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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When a Final Judgment Still Needs Computation: Jaban v. Court of Appeals on Loan Obligations
A final judgment is not always the last word on the amount owed. Jaban v. Court of Appeals explains when courts may clarify, not amend, a decision.
Circumstantial Evidence and Res Gestae in Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence and res gestae to convict in homicide cases, even without direct eyewitness testimony.
Negligence and Evidence: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Quasi-Delict Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh evidence in quasi-delict cases, using Supreme Transliner v. Brazal to explain negligence and liability rules.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: Protecting Minor Victims Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess intimidation, delay in reporting, and child testimony in rape cases involving minors.
Lone Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts assess a lone witness's credibility in criminal cases, and why positive identification defeats alibi.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Case Resolution and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed case decisions underscores the duty of Philippine judges to resolve cases within reglementary periods.
Extradition in the Philippines: Balancing Due Process and International Cooperation
Philippine courts can provisionally rule on a plaintiff's death in ejectment cases, balancing due process with the need for swift resolution.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may grant reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26, reversing CA's strict application of Bercede guidelines.
Voice Identification in Rape Cases: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts treat voice recognition as valid identification in rape cases, and why unpleaded aggravating circumstances reduce the penalty.
Reinstating Appeals Balancing Justice AND Procedural Rules IN Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts balance strict procedural rules with the pursuit of justice in appeals and jurisdiction.
Protecting Vulnerable Witnesses Upholding THE Testimony OF Deaf Mute Rape Victims IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the sign-language testimony of a deaf-mute victim, clarifying rules on witness competence and alibi.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Navigating the Perils of Drug Sale Convictions in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts assess drug sale cases, the burden of proof, and why credible evidence matters in convictions.
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
Ejectment Actions Unaffected By Ownership Disputes Germinanda Heirs VS Judge Salvanera
The Supreme Court clarifies that in ejectment suits, courts may provisionally rule on the plaintiff's death and ownership issues without barring separate actions.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Philippine Courts Weigh Witness Testimony
In the Sanchez rape-with-homicide case, the Supreme Court explains why trial court findings on witness credibility are rarely overturned on appeal.
Deceptive Sales The High Cost of Confidence Scams Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat confidence scams, the elements of estafa, and the penalties for deceptive sales practices.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Overcoming Coercion and Protecting Victims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an affidavit of desistance in rape cases is coerced and how courts protect victims from intimidation.
Prior Physical Possession and Ejectment: Defining Jurisdictional Requirements in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why prior physical possession must be alleged in forcible entry complaints for courts to acquire jurisdiction.
Reforming Insurance Policies How Manifest Intent Prevails Over Technical Descriptions In Property Claims
A fire insurance dispute shows how courts prioritize the parties' true intent over technical misdescriptions in policies.
Appeal Deadlines When Is a Delay Fatal to Your Case
Learn when late appeals are allowed in Philippine courts and when delays prove fatal to a case.
Divorce Recognition Proving Legal Capacity To Remarry After A Foreign Divorce
Philippine courts do not take judicial notice of foreign laws and divorce decrees. Both must be proven, or a second marriage may be void.
Lifting Default Orders: Balancing Justice and Timeliness in Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may lift a general default order in land registration cases, requiring proof of fraud, accident, or excusable neglect.
When Church Expulsions Bind Civil Courts: The Finality Rule in Religious Corporation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on religious corporation member expulsions, due process, and the binding effect of final SEC decisions.