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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Attempted Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Retraction and Blotter Gaps
Supreme Court affirms attempted rape conviction, explaining why recantations and police blotter entries carry little weight in Philippine criminal cases.
Fair Trial Rights in Philippine Criminal Cases: What the Dy Case Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies due process, arraignment, and fair trial rights in criminal cases through the Dy ruling.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: Civil Case Does Not Automatically Suspend Estafa Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend a criminal prosecution for estafa through falsification of public documents.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Sandiganbayan Justice Fined for Misconduct and Media Stunt
Supreme Court fines retired Sandiganbayan Justice Badoy for conduct unbecoming a Justice and delay in resolving a motion.
Buy-Bust Operations Without Prior Surveillance or Buy-Bust Money: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior surveillance and buy-bust money are not indispensable in drug cases, provided credible witnesses prove the elements of the crime.
Mortgage Foreclosure After Full Payment Is Void: PNB v. Court of Appeals
A mortgage foreclosure is void if the loan it secures was already paid. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Alibi Defense Scrutiny in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony prevails over alibi and denial defenses.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: How the Supreme Court Protects Jobseekers from Deceptive Offers
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling affirms that illegal recruitment may be proven through credible testimony alone, even without receipts, and clarifies when it becomes economic sabotage.
Buy-Bust Money Not Essential for Drug Conviction, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to present buy-bust money does not doom a drug prosecution if credible witnesses prove the sale.
Incestuous Rape: Supreme Court Upholds Convictions, Reduces Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape convictions but reduces death sentences to reclusion perpetua, clarifying penalty rules and victim rights.
Attorney Negligence Failure to File Petition Leads to Suspension
A lawyer's failure to file a petition for certiorari within the reglementary period constitutes negligence warranting suspension from the practice of law.
Contract Interpretation Enforcing Equitable Compensation FOR Extended Services
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on equitable compensation for extended construction management services in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Santamaria.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judge Fined for Libel Prelim Investigation Without Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court fines an MTC judge P5,000 for gross ignorance of the law after he conducted a preliminary investigation in a libel case outside his jurisdiction.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Reasonable Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Striking a Balance Between Lawyer Compensation and Client Inter
In Cortes v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's fees on quantum meruit, ruling that lawyering is a calling and not a money-making venture.
Conspiracy and Liability in Robbery with Homicide: Lessons from People v. Tuppal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy makes every participant in a robbery liable for a killing, even the one who did not fire the fatal shot.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
When One Eyewitness Is Enough: Conviction for Homicide Despite Alibi and Denial
The Supreme Court explains when a single eyewitness's testimony can convict, and why the killing was homicide, not murder.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Procedural Technicalities vs Substantial Justice: Reinstating a Petition Dismissed on Technical Grounds
When can courts overlook procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial justice prevails over mere technicalities in this 2003 ruling.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Convictions: The People vs. Diaz Case
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence in People vs. Diaz, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.
Judges and Lawyers Face Strict Accountability for Extramarital Affairs
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct can end a judicial career.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.