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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Equity vs Right of Redemption: Key Lessons From Huerta Alba Resort on Philippine Foreclosure Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between equity of redemption and statutory right of redemption in foreclosure cases.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court guidance on assessing child witness credibility in rape cases, emphasizing trial court discretion and minor inconsistencies.
Principals vs Accomplices: Degrees of Participation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains the difference between principals and accomplices in Philippine criminal law, and how courts determine each participant's liability.
Presidential Power Bidding Wars Navigating Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's authority to overturn government contract awards and the limits on foreign bidders' rights.
Presidential Authority Over SBMA Awards and Limits of Injunctions in Government Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on presidential control over SBMA bids, injunction limits under RA 7227, and foreign bidder licensing requirements.
Judicial Bribery in the Philippines: Upholding Integrity and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court addresses judicial bribery in the Philippines, reinforcing integrity and public trust in the judiciary.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: The Quinsay Case and Why Multiple Lawsuits Backfire
Forum shopping—filing multiple suits for the same dispute—can get cases dismissed. Learn the rules from the Supreme Court's ruling in Quinsay.
Lifting the Veil of Corporate Personality vs PCGG Sequestration Powers
The Supreme Court rules that sequestered corporations must be impleaded in judicial actions; suits against stockholders alone do not suffice.
Delayed Reporting in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Trust Victim Testimony
Philippine courts uphold rape convictions despite delayed reporting when victims offer credible reasons. Learn the legal principles from People v. Cano.
Self-Defense in Philippine Murder Cases: When Does It Hold Up?
Philippine law requires clear proof of unlawful aggression for self-defense to succeed in murder cases, as shown in People v. Meneque.
Compromise Agreements in the Philippines: Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A lawyer cannot compromise a client's case without a special power of attorney. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Client Trust: Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Action in the Philippines
When lawyers in government betray public trust, they face disciplinary action. The Supreme Court explains the rules on lawyer misconduct.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Who Is Bound Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue stipulations in contracts and who is bound, including assignees and privies.
Credibility Counts: Why Witness Testimony Decides Drug Cases in the Philippines
In drug case appeals, the Supreme Court defers to trial courts on witness credibility. Learn why from People v. Lacson.
Valid Service of Summons in Default Judgments: Umandap v. Sabio
When is substituted service of summons valid? The Supreme Court explains in Umandap v. Sabio, G.R. No. 140244.
Treachery in Abduction: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Group Killings
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions for five abductions and killings, applying treachery and circumstantial evidence rules.
Unexpected Assault Equals Treachery: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Financial Distress
When is a deed of absolute sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how courts protect borrowers who sign sale documents under financial pressure.
CSC Resolution Cannot Be Enforced While Pending Appeal: Due Process Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that a CSC resolution pending appeal cannot be immediately enforced, upholding due process rights of public officials.
Ombudsman's Discretion and Insufficiency of Evidence in Graft Charge Dismissals
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges for insufficiency of evidence, clarifying limits of certiorari review.
Employer Liability in Philippine Negligence Cases: Independent Civil Actions for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the right to file independent civil actions for damages.
Establishing Minority in Qualified Rape Cases: The Weight of Parental Testimony in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts treat parental testimony and qualifying circumstances in rape cases, from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Gabiana.
Client Funds in Trust: Why Lawyer Accountability Matters in the Philippines
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust and render an accounting, explained through a Supreme Court suspension case.
When Silence Implies Guilt: Co-Conspirator Testimony in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a co-conspirator's uncorroborated testimony can convict in robbery with homicide cases.