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.
Cancellation of Bail: Absence of Counsel Is Not a Ground for Detention
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a judge cannot cancel bail or order detention solely because the accused's counsel failed to appear at a hearing.
Davao Light v. Tesorero: Venue, Estoppel, and a Corporation's Residence in Philippine Civil Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a corporation's residence for venue is fixed by its articles of incorporation, not by addresses in contracts or pleadings in other cases.
Beyond Labels: How Factual Allegations Define Criminal Charges in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts look past the label of a complaint to its factual allegations to determine jurisdiction, as Fabia v. Court of Appeals shows.
Corporate Residence vs Actual Place of Business: Determining Proper Venue in Damage Suits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in the articles of incorporation, not its actual place of business.
Treachery Unproven: Downgrading Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder conviction is reduced to homicide. This case explains the rule.
Conclusiveness of Judgment: When Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
Learn how the doctrine of conclusiveness of judgment prevents relitigation of settled issues between the same parties, even in different cases.
Double Jeopardy and the Immutability of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A judge who "revised" an acquittal into a murder conviction was fined for gross ignorance of the law. Learn why acquittals are final.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Philippine Foreclosures: DBP v. Remington
When can Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rule in DBP v. Remington.
Supreme Court Affirms Murder Conviction Despite Defense Claims of Self-Defense
SC affirms murder conviction of three men who mauled victim to death, rejecting self-defense claims and upholding reclusion perpetua.
Forcible Entry vs Damages: How Courts Decide Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why the allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine whether a property dispute belongs in the MTC or the RTC.
Surety's Continuing Liability: Upholding Obligations Despite Credit Card Upgrades
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a surety stays liable for a credit cardholder's debts even after the card is upgraded to a higher credit limit.
Intervention Denied: The Ancillary Nature of Intervention in Settled Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains why intervention cannot proceed once the main case is settled and terminated.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Foreclosure by Government Banks Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court explains when foreclosure by government banks does not justify piercing the corporate veil, and why creditors cannot claim preferences outside liquidation.
Surety Agreements Upholding Continuous Liability Despite Credit Card Upgrades
Accountability FOR Group Violence Examining Conspiracy AND Shared Responsibility IN Criminal LAW
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
Beyond the Grave: Enforcing Partnership Rights After Death
A bus company's counsel failed to appear, leading to default judgment. The Supreme Court denies relief, affirming the finality of judgments.
Bank Liability in Foreign Exchange Transactions: The Reyes v. Far East Bank Standard
When are banks liable for dishonored foreign exchange drafts? The Supreme Court clarifies the diligence standard in Reyes v. Far East Bank.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, flight, and denial in People v. Corre Jr.
Res Judicata and Security of Tenure: When a Land Registration Judgment Cannot Oust a Tenant
A land registration victory does not automatically allow ejectment of an occupant claiming tenant rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Technicalities Yield TO Fundamental Rights
Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping in Refiled Cases and Support Pendente Lite
Supreme Court clarifies when a certificate of non-forum shopping must mention a prior dismissed case, and reinstates support pendente lite orders.
Beyond the Grave: When a Dead Man Can Be a Party to a Partnership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a deceased person can enter into a partnership, and the application of the Dead Man's Statute.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty in Failing to File Appellant's Brief
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's appeal and disobeying court orders.