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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Search Warrant Specificity: Protecting Businesses From Unreasonable Seizures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrants, particularity of items seized, and protection of businesses from unreasonable seizures.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Key Lessons from People v. Cabigting
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape victim credibility, minor inconsistencies, medical evidence, and damages in People v. Cabigting.
Laches and Forgery in Philippine Property Law: The Isabela Colleges Case
Philippine property law: can laches defeat a forgery claim? The Supreme Court's ruling in Isabela Colleges v. Heirs of Rivera explains why delay can be deadly.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Why Circumstantial Evidence Must Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused, clarifying that circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Olongapo's Market Fees: Balancing Local Autonomy and Equitable Taxation
The Supreme Court affirms that factual disputes over market rental rates require trial, ensuring local taxation remains equitable and just.
Proving Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: Key Insights from Marcos v. Marcos
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity justifies marriage annulment, and why a medical exam is not always required.
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Land Classification Matters in Titling
Philippine land titling depends on classification as alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains in De Ocampo v. Arlos.
Ombudsman's Discretion: Understanding the Limits of Judicial Review in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ombudsman's discretionary power and the boundaries of judicial review in graft cases.
Sheriff's Duty in Property Attachment: Custody Rules and Misconduct Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff's duty to keep attached property in custody, not deposit it with the plaintiff.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Robbery With Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How circumstantial evidence can support a robbery with homicide conviction, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Piercing the Veil of Unregistered Organizations When Philippine Representatives Become Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when officers of unregistered associations face personal liability for organizational debts.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Mental Incapacity, Paternal Authority, and Rape Conviction in Philippine Law
In Brondial, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's death sentence for raping his 12-year-old daughter, ruling that parental authority substitutes for force.
Breach of Trust: Parental Rape and Child Protection Laws in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, clarifying parental authority and rape laws.
Protecting Public Funds: Garnishment and Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines
When can a government agency's funds be garnished? The Supreme Court explains the limits of execution pending appeal.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy liability in robbery with homicide, the due process rights of accused persons, and how physical injuries merge into the crime.
Demolition Orders and Road Right of Way: Understanding Philippine Property Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may order demolition of structures obstructing an established road right of way.
Holding Lawyers Accountable: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Forgery and Immorality
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for forging his wife's signature and siring a child out of wedlock, reaffirming that lawyers must maintain good moral character at all times.
Government Audit 101 Ensuring Compliance AND Accountability IN Philippine Public Spending
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld COA's audit powers in Laysa v. COA, explaining why strict compliance with bidding rules matters.
When Courts Can Overturn the Justice Secretary in Firearm Cases: Due Process Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—set aside the Justice Secretary's ruling in illegal possession of firearms cases.
Distinguishing Consummated From Attempted Rape: Why Proof of Penetration Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate rape, as even slight penetration consummates the crime.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Slightest Penetration Is Rape: How Philippine Law Protects Minors
In People v. Teves, the Supreme Court ruled that the slightest penetration consummates rape, and that an intact hymen does not defeat a rape charge.
Promissory Notes vs Loan Agreements: Legitimacy in Philippine Investment Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan documents are legitimate investments, using a disbarment case to explain forgery, consent, and moral character.