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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Why Philippine Courts Trust Positive Identification Over Alibi in Rape Cases
Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi and defenses like impotence. Learn the rules from a landmark rape case.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Sudden Violence and Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguishes murder from homicide through treachery, using a 1999 stabbing case as an example.
Second Chances in Appeals: Leniency for Late Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on late appeal docket fees when justice requires, as shown in this 1999 ruling.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Incidental Expenses and Due Process in Post-Judgment Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's P1.2M award for "incidental expenses" shows why post-judgment orders must respect due process.
Separation of Church and State: Supreme Court Upholds Labor Rights of Religious Workers
The Supreme Court rules that a pastor's dismissal is a secular employment matter, not an ecclesiastical affair, affirming labor protections.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Presence Does Not Prove Guilt (G.R. No. 127754)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in murder cases: mere presence at the crime scene is not enough to convict.
Unmasking Insurance Fraud: How Conspiracy and Falsification Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on insurance fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of documents, and what it means for criminal liability.
Surname Use in Philippine Elections: When It Is Not a Material Misrepresentation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when using a surname in a certificate of candidacy is not a material misrepresentation under election law.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
Upholding Integrity: Why Workplace Misconduct in Philippine Courts Matters
A lawyer's duty to preserve client confidences survives the attorney-client relationship. The Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Hildawa explains why.
Maintaining Client Confidences: Understanding a Lawyer's Duty of Confidentiality in the Philippines
A clear guide to the lawyer's duty of confidentiality in the Philippines, its scope, exceptions, and practical compliance tips.
Decoding Holographic Wills in the Philippines: Witness Requirements and Probate Challenges
Understand the mandatory three-witness rule for contested holographic wills in the Philippines and what Codoy v. Calugay means for probate.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Why Denying the Crime Doesn't Guarantee Innocence in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts don't presume innocence from denial alone. Learn how procedural rules and evidence shape criminal liability in this legal analysis.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
Presidential Appointments in the Philippines: Limits of the Commission on Appointments' Confirmation Power
The Supreme Court clarifies which presidential appointments need Commission on Appointments confirmation under the 1987 Constitution.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, dying statements, and physical evidence in criminal cases, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Ejectment Case Delays and Summary Procedure: A Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reminds judges that ejectment cases must be decided within 30 days under the Summary Procedure, or face administrative sanctions.
Illegal Dismissal Back Wages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for illegally dismissed employees, balancing security of tenure with employer discipline.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Treachery and Identification in Philippine Murder Cases
How a lone eyewitness's positive identification and the suddenness of attack led to a murder conviction qualified by treachery.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Victim Testimony Isn't Always Enough in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when the victim's testimony is riddled with improbabilities. Learn the credibility standards.
Supervisory Unions in the Philippines: Affiliation Rules and Managerial Employee Exclusions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on supervisory union federation affiliation, managerial employee exclusions, and certification election rules under Article 245.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Supremacy of Civil Service Law: Why Government Appointments Must Meet National Standards
The Supreme Court affirms the Civil Service Commission's power to recall appointments that fail to meet national qualification standards, even if approved locally.