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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Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Judicial Efficiency IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for failing to decide a case within the 90-day constitutional period.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Why Private Judge-Litigant Communication Is Unacceptable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court admonishes a judge for private calls to a litigant, reaffirming that judges must not only be impartial but also appear impartial.
Ensuring Impartiality: Why Proper Case Raffling Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements and why proper case raffling remains vital to judicial impartiality.
Unconscious Victim Rape Conviction and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
Explaining People v. Villanos, where the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on an unconscious victim's testimony and credibility findings.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences in Philippine Real Estate Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why it matters in property disputes.
When Presence at the Scene of an Illegal Act Becomes Misconduct: A Philippine Legal Guide
Explore how Philippine law treats presence at an illegal act as misconduct, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Casingal as a guide.
Bigamy in the Philippines: Why a Court Declaration Is Needed Even for Void Marriages
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of nullity is required before remarriage, even if the first marriage is void.
Beyond Eyewitnesses: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining what this means for criminal prosecutions in the Philippines.
Pakikisama vs Public Duty: When Court Employees Cross the Line
Supreme Court censures court employees who left posts for a birthday party, ruling pakikisama cannot excuse neglect of public duty.
Positive Eyewitness ID Trumps Alibi Conviction Upheld IN Philippine Robbery Rape Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of nurse-aide who assaulted a schizophrenic patient, rejecting alibi and upholding the victim's positive identification.
Precision in Charges: How a Flaw in a Rape Indictment Spared a Defendant from Death Penalty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. San Juan clarifies how a defective rape indictment affects penalties and due process.
Rape of a Person With Schizophrenia: Consent and Legal Capacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a schizophrenia patient, consent, and legal capacity under Article 335.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
Treachery Defined: Sudden Attacks and Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden tricycle stabbing, clarifying evident premeditation and damages.
Ex Officio Notarization: Defining the Boundaries for Municipal Court Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of municipal trial court judges' ex officio notarization powers under Circular No. I-90.
When Can a Judge Notarize Documents? Supreme Court Rules on Ex-Officio Notaries
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a judge's power to notarize documents outside official duties, ruling on unauthorized notarization.
Why a Court Declaration of Nullity Is Crucial to Avoid Bigamy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a prior judicial declaration of nullity is essential before remarrying, and why a pending nullity case cannot suspend a bigamy prosecution.
Immediate Execution of RTC Ejectment Judgments: What the Supreme Court Has Held
When the RTC affirms an ejectment ruling, the order to vacate is immediately enforceable—even if the losing party appeals. Here's why.
Treachery and Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how credible eyewitness testimony, not treachery, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Delaying Justice When Civil Cases Cant Stifle Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case cannot suspend criminal prosecution, citing the rule on prejudicial questions and dilatory tactics.
Summary Judgment Denied: Genuine Issues of Authority and Liability Must Be Resolved at Trial
When can a party get summary judgment? The Supreme Court explains why genuine issues of fact—like authority to sue and liability—require a full trial.
Judicial Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delay and impropriety, explaining why judges must avoid even the appearance of bias.
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
When Judges Face Harassment Suits: The TRO Rules and Judicial Independence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative case against two RTC judges over TRO issuance, clarifying when judicial errors become disciplinary liability.