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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Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Strict Liability and the Comelec Gun Ban: Why Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
The Supreme Court explains why carrying a firearm during an election period without a permit is a strict liability offense under COMELEC Resolution No. 2323.
Understanding Judicial Delay and Accountability Through a Landmark Philippine Rape Conviction
A father's rape conviction highlights Philippine rules on judicial delay, information amendment, and accountability in criminal procedure.
Court of Appeals Cannot Stop a Writ of Possession Through a Standalone Injunction Petition
A buyer who fully paid for foreclosed condominium units cannot ask the Court of Appeals for a standalone preliminary injunction to stop a writ of possession. Jurisdiction rules explained.
Beyond Deceit: Why Efficient Cause Is Key to Estafa Convictions in the Philippines
A disbarment case clarifies that mere possession of property isn't enough for estafa; deceit must be the efficient cause of the loss.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
Judicial Ethics and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with procedural rules in certiorari petitions and the importance of judicial ethics in the Philippines.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
Why strict compliance with procedural rules matters in Philippine litigation, as shown in Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.
Protecting Your Pawned Items: Understanding Proper Auction Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect judgment debtors' property through strict rules on sheriff auctions, garnishment, and payment handling.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: The Case of Frustrated Homicide in the Philippines
When does a frustrated homicide conviction lead to disbarment? The Supreme Court explains moral turpitude and a lawyer's duty of good character.
Dismissed Appeal: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory and jurisdictional—late payment can kill an appeal.
Conflict of Interest in Philippine Law: Client Loyalty and the Cabucana Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's representation of opposing parties violates Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Comelec Jurisdiction Over Plebiscites Ensuring Electoral Integrity Beyond Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s exclusive jurisdiction over plebiscite disputes, upholding its authority to revise ballots and declare results.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court rules Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties when committed through ICT.
Statutory Rape and Circumstantial Evidence: How Philippine Courts Weigh a Child's Testimony
In a 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed statutory rape convictions based largely on the child victim's testimony. Here is what the decision teaches.
Customs Jurisdiction Prevails Challenging Seizure AND Forfeiture Powers OF THE Bureau OF Customs
Landmark ruling clarifies that RTCs cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings, even if the warrant appears defective.
Agricultural Leasehold Contracts: When Are They Void? Land Ownership and Tenancy Rights Explained
Learn when agricultural leasehold contracts are void under Philippine law, and how land ownership and DARAB jurisdiction affect tenancy rights.
Mootness in Philippine Courts: Understanding Case Dismissal and Justiciable Controversy
Learn how Philippine courts handle moot cases, the justiciable controversy requirement, and what Easycall v. King teaches about jurisdiction.
Upholding Intellectual Property Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Jurisdiction and Special Courts
The Supreme Court affirms RTC jurisdiction over IP violations and the validity of administrative orders designating special intellectual property courts.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: When Negligence Speaks for Itself in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur allows accident victims to prove negligence through circumstantial evidence.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
When a Lawyer Represents Both Sides: Conflict of Interest and Disbarment
A lawyer who represented both buyer and seller in a property deal violated conflict-of-interest rules and was suspended for two years.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Employee Dismissed for Conflict of Interest in Unauthorized Work
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Maynilad employee who did unauthorized paid repair work for a customer, ruling it was serious misconduct and conflict of interest.