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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Jurisdictional Boundaries When Courts Collide in Mortgage Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that factual questions in foreclosure cases are beyond its review, and explains the remedy of consignation.
Upholding Accountability: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court penalizes a court stenographer and admonishes a branch clerk of court for delays in transmitting appeal records, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Rape and Relationship: Clarifying Qualifying Circumstances for Imposing the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship must be properly alleged in the Information for the death penalty to apply.
Res Judicata vs Law of the Case: How Prior Judgments Shape Ownership Disputes
A 2001 Supreme Court ruling explains why a prior judgment in a related case does not always bar a later suit, and how the law of the case doctrine applies.
Judicial Ethics and Public Trust: Lessons from a Foreclosure Dispute
A mortgage foreclosure dispute teaches key lessons on judicial ethics, public trust, and why the Supreme Court limits factual review.
Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.
Abandonment of Property Justifies Rescission of Real Estate Contract
Supreme Court rules buyer's abandonment and non-payment of amortizations justify rescission of contract to sell, despite developer's alleged breaches.
The Perils of Silence: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting and Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of an uncle despite delayed reporting, minor inconsistencies, and alibi, explaining why silence does not equal consent.
Impersonation in Civil Service Exams: CSC Jurisdiction and Due Process in Administrative Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on CSC jurisdiction over exam irregularities and due process in administrative cases involving impersonation.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery: How One Credible Witness Can Prove Murder in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on how a lone eyewitness's credible testimony, plus treachery, can establish guilt for murder beyond reasonable doubt.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder Cases: People v. Manzano
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony and treachery, explaining key rules on alibi and damages.
Judicial Ethics: The Prohibition Against Judges Engaging in Private Legal Practice
A Supreme Court ruling shows why judges may not file pleadings for litigants, and how one judge's comment in a case led to suspension and a fine.
Partnership Dissolution and Accounting: Heirs' Rights and Docket Fee Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies heirs' rights to demand partnership accounting after a partner's death, and the docket fee obligations in such actions.
Judges Must File SALN: Lessons from a Cavite Judge's Suspension
A judge's failure to file Statements of Assets and Liabilities for years led to suspension. Learn the SALN rules under RA 6713 and RA 3019.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Evidence: Credible Testimony Suffices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, not physical evidence, and the importance of proper allegation of qualifying circumstances.
Parental Authority and Rape: Why Minority Must Be Alleged in Qualified Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a father's conviction for raping his daughter was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua when her minority was not alleged.
Strict Rules on Appeal Briefs: Why Technical Defects Can Cost a Case
The Supreme Court explains why a defective appellant's brief can lead to dismissal of an appeal, even if the case has merit.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity: Balancing Law Enforcement and Individual Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, presumption of regularity, and the limits of depositions in criminal cases.
Due Process Prevails: Joint vs Solidary Liability and the Fallo Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a debtor from over-execution by applying the rule that the dispositive portion of a judgment prevails.
When a Donation to a Common-Law Spouse Is Void Under Article 87 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains when a donation to a common-law spouse is void under Article 87 of the Family Code, and what evidence proves cohabitation.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Supreme Court on Uncorroborated Testimony and Victim Behavior
SC explains why a rape victim's testimony can stand alone, and why the death penalty needed the relationship alleged in the information.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: When Witness Testimony Prevails in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by eyewitnesses outweighs alibi and denial in murder cases, affirming a conviction for treachery.
Rape Shield Protecting Child Victims AND Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on the credible testimony of a victim, explaining key evidentiary rules in Philippine rape cases.