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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Execution Pending Appeal: When Philippine Courts Can Enforce Judgments Immediately
Philippine courts can order execution pending appeal only with good reasons stated in a special order. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
When Can a Company Lay Off Employees? Understanding Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee layoffs explained: valid dismissal requires just cause and due process. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when laches and prescription can dismiss a property case, and why these defenses need full trial.
Psychological Incapacity as Ground for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: Guidelines and Implications
The Supreme Court's Molina ruling sets strict guidelines for proving psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Witness Inconsistency Undermines a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a rape conviction and how credibility is assessed.
Justice Delayed: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that a six-year delay by the Ombudsman violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, citing Angchangco.
Positive Identification vs Alibi: Key Factors in Philippine Criminal Defense
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when alibi fails against positive identification, circumstantial evidence, and conspiracy in criminal cases.
Adultery Lies AND Murder Convictions Understanding Circumstantial Evidence IN Philippine LAW
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Sator, explained in plain language.
Criminal Conspiracy and Mastermind Liability: The Role of Circumstantial Evidence
How the Supreme Court upheld a mastermind's conviction through circumstantial evidence, even without direct proof of conspiracy.
Mistake in Contracts: When Can a Sale Be Annulled?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mistake in the object of a sale can invalidate consent and allow annulment of the contract.
Perfecting a Contract of Sale: Understanding Offer and Acceptance in Philippine Law
When is a real estate offer accepted? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on offer, acceptance, and the Statute of Frauds.
Marriage Annulment and Bigamy in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a void marriage still requires judicial declaration before remarriage, and its impact on bigamy charges.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Delay and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court defines delay in contracts, moral damages, and breach of obligation in this Philippine case analysis.
Supervisory Neglect: When a Clerk of Court Answers for a Subordinate's Nonfeasance
Philippine Supreme Court holds clerks of court liable for failing to supervise subordinates, explaining the duty of periodic monitoring.
Rape Conviction: Why Delay in Filing Does Not Always Equal Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed complaint can still be credible and lead to conviction.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction: What Filing Pleadings Means in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains how voluntary appearance in court can cure defective summons and establish jurisdiction over a person.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.
Independent Counsel Safeguarding Rights In Philippine Custodial Investigations
The Supreme Court acquits two accused whose confessions were taken with the help of an NBI job applicant, not independent counsel.
Reclusion Perpetua in Philippine Law: Why It Remains an Indivisible Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty despite RA 7659, explaining its true duration and application in drug cases.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
Election Protests and Succession: Ensuring Electoral Integrity After a Candidate's Death
The Supreme Court rules that election protests survive a candidate's death, ensuring the people's true choice prevails.
When Are Insurance Claim Agents Liable for Foreign Principals' Debts in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local claim agents of foreign insurers can be held personally liable for policy obligations.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.