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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Forum Non Conveniens: When Philippine Courts Decline Jurisdiction in Overseas Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when Philippine labor tribunals may decline jurisdiction over overseas employment disputes under the doctrine of forum non conveniens.
Judicial Bias Understanding When A Judge Must Step Down IN Philippine Courts
Learn when Philippine judges must inhibit or step down from a case due to bias, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: Examining Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh evidence in rape cases, and why proving the victim's age is crucial for the death penalty.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: What Businesses Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts treat foreign judgments, the grounds to challenge them, and key lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Holding Judges Accountable Ensuring Timely Justice IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court fined a Manila RTC judge for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, reaffirming judicial accountability.
Power Bill Disputes: Why Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Matter
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that electric cooperative rate disputes belong to the NEA, not courts, and explains the exhaustion doctrine.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attacks and the Crime of Murder
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lopez as a guide.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Standing Position and Credibility in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling carnal knowledge can occur in any position and a credible victim's testimony suffices for conviction.
Documentary Evidence vs Verbal Agreements: Why Written Contracts Prevail in Philippine Courts
When a verbal claim of discount conflicts with written invoices, Philippine courts rely on documentary evidence. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Demurrer to Evidence in the Philippines: When Can a Criminal Case Be Dismissed for Insufficient Proof
Learn when Philippine courts grant a demurrer to evidence, the certiorari exception, and how inadmissible prosecution evidence can lead to acquittal.
Extraordinary Inflation and Philippine Contracts: When Can You Adjust Rental Rates
Philippine law allows rent adjustments for extraordinary inflation, but courts rarely grant them. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Group Crimes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat conspiracy in group crimes, when each member is equally liable, and what this means for criminal defense.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key to Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on flawed eyewitness testimony and the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Deed of Sale or Loan Understanding: Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on when courts will presume a loan arrangement.
Valid Service of Summons: How Philippine Courts Acquire Jurisdiction Over a Party
Explaining valid substituted service of summons under Rule 14, Section 7 and why it matters for court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: Why Final Judgments Matter
Learn how final judgments bind parties in Philippine courts, and why due process in contempt proceedings is non-negotiable.
When One Eyewitness Is Enough: Conviction for Murder in Philippine Courts
A single credible eyewitness can secure a murder conviction in the Philippines. Learn the rules from People v. Mira.
Philippine Estate Law: Why Probate Courts Decide Heirship and Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why probate courts have exclusive jurisdiction over heirship and estate property disputes in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Upgrading Judicial Positions: Fair Compensation and Hierarchy in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court grants salary upgrading for Court of Tax Appeals division chiefs to ensure equal pay and maintain judicial hierarchy.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Minor Inconsistencies Don't Always Matter in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains why minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy credibility, especially in incestuous rape cases.
Hearsay Evidence and Conspiracy in Philippine Fraud Cases: What You Should Know
Learn how Philippine courts treat hearsay evidence, conspiracy, and liability in robbery cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility Counts: How Philippine Courts Weigh Witness Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's credible testimony prevails over bare denials, and clarifies when death penalty applies.
Judicial Efficiency and Accountability: Understanding Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A look at execution pending appeal, "good reasons" requirement, and how Philippine courts balance speedy justice with due process.