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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Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
When Can Election Returns Be Rejected: Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
Learn when election returns may be excluded from canvassing and why Philippine law limits pre-proclamation controversies to summary proceedings.
When a Judge’s Error Outside the Courtroom Still Breaches Judicial Ethics
A judge’s mistaken hold departure order leads to a reprimand, clarifying limits on court authority and judicial competence.
Lawyer's Courtroom Bullying and Defiance of IBP Orders Draw PHP 155,000 Fine
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer PHP 155,000 for shouting at court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer conduct standards.
Safeguarding Due Process: TRO Issuance and Judicial Misconduct in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's improper TRO issuance and failure to resolve incidents, highlighting due process duties.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Key Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape victim's testimony stands, why minor inconsistencies don't destroy credibility, and resistance rules.
Unreasonable Trial Delays: A Judge's Duty to Control Court Proceedings
When a judge tolerates repeated postponements, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on trial delays and judicial accountability.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting property owners from unfair transactions.
Election Disqualification: Why Strong Evidence Is Crucial to Unseat a Winner
A dismissed disqualification case shows why clear, credible evidence is vital when challenging an election winner under Philippine law.
Mortgage Foreclosure: What Happens When a Bank Consolidates Title Before Your Case Ends
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank consolidation of foreclosed property title, TRO effects, and borrower rights during pending litigation.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Why Strong Prosecution Evidence Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused on reasonable doubt, explaining why prosecution evidence must stand on its own merit.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Affida
Court rules sworn affidavit inconsistencies do not automatically destroy an eyewitness's credibility when open-court testimony is clear and positive.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Key Insights from the Philippine Supreme Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Yabut explains how courts assess a child rape victim's credibility and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy it.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Protecting Accused Rights in the Philippines
Explaining how the 1987 Constitution's abolition of the death penalty retroactively benefits accused persons whose crimes were committed before its ratification.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Last Words Can Convict
Learn how dying declarations work under Philippine evidence law, and why they can convict an accused of murder even without other strong proof.
Objections to Election Returns Must Be in Writing: Lessons from Cordero v. Comelec
The Supreme Court explains why written objections and evidence are mandatory in pre-proclamation controversies under RA 7166.
Retroactive Application of Laws: How Courts Ensure Fair Justice When Laws Change
Philippine courts apply laws prospectively, but exceptions exist. This article explains retroactivity principles through a 1999 rape case.
When Family Disputes Meet the Courtroom: Understanding Compulsory Compromise in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts handle family disputes, using the Alitagtag rape case to explain legal principles and procedures.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Imperfect Recall Doesn't Equal Unreliable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony don't destroy credibility in criminal cases.
When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Reprimand: The Villaflor v. Sarita Case
A lawyer who deliberately misreads a TRO to enforce a demolition order faces suspension. Learn the ethical limits of client advocacy.
Upholding Court Authority: Why Lawyers Must Respect TROs and Face Disciplinary Action
A lawyer who defied a Court of Appeals TRO and misled a judge was suspended for two years. Learn the disciplinary rules.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Victim's Testimony in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts assess credibility in rape cases, and why a delayed report does not automatically destroy the prosecution's case.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.