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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Challenging the Frame-Up Defense: Upholding Convictions in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains why the frame-up defense rarely succeeds in drug cases and what prosecutors must prove.
Corporate Officers' Apparent Authority and Breach of Warranties in Stock Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate president's apparent authority to bind company and breach of warranty claims in stock purchase agreements.
Competency of Witnesses: Testimony of Persons with Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a person with mental retardation can be a competent witness in rape cases if able to perceive and relate facts.
Presumption of Innocence and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a father of four rape counts, ruling that vague testimony and medical findings alone cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Per Diem vs Other Compensation: Allowable Remuneration for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district board members may receive only per diems under PD 198, not allowances or bonuses.
Foreclosure Validity Republication Requirement In Rescheduled Auction Sales
When a foreclosure auction is postponed, the notice must be republished. Learn the rule from DBP v. Emerald Resort Hotel Corporation.
Eyewitness Testimony and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness accounts against a self-defense claim, and why a killing at the spur of the moment is homicide, not murder.
Guilt Beyond Silence: How Confessions to Friends Can Seal Your Fate in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows that admitting a crime to a friend can be used as evidence against you in Philippine courts.
Intervention Denied: Maritime Liens, Forum Shopping in Ship Mortgage Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when mortgagees may intervene in crew wage claims and warns against forum shopping in vessel foreclosure cases.
Gross Receipts Tax on Banks Includes Withheld Interest Income
Supreme Court rules the 20% final withholding tax on interest income forms part of a bank's gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
When Robbery Evidence Fails: Acquittal for Lack of Corpus Delicti
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in robbery with homicide where the prosecution failed to prove the taking of property, explaining the necessity of establishing corpus delicti beyond reasonable do
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Positive Identification and Use of Deadly Weapon Establish Guilt Beyond Reasonable Dou
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification and the use of a knife prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Mortgage Validity and Protecting Property Rights Against Unauthorized Encumbrances
When a lease expires and a new agreement supersedes it, the original terms—including a right of first refusal—may no longer bind the parties or the buyer.
Lease Renewal vs Implied New Lease: What Tenants and Landlords Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lease renewal carries over all original terms—and when it doesn't.
When a Lease Renews Month-to-Month: The Right of First Refusal and Tacita Reconduccion
The Supreme Court explains what happens to a lease's option-to-buy clause when the lease renews on a month-to-month basis after expiration.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice of Dishonor Requirement in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a BP 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor was served on the drawer.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Preliminary Investigation in Election Offenses
When a judge conducted preliminary investigation on an election offense, the Supreme Court ruled this exceeds judicial authority and constitutes gross ignorance of the law.
Upholding Voluntary Arbitration When A Signed Agreement Overrides Prior Waiver In Labor Disputes
A signed submission agreement to voluntary arbitration prevails over a prior waiver of grievance machinery, the Supreme Court ruled.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, emphasizing that sudden, unexpected attacks from behind constitute treachery, not self-defense.
Self-Defense and Treachery: How the Supreme Court Evaluates Both in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery applies, using a 2003 murder case as a guide.
Rape and the Absence of Consent: Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault elements, emphasizing that force is presumed when the victim is under 12.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and child with another woman, ruling infidelity is gross immorality warranting removal from the bench.
Good Faith in Administrative Actions: Protecting Public Officials From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith in filing administrative cases shields public officials from disciplinary liability, but lawyers must still respect courts.