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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Fortuitous Events and Carrier Liability: Navigating the Perils of the Sea
When a vessel sinks in a storm, is the carrier liable? The Supreme Court explains the rules on fortuitous events.
Lease Renewal Rights: Mutual Agreement Required for Contract Extension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lease renewal options are reciprocal—both lessor and lessee must agree to extend a lease contract.
Treachery in Murder: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Criminal Law
Understanding treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder cases, explained through a 2002 Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Jurisdictional Challenge Too Late: Estoppel Bars Belated Attacks on DARAB Authority
A party who actively participates in DARAB proceedings cannot belatedly challenge jurisdiction on appeal. The Supreme Court explains estoppel by laches.
Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decision Making in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within reglementary periods. This article examines a Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and its consequences.
When Courts, Not the SEC, Decide Succession and Corporate Veil Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when inheritance claims against a corporation belong in regular courts, not the SEC.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
Improvident Plea and Due Process in Capital Offenses: People v. Galvez
The Supreme Court nullified a death sentence because the trial court failed to conduct a searching inquiry before accepting a guilty plea in a capital case.
Homicide vs Murder: When Doubt Benefits the Accused
The Supreme Court explains why treachery must be proven beyond doubt, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: When Accomplices Share the Blame Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and conspiracy work together in murder cases, and why accomplices share equal blame.
Protecting Trademarks: Infringement and Damages for Similar Designs
Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement rules, damages, and copyright cancellation for similar arcuate designs on jeans.
Attempted Rape, Lack of Penetration, and the Significance of the Victim's Resistance
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape, and a victim's resistance is not essential when intimidation is present.
Laches and Land Ownership: Time Limits in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how laches, prescription, and procedural deadlines can bar heirs from contesting property transfers in the Philippines.
Supreme Court Rules on Social Media as Qualifying Circumstance in VAWC Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media use raises the penalty for psychological abuse under VAWC, citing Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Voting Rights of Assigned Shares: Ensuring Corporate Control in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies voting rights of assigned shares and how corporations can protect control through share restrictions and legal safeguards.
Dismissed for Delay? Understanding Due Diligence in Philippine Court Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles procedural delays and due diligence in labor cases, using a recent illegal dismissal ruling as a guide.
Lawyer's Missed Deadline Leads to Reprimand: Lessons on Diligence and Client Rights
When a lawyer's missed filing deadline costs a client his case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of excusable negligence and counsel's duty of diligence.
Conviction Upheld on Circumstantial Evidence Despite Accused's Escape in Rape-Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape-homicide based on circumstantial evidence, ruling escape waives right to appeal.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Forcible Abduction Case
Supreme Court affirms rape and forcible abduction conviction, ruling positive identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases.
Presidential Authority vs Legislative Power in Reorganizing Government Agencies
Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, distinguishing it from legislative authority.
Challenging Land Titles: When Prior Owners Can Reclaim Property Obtained Through Fraudulent Patents
Learn when prior owners can nullify fraudulent free patents and reclaim titled land, based on a 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Impartiality When Familial Ties Disqualify A Judge In Preliminary Investigations
When must a judge inhibit from a case? The Supreme Court clarifies that disqualification applies even at the preliminary investigation stage.