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 Courts Cannot Stop Agrarian Reform: The Antig v. Antipuesto Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Special Agrarian Court jurisdiction and the absolute ban on injunctions against DAR in CARP implementation.
Untimely Appeal and Strict Procedural Rules in Agrarian Redemption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an agrarian redemption appeal filed out of time, stressing strict compliance with Rule 43 and Rule 45.
Transnational Marital Infidelity and Psychological Violence: Jurisdiction Under R.A. 9262
Philippine courts can hear psychological violence cases under R.A. 9262 even if the illicit affair abroad caused the wife's anguish at home.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Rights IN Drug Sale Convictions 2
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: The High Standard of Judicial Conduct
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, reinforcing strict ethical standards for the judiciary.
Agrarian Reform OR Industrial Activity Determining Jurisdiction Over Fishpond Disputes After R A 7881
The Supreme Court clarifies when fishpond disputes fall under DARAB jurisdiction or regular courts after R.A. 7881.
Positive Identification and Circumstantial Evidence in B.P. 22 Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use eyewitness identification and circumstantial evidence to convict in Bouncing Checks Law cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Essential Witness Rule Drug Sale Convictions Without Informant Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction despite the informant-poseur buyer not testifying, clarifying when the essential witness rule applies.
Reversal of Conviction Distinguishing Homicide From Murder and Attempted Kidnapping
Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why a failed abduction attempt may not be kidnapping.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases: Where the Crime Occurs Determines the Court
The Supreme Court rules that venue in criminal cases is jurisdictional—a court cannot try an offense committed outside its territory.
Venue Is Jurisdictional in Criminal Cases: The Casanas Carnapping Ruling
The Supreme Court explains why venue is jurisdictional in criminal cases and why a conviction outside the proper territory is void.
Proving Filiation After Death: The Strict Rules on Inheritance Claims
Philippine law sets strict evidence rules for proving filiation after a parent's death. Learn what the Supreme Court requires in inheritance disputes.
Unlawful Restraint THE Consummation OF Serious Illegal Detention Involving Female Victims
Seafarer’s Disability Claim Denied for Missing the 3-Day Post-Repatriation Exam
A seafarer who failed the 3-day post-repatriation medical exam rule lost his disability claim. Learn the strict POEA-SEC requirement.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With 3-Day Reporting Rule Required
A seafarer who fails the three-day post-repatriation medical reporting requirement forfeits disability claims, as Tagud v. BSM shows.
Civic Duty vs Conflict of Interest: Court Employees and Community Leadership
The Supreme Court clarifies when court personnel may serve as homeowners' association officers without violating conduct rules.
Rape and Mental Disability: Proving the Offender's Knowledge Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's mental disability only qualifies the crime if the offender's knowledge of it is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The High Bar for Judicial Clemency: Remorse, Reformation, and Public Trust
The Court clarifies the strict standards for judicial clemency, emphasizing remorse, reformation, and public trust in the judiciary.
Due Process Prevails: Cross-Examination Rights and the Consequences of Missed Notice
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot hold non-parties liable in an execution writ without due process and jurisdiction.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: Jurisdiction and Due Process Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that piercing the corporate veil cannot be used to hold non-parties liable in labor execution without proper jurisdiction.
Revival of Judgment: Equity Prevails Over Strict Time Limits in Execution
Supreme Court rules equity can revive stale judgments when delay is caused by the losing party's dilatory tactics.
Enforcing Final Judgments: When Equity Allows Revival Beyond the Prescriptive Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may allow revival of a final judgment beyond the 10-year prescriptive period, applying equity over strict rules.
Falsifying Time Records and Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for falsified DTRs and habitual absenteeism, reaffirming strict ethical standards in the judiciary.
Robbery With Rape Affirming Conviction Based ON Credible Testimony Despite Negative Medical Findings
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony and mental age, despite negative medical findings.