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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Unwittingly Buying Stolen Goods Understanding Fencing LAW IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats the crime of fencing, what makes a buyer liable for receiving stolen property, and the legal consequences involved.
Reasonable Doubt and Due Process in Criminal Cases: The Arco Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court’s ruling in People v. Arco underscores the presumption of innocence and the prosecution’s burden in criminal cases.
Upholding Election Integrity Consequences OF Judicial Errors AND Gross Ignorance OF THE LAW
A judge's mishandling of a bail hearing in a murder case leads to a fine for gross ignorance of the law.
Service of Court Notices: Why Updating Your Attorney of Record Is Crucial
A lawyer's suspension for gross misconduct highlights why updating your attorney of record ensures proper notice and protects your rights.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Workers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies what procedural due process really means in employee dismissals, using a Philippine Airlines case as a guide.
Unbroken Chains: How Circumstantial Evidence Proves Guilt in Philippine Robbery Homicide Cases
A robbery-homicide conviction upheld on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn the rules of proof and what constitutes an unbroken chain of circumstances.
Philippine Rape Law: Why Properly Charging Qualifying Circumstances Can Be a Matter of Life or Death
A rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because a qualifying circumstance wasn't alleged in the information. Learn why precise charging matters.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Lessons from Judge Luzano's Ex Parte Inspection
A judge's ex parte ocular inspection after trial violates due process and the appearance of impartiality, as shown in this administrative case.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences in Philippine Real Estate Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why it matters in property disputes.
Sheriff Misconduct: Why Proper Handling of Sheriff's Fees Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A sheriff who collects fees without court approval and deposit violates Rule 141. Learn the rules and consequences.
Precision in Charges: How a Flaw in a Rape Indictment Spared a Defendant from Death Penalty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. San Juan clarifies how a defective rape indictment affects penalties and due process.
How Corporate Rehabilitation Suspends Labor Disputes: The Rubberworld Case
When a company under rehabilitation faces labor claims, the SEC's automatic stay suspends all actions—including labor cases before the NLRC.
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
Judicial Accountability THE Imperative OF Timely Case Resolution AND THE Consequences OF Delay
PEZA Cannot Cancel Lease Contracts Without Due Process: The Saffirou Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that PEZA's unilateral cancellation of a lease agreement without hearing violates due process and may be enjoined by courts.
Due Process Limits of Disqualification and the Duty of Judicial Impartiality
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the limits of res judicata and the duty of judges to remain impartial in Salanga v. Alagar.
Due Process in Preliminary Investigations: Raro v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that defects in a preliminary investigation do not automatically invalidate an information or violate due process.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Clarifying Proof and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of incestuous rape, the weight of parental authority, and the proper penalties under Philippine law.
Ejectment Case Dismissal for Failure to Appear: Due Process in Philippine Summary Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to appear at preliminary conference in ejectment cases warrants judgment and what due process requires.
Demurrer to Evidence Reversed on Appeal: When the Court Must Decide on the Plaintiff's Evidence
Learn the consequences when a demurrer to evidence is reversed on appeal and how judicial admissions can establish liability.
Judicial Accountability: Due Process in Ejectment Cases and the Ombudsman's Limits
When can the Ombudsman investigate a judge? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on judicial accountability in ejectment cases.
Incestuous Rape Conviction: Corroborated Testimony of Victim and Eyewitness Sustains Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for raping his 11-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony corroborated by an eyewitness.
When Courts Overstep: The Illegality of Interfering With Appellate Jurisdiction Through Lis Pendens Cancellati
A judge who cancels a notice of lis pendens in a case on appeal interferes with appellate jurisdiction. Learn the rules and consequences.