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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When Eyewitness Testimony Outweighs Alibi in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in homicide prosecutions.
Self-Defense vs. Murder: Proving Treachery and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains self-defense, treachery, and criminal liability in homicide cases. Learn the legal requisites and evidentiary standards.
Establishing Filiation: The Imperative of Conclusive Evidence in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving filiation in inheritance cases, highlighting the need for conclusive evidence and final judgments.
Partnership vs Guarantor: Who Bears Liability in a Business Venture?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between a partner and a guarantor in business, and who bears liability when the venture fails.
Overseas Recruitment Agencies: Solidary Liability for Deployed Workers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint and solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and deployment violations.
When Can an Employer Be Sued for an Employee’s Libel? The Premature Enforcement Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employer’s subsidiary liability for an employee’s libel can only be enforced after criminal conviction, not before.
Docket Fees vs Filing Brief: Understanding Grounds for Appeal Dismissal in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file an appellant's brief is not the same as non-payment of docket fees for appeal dismissal.
Premature Lawsuits Against Employers for Employee Defamation: Key Lessons from IFFI v. Argos
Employers cannot be sued for subsidiary liability in defamation cases before the employee is convicted. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Estate Tax Deficiency Assessments: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when estate tax surcharges and interest apply, and how taxpayers can contest deficiency assessments.
Estate Tax Deficiency: When Surcharges and Interest Apply Under the NIRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate tax deficiency surcharges, interest, and penalties under the NIRC, explained for lay readers.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
Obligations Under Contracts Defining Liens and Encumbrances in Land Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when "free from liens and encumbrances" in land contracts includes clearing squatters and what obligations bind successors.
Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Incestuous and Family Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy and intimidation can substitute for physical force in rape convictions.
Land Registration Prior Title Prevails Despite Subsequent Nullification
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a land registration application filed while an outstanding Torrens title exists is invalid, even if that title is later nullified.
Homestead Rights vs Land Reform: Balancing Social Justice and Private Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether homestead patents exempt landowners from agrarian reform and retention rights under PD 27 and RA 6657.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and treachery elements, reducing murder conviction to homicide in People v. Cariño.
Judicial Ethics: When Can a Judge's Spouse Practice Law in His Court
Explore the ethical boundaries for judges' spouses practicing law, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Acceptance Over Refusal When Depositing A Check Establishes Tender OF Payment
A creditor who accepts and deposits a fully funded check tendered as payment cannot later treat it as a deposit. Philippine Supreme Court ruling explained.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: When Proof Falls Short of Rape With Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when circumstantial evidence suffices for homicide but not rape with homicide conviction.
Cancellation of Bail: Absence of Counsel Is Not a Ground for Detention
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a judge cannot cancel bail or order detention solely because the accused's counsel failed to appear at a hearing.
Corporate Residence vs Actual Place of Business: Determining Proper Venue in Damage Suits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in the articles of incorporation, not its actual place of business.
Intervention Denied: The Ancillary Nature of Intervention in Settled Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains why intervention cannot proceed once the main case is settled and terminated.
Surety's Continuing Liability: Upholding Obligations Despite Credit Card Upgrades
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a surety stays liable for a credit cardholder's debts even after the card is upgraded to a higher credit limit.