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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Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court explains why eyewitness identification by face outweighs alibi and how treachery must be proven in murder cases.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: Undue Delay in Resolving Appeals Warrants Fine
A judge's 106-day delay in transmitting appeal records constitutes gross inefficiency, warranting a P11,000 fine under Rule 140.
Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries Civil Claims VS Graft Prosecution
Presumption of Innocence and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a father of four rape counts, ruling that vague testimony and medical findings alone cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
When Robbery Evidence Fails: Acquittal for Lack of Corpus Delicti
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in robbery with homicide where the prosecution failed to prove the taking of property, explaining the necessity of establishing corpus delicti beyond reasonable do
Gross Receipts Tax on Banks Includes Withheld Interest Income
Supreme Court rules the 20% final withholding tax on interest income forms part of a bank's gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
Challenging the Frame-Up Defense: Upholding Convictions in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains why the frame-up defense rarely succeeds in drug cases and what prosecutors must prove.
Upholding Justice Over Technicalities When Courts Must Look Beyond Procedural Errors
Court personnel who peddle influence betray the judiciary. This case shows why honesty and integrity are non-negotiable.
Per Diem vs Other Compensation: Allowable Remuneration for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district board members may receive only per diems under PD 198, not allowances or bonuses.
Intervention Denied: Maritime Liens, Forum Shopping in Ship Mortgage Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when mortgagees may intervene in crew wage claims and warns against forum shopping in vessel foreclosure cases.
Eyewitness Testimony and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness accounts against a self-defense claim, and why a killing at the spur of the moment is homicide, not murder.
Guilt Beyond Silence: How Confessions to Friends Can Seal Your Fate in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows that admitting a crime to a friend can be used as evidence against you in Philippine courts.
Corporate Officers' Apparent Authority and Breach of Warranties in Stock Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate president's apparent authority to bind company and breach of warranty claims in stock purchase agreements.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspension FOR Notarial Negligence IN Deed Falsification
THE Mandatory Hearing Safeguarding DUE Process IN Bail Granting
Competency of Witnesses: Testimony of Persons with Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a person with mental retardation can be a competent witness in rape cases if able to perceive and relate facts.
Foreclosure Validity Republication Requirement In Rescheduled Auction Sales
When a foreclosure auction is postponed, the notice must be republished. Learn the rule from DBP v. Emerald Resort Hotel Corporation.
Moral Integrity and the Practice of Law: Unauthorized Practice as Grounds for Bar Admission Denial
Passing the bar is not enough—moral fitness matters. The Court denied a bar candidate admission for practicing law without a license.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
THE Perils OF Hearsay Protecting THE Accused IN Qualified Rape Cases
Bail Hearings Are Mandatory: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
A judge was fined for granting bail without a hearing. Learn the mandatory bail rules under Philippine criminal procedure.
Mortgage Validity and Protecting Property Rights Against Unauthorized Encumbrances
When a lease expires and a new agreement supersedes it, the original terms—including a right of first refusal—may no longer bind the parties or the buyer.
When a Lease Renews Month-to-Month: The Right of First Refusal and Tacita Reconduccion
The Supreme Court explains what happens to a lease's option-to-buy clause when the lease renews on a month-to-month basis after expiration.
Lease Renewal vs Implied New Lease: What Tenants and Landlords Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lease renewal carries over all original terms—and when it doesn't.