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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Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
Interest Rate Clarity Ensuring Written Agreements Govern Loan Terms
The Supreme Court held that absent a written stipulation, a loan’s agreed interest rate stops at maturity, and 12% legal interest applies thereafter.
Duty TO Prosecute WHY Neglecting Your Appeal CAN Lead TO Dismissal
Improvident Guilty Pleas: Protecting Rights in Capital Offenses
A guilty plea does not admit aggravating circumstances; the prosecution must still prove them, as shown in People v. Gutierrez.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Falsification: Where the Crime Occurs Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue in falsification cases is determined by where the falsified documents were made, not where they were later used.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attack
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, affirming conviction where a victim was attacked without warning or chance to defend.
Judicial Accountability in Case Disposal: Lessons from an MCTC Audit
A Supreme Court audit of a Rizal court shows how delays in deciding cases lead to administrative liability for judges and court personnel.
Intoxication as a Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases: Reassessing Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies how intoxication and voluntary surrender affect criminal liability, downgrading murder to homicide in a landmark 2002 ruling.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in Philippine murder cases, and when abuse of superior strength qualifies the crime.
When Does a Hearing Officer's Decision Lead to Criminal Liability? Good Faith vs Malice
Understand when a hearing officer's decision can lead to criminal liability, exploring good faith versus malice in Philippine law.
Breach of Charter Agreement: Contractual Obligations and Remedies in Shipping Law
A Supreme Court ruling on charter party breach, ambiguous contract terms, and the right to rescind under Philippine law.
Treachery and Criminal Liability: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, the rules on warrantless arrests, and the consequences of failing to object to inadmissible evidence.
Agency LAW When A Letter OF Authority Binds A Corporation
Execution Pending Appeal and Jurisdiction: Lessons from Cordero v. Go
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal and how appeals affect jurisdiction.
When Silence Speaks: Delayed Reporting, Statutory Rape, and the Pursuit of Justice
Exploring how delayed reporting affects statutory rape cases, the credibility of victims, and the pursuit of justice under Philippine law.
When a Trial Judge Defies a Higher Court: Annulling a Decision Issued Despite a TRO
The Supreme Court annuls a trial court decision rendered in defiance of a Court of Appeals TRO, reaffirming judicial hierarchy and due process.
Self-Defense Claims and Unlawful Aggression: Lessons from People v. Tadeo
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how intoxication, provocation, and surrender affect criminal liability in homicide cases.
Uncounseled Confessions and the Right to Silence: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncounseled confessions are inadmissible and why timely objections matter in Philippine criminal procedure.
Rape Intimidation As A Substitute FOR Physical Resistance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intimidation and moral ascendancy can substitute for physical resistance in statutory rape cases.
Maintaining Decorum: Court Employee Fined for Discourtesy at Supreme Court Lobby
A court employee's shouting at a security guard leads to administrative liability. The High Court reminds all judicial personnel that professionalism and courtesy are non-negotiable.
Attorneys Misconduct Forged Documents AND Betrayal OF Legal Oath
Redemption Rights Strict Compliance AND Timely Action IN Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why redemption deadlines in extrajudicial foreclosure must be strictly followed and timely action is key.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Illegal Drug Transport AND THE Presumption OF Innocence
Probation vs Appeal: Understanding the Finality of Conviction in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that filing for probation waives the right to appeal and makes a conviction final under Philippine law.