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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Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Maceda Law Protecting Installment Buyers From Improper Contract Cancellations
Learn how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers from improper contract cancellations and what the Supreme Court said about buyer rights.
Upholding Attorney Duty Truthfulness in Legal Filings and the Scope of Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that bad faith in graft cases requires dishonest purpose, not mere error or negligence.
Employer's Duty to Recall Employees After Six-Month Suspension of Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a bona fide suspension of business operations beyond six months makes employee termination illegal unless workers are recalled.
Positive Identification and Conspiracy in Murder and Frustrated Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms murder and frustrated murder convictions based on positive identification, conspiracy, and treachery in People v. Maglente.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Foreclosure Validity: Banks Can Foreclose Despite Disputed Loan Agreements
Supreme Court ruling on when banks may foreclose despite disputed interest rates, and the legal interest that applies after default.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Loan Agreements: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold stockholders personally liable for corporate loans.
When a Buy-Bust Conviction Stands: The Weight of Police Testimony in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buy-bust team's testimony can convict a drug seller, and when courts will respect that credibility finding.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Mutuality of Contracts When Banks Unilaterally Impose Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally impose interest rates, and the legal interest that applies.
Good Faith and Public Office: Reassessing Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith and lack of manifest partiality can defeat graft charges under RA 3019.
Kidnapping for Ransom: How Conspiracy and Flight Establish Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy liability, and damages in People v. Niegas.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court denies former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Homicide vs Murder: When a Sudden Attack Lacks Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, spontaneous attack with a beer bottle is homicide, not murder, for lack of treachery.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Integrity of Drug Evidence in Illegal Sale Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, explaining the elements of the offense and why minor lapses in evidence handling do not automatically acquit.
Elections and Financial Regulations: Analyzing the Limits of Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Comelec's money ban resolution as moot, leaving key constitutional questions unanswered.
Proving the Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Hilarion
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution must prove a rape victim's age, and why the failure to do so downgrades statutory rape to simple rape.
Common Carriers vs Arrastre Operators: Who Bears Liability for Cargo Damage?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a common carrier's custody of cargo ends and an arrastre operator's begins, and when customs brokers become common carriers.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Real Property Tax on Franchise Holders: When Tax Exemptions Apply
Supreme Court rules on real property tax exemptions for franchise holders, explaining what "exclusive of this franchise" means under RA 7678.
Right to Remain Silent Prevails: Silence at Custodial Investigation Not an Admission of Guilt
Supreme Court rules silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt in rape case.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Limits for Landowners With Other Agricultural Holdings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners with other agricultural lands lose retention rights over tenanted rice lands under LOI 474.