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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When Can a Judge Notarize Documents? Supreme Court Rules on Ex-Officio Notaries
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a judge's power to notarize documents outside official duties, ruling on unauthorized notarization.
Ex Officio Notarization: Defining the Boundaries for Municipal Court Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of municipal trial court judges' ex officio notarization powers under Circular No. I-90.
Treachery Defined: Sudden Attacks and Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden tricycle stabbing, clarifying evident premeditation and damages.
Rape of a Person With Schizophrenia: Consent and Legal Capacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a schizophrenia patient, consent, and legal capacity under Article 335.
Immediate Execution of RTC Ejectment Judgments: What the Supreme Court Has Held
When the RTC affirms an ejectment ruling, the order to vacate is immediately enforceable—even if the losing party appeals. Here's why.
Failure of Election Petitions in the Philippines: What the Law Requires
Failure of election is a narrow remedy under Philippine law. Learn the grounds, the limits, and how Banaga v. COMELEC clarifies the rules.
Can a Notary Public Also Be a Witness? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine law generally allows a notary public to also witness the documents they notarize, except for wills. Learn the rules and limits.
Summary Judgment Denied: Genuine Issues of Authority and Liability Must Be Resolved at Trial
When can a party get summary judgment? The Supreme Court explains why genuine issues of fact—like authority to sue and liability—require a full trial.
Treachery and Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how credible eyewitness testimony, not treachery, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Delaying Justice When Civil Cases Cant Stifle Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case cannot suspend criminal prosecution, citing the rule on prejudicial questions and dilatory tactics.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Why Trial Courts Hold the Key in Philippine Parricide Cases
A look at People v. Villarez, explaining why appellate courts defer to trial courts' assessment of witness credibility in parricide cases.
Judicial Efficiency AND Accountability Understanding Timeliness IN Philippine Courts
How Corporate Rehabilitation Suspends Labor Disputes: The Rubberworld Case
When a company under rehabilitation faces labor claims, the SEC's automatic stay suspends all actions—including labor cases before the NLRC.
Rape AND THE Betrayal OF Trust Examining THE Conviction OF A Common LAW Spouse
COMELEC vs. HRET Jurisdiction: When Election Disputes Shift to the Electoral Tribunal
Learn when COMELEC loses jurisdiction over House election contests and the HRET becomes the sole judge of a member's election, returns, and qualifications.
Judicial Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delay and impropriety, explaining why judges must avoid even the appearance of bias.
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
Fighting Back How Improper Summons Can Nullify Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how improper service of summons can invalidate court judgments in the Philippines and what it means for defendants' rights.
Judicial Accountability THE Imperative OF Timely Case Resolution AND THE Consequences OF Delay
When Judges Face Harassment Suits: The TRO Rules and Judicial Independence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative case against two RTC judges over TRO issuance, clarifying when judicial errors become disciplinary liability.
PEZA Cannot Cancel Lease Contracts Without Due Process: The Saffirou Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that PEZA's unilateral cancellation of a lease agreement without hearing violates due process and may be enjoined by courts.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Bounced Checks Arent Always Estafa THE Crucial Element OF Deceit IN Philippine LAW
Attorney Conflict of Interest in the Philippines: Lessons from Sibulo v. Cabrera
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for representing opposing parties in the same case, and the ethical rules on conflict of interest.