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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Legal Interest in Philippine Judgments: Simple vs. Compound Interest Explained
Philippine courts apply simple legal interest on monetary judgments unless compound interest is explicitly stipulated. Learn the rules from David vs. Court of Appeals.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Alibi and Denial in Philippine Criminal Cases: Lessons from People v. Raganas
Why alibi and denial rarely convince Philippine courts, explained through People v. Raganas, a robbery with homicide case built on circumstantial evidence.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines and Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict enforcement of motion for reconsideration deadlines and distinguishes certiorari from appeal in jurisdictional challenges.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
When Silence Condemns: The Decisive Role of Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Robbery Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct testimony, in People v. Raganas.
Second Chances in Court: Motions for Reconsideration and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the strict 15-day period for motions for reconsideration and the distinction between appeal and certiorari.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When can Philippine courts convict based on circumstantial evidence? Learn the rules and limits from People v. Apelado.
When Group Action Turns Deadly: Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can elevate a deadly group attack to murder in the Philippines.
Protecting Your Loan Understanding Good Faith Mortgagees In Philippine Property Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a mortgagee is protected as a good faith lender, even if the mortgagor's title is later challenged.
Birth Certificate vs Baptismal Certificate: Proving Filiation in Philippine Inheritance Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why birth certificates outweigh baptismal certificates in proving filiation for inheritance claims.
How Circumstantial Evidence Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Ortiz
Philippine courts can convict on circumstantial evidence alone if it forms an unbroken chain proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Efficiency AND Accountability Understanding Timelines FOR Case Resolution IN Philippine Courts
Unseen Crimes Unquestionable Guilt: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Philippine Parricide Cases
A look at People v. Suelto, where the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not eyewitness testimony.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Nationwide Reach of Replevin Writs: Jurisdiction and Enforcement in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts can enforce replevin writs nationwide. Learn how jurisdiction is determined and what it means for creditors and debtors.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony in Philippine Courts: A Case Analysis
How Philippine courts assess rape victim credibility, the sweetheart defense, and civil liability in People v. Caratay.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Beware Illegal Recruiters Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence FOR Large Scale Fraud
Supreme Court affirms life sentence for illegal recruitment in large scale. Learn the elements of the crime and key lessons.
Suing a Deceased Person in the Philippines: Estate Claims and Legal Personality Rules
Can you sue a deceased person's estate in the Philippines? Learn the legal personality rules and proper probate procedure for collecting debts from an estate.
Rape Conviction Upheld: How Philippine Courts Assess Victim Credibility and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts evaluate victim testimony, credibility, and proper damages in criminal cases.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
Subleasing in the Philippines: When Silence Equals Consent — Perez v. Court of Appeals
Explaining Perez v. Court of Appeals: when a lessor's acceptance of rent from a sublessee can bar objections to a prohibited sublease.
The Power of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cases: People v. Villablanca
How a single credible eyewitness can sustain a murder conviction in the Philippines, and what the Villablanca case teaches about positive identification, treachery, and alibi.