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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Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases When Actions Speak Louder Than Words
A look at the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in People v. More, which clarifies how conspiracy and self-defense are weighed in murder cases.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.
Electrocution and Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative liability for electrocution, negligence, and damages under Philippine law.
Voluntary Appearance and Estoppel: How Jurisdictional Defects in Philippine Courts Can Be Cured
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary appearance and estoppel can cure jurisdictional defects in criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict an accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Positive Identification in Philippine Law: Why Eyewitness Testimony Matters in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a credible eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and negative paraffin test results in Philippine criminal cases.
Protecting Your Home: Illegal Search and Seizure in Philippine Drug Cases
When police act on a tip without a warrant, evidence may be inadmissible. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on illegal searches.
Control Is Key: When a Bank Becomes the Real Employer of an Outsourced Janitor
The Supreme Court rules that control over work, not contracts, determines employer-employee relationships in outsourcing arrangements.
Regular vs Project Employees: Key Differences and Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular vs project employee status, tenure security, and monetary claims under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Store Owner Liability for Customer Safety: Lessons from the Jarco Marketing Case
When a defective store fixture injures a customer, who pays? The Jarco case clarifies premises liability and negligence rules in the Philippines.
Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Courts: Protecting Rights Pending Litigation
Learn how Philippine courts use preliminary injunctions to protect rights while a case is pending, explained in plain language.
Why the Right to Counsel Means a Real Lawyer: Lessons from People v. Santocildes
The Supreme Court reminds us that an accused must be represented by a licensed lawyer—not just anyone who acts like one.
Right to Counsel: Why a Fake Lawyer Voids a Criminal Conviction
Learn why the Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the accused was represented by a non-lawyer, and what this means for due process.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why a Victim's Account Alone Can Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape victim's lone testimony suffices for conviction, and why alibi and delay in reporting do not defeat it.
Inconsistent Testimony in Rape Cases: How Reasonable Doubt Leads to Acquittal
How inconsistent testimony and lack of corroborating evidence created reasonable doubt, leading to acquittal in a Philippine rape case.
Fake Lawyer Defense: When an Impostor Can Void a Criminal Conviction in the Philippines
Convictions can be overturned when the accused was represented by a non-lawyer. Learn the rules and how to verify counsel credentials.
Securing Shareholder Rights: Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes
Understand when Philippine courts grant preliminary injunctions in corporate disputes, using the Ortañez-Enderes case as a guide to shareholder rights.
When Proof of a Gun License Matters: Acquittal in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquitted a student of illegal firearm possession because prosecutors failed to prove he lacked a license. Here's why.
Illegal Possession of Firearm: Why the Prosecution Must Prove Lack of License
The Supreme Court acquits a student of illegal possession of firearm because the prosecution failed to prove he had no license—a vital element of the crime.
Deadline Missed: Understanding Election Protest Filing Periods in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-day period to file an election protest is suspended, and when it is not.
Election Protest Deadlines: Why a Failure of Election Petition Won't Buy You More Time
Filing a failure of election petition does not suspend the 10-day period to file an election protest. Know the deadline rules.
Wrong Court Wrong Verdict: Why Jurisdiction Matters in Philippine Criminal Cases
A conviction by a court without jurisdiction is void. Learn from Pangilinan v. Court of Appeals why the right court matters.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Why Proof of No License Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquitted a student of illegal firearm possession because the prosecution failed to prove he had no license. Learn why this element matters.
Due Process in Land Acquisition: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect property rights in land acquisition disputes, and why clear legal title matters before seeking injunctive relief.