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 Corporate Veil Claims Fail: Lessons from the Behest Loan Case
The Supreme Court explains when the Ombudsman may dismiss fraud complaints against corporate officers and why evidence of conspiracy matters.
When Defense Falters: Shifting the Burden in Self-Defense Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in self-defense claims, the burden shifts to the accused to prove justification, but the prosecution must still prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Corporate Governance and Stockholder Rights: Lessons from Marubeni v. Lirag
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders must prove their claims by preponderance of evidence and cannot rely on speculation or corporate veil piercing.
Upholding Land Ownership Claims: The Importance of Evidentiary Proof in Reconveyance Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance underscores that ownership claims must be proven by clear evidence, not mere allegations.
Credibility in Grave Coercion Cases: Scrutinizing Witness Testimony and Double Jeopardy Claims
How the Supreme Court weighed witness credibility in grave coercion and rejected a double jeopardy defense in Sarabia v. People.
Upholding Insurance Claims Substantial Compliance AND Timely Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance with insurance policy conditions and the insurer's duty to pay claims within prescribed periods.
Customs Duty Refunds: Navigating Administrative Remedies and Prescriptive Periods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on customs duty refund claims, administrative remedies, and prescriptive periods for taxpayers.
Untimely Intervention Final Judgments AND Third Party Claims IN Property Disputes
A sheriff's delayed attachment annotation let defendants sell property to a third party—what this administrative case teaches.
Treachery Defined: How a Sudden Attack Determines Murderous Intent in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and why sudden, coordinated attacks negate self-defense claims.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription in Breach of Warranty Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the six-month prescriptive period for breach of warranty claims and when courts may dismiss time-barred actions.
Financing Companies and Assignment of Credit: Deficiency Claims After Foreclosure
Explaining Project Builders v. IFC: how financing company assignments of credit work, and why foreclosure doesn't bar deficiency claims.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Malicious Prosecution: Balancing Public Duty and Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may be sued for damages, balancing prosecutorial discretion against protection from malicious prosecution claims.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Against Prosecutors: The Drilon v. Court of Appeals Ruling
When can prosecutors be sued for damages after filing criminal charges? The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malicious prosecution and the protection of good faith.
When Self-Defense Fails: Robbery With Homicide and the Limits of Justifying Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies robbery with homicide, aggravating circumstances, and why self-defense claims need more than denial.
Prescription AND Registered Land Torrens Title Prevails Over Unsubstantiated Claims
Navigating Inheritance Disputes When Intra Corporate Claims Meet Civil Court Jurisdiction
Self-Defense Claims: Proving Imminent Threat and Reasonable Response in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for self-defense claims in homicide cases, requiring clear evidence of unlawful aggression.
Banking Negligence Claims: Depositors Must Prove Unauthorized Transactions
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that depositors claiming unauthorized withdrawals must prove forgery or fraud, not just allege bank negligence.
UP vs Rosario: The Crucial Role of Land Survey Approval in Property Title Validity
When a land title may be void for lack of approved survey plan, and why courts must fully hear such claims before dismissal.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Upholding Conviction IN Drug Sale AND Possession Despite Procedural Claims
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from a Philippine Homicide Case
Understanding self-defense claims in Philippine criminal law, and why unlawful aggression is the foundation of any successful defense.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Substantial Compliance and Employer Duty to Assess Fitness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits, substantial compliance with POEA contract, and employer responsibility in fitness assessment.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Murder: People v. Baltazar
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how positive eyewitness identification outweighs alibi, paraffin test results, and claims of witness bias.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.