene.
Accident Insurance Claims in the Philippines: Proving Entitlement and Avoiding Denial
The Supreme Court clarifies how insured persons can prove accident insurance claims and when insurers face liability for wrongful denial.
Financial Abuse Under VAWC: Why Intent Matters in RA 9262 Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that financial abuse under RA 9262 requires proof of intent to cause emotional anguish, not just denial of support.
Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Intent Matters in Denial of Financial Support Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that willful intent to cause anguish, not mere financial hardship, is required for economic abuse convictions under RA 9262.
Lone Legislative Districts and Provincial Board Seats: The San Jose Del Monte Ruling
A lone legislative district is entitled to its own seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Supreme Court rules in Robes v. COMELEC.
Financial Support and VAWC Intent: What Denial of Support Really Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that criminal liability for denial of financial support under VAWC requires willful intent to cause anguish, not mere failure to provide.
Check Kiting and Actual Damages: Proving Real Loss in Banking Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that banks must prove actual pecuniary loss to claim damages from check kiting schemes.
People v. Achay: When Denial and Alibi Fail Against Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for murder and attempted homicide, explaining why denial and alibi cannot beat positive identification by credible witnesses.
When Alibi and Denial Cannot Overturn Positive Identification: A Philippine Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court explains when alibi and denial fail against positive identification, with rules on treachery and stop and frisk.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Upheld: Witness Credibility and Positive Identification
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping for ransom convictions, explaining why victim's positive identification outweighs alibis and minor testimonial inconsistencies.
Upholding Honesty in Court: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements
A lawyer's false denial of a compromise agreement led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that candor to courts is non-negotiable.
Falsification of Public Documents and Anti-Graft Liability: The Maasin River Quarrying Case
A vice mayor's conviction for falsifying Sangguniang Bayan minutes and violating the Anti-Graft Law, explaining the legal principles involved.
When a Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from Gumawid v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, denial, and penalty computation under the Revised Penal Code.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Resolving Conflicts in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial in homicide cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Libel Venue Rules: When Public Officers Can Sue and Why Denial of Motion to Quash Is Not Appealable
Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules for public officers and why denial of a motion to quash is an interlocutory order, not subject to certiorari.
Financial Support and VAWC Intent: When Denial of Support Is a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for conviction under RA 9262; willful intent matters.
Unappealed Judgment Bars Consequential Damages in Expropriation Case
Supreme Court clarifies that landowners who do not appeal a trial court's denial of consequential damages cannot obtain them on appeal.
Understanding the Consequences of Misappropriating Judicial Funds in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds in California faces the same fate here. Learn how reciprocal discipline works.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: Insights from the Feliciano and Aquitania Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted water district officials of graft and malversation, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for good faith actions.
Voluntary Arbitrator Appeals: The 15-Day Rule After Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the appeal period for voluntary arbitrator decisions—15 days after denial of reconsideration, not 10.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Donation Validity and Notarization: What Patenia v. Patenia Means for Property Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective notarization invalidates a donation of immovable property, and when it does not.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Eyewitness Identification Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt In Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification by the victim's daughters, prevailing over the accused's denial.