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.
When Government Salaries Can Be Withheld: The Santiago COA Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may withhold a government employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply the withheld amounts.
When Courts Deny Postponements: Due Process in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on when denying a motion for postponement violates due process, and what parties must show to get a resetting.
Judicial Admissions in Philippine Courts: How Your Statements Can Decide Your Case
Learn how judicial admissions work in Philippine courts and why your statements in pleadings can bind you and decide your case.
Conflict of Interest and Private Practice: Lessons from Lim-Santiago v. Sagucio
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's past ties create a conflict and why government prosecutors cannot practice privately.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Dishonest Civil Service Eligibility in the Philippines
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for fraudulently obtaining civil service eligibility, and its implications for public servants.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Double Jeopardy When A Prior Admission Seals Your Fate IN Court
A procedural misstep in filing a petition for review can end a case, but the Supreme Court shows when courts must be lenient.
When Debts Collide: Understanding Legal Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply legal compensation in contract disputes, using the Mavest v. Sampaguita case as a guide.
When a Response to a Request for Admission Is Not Required: DBP v. Canadalla-Go
The Supreme Court clarifies when a party need not respond to a request for admission and when an unsworn response may be excused.
Losing a Land Title: Why Possession at Application Time Matters in Property Registration
Learn why the Supreme Court denied a land registration application because the applicant no longer possessed the property at the time of filing.
VAT Refund Claims: Proving Input Tax Payments With Proper Documentation
Tax refund claims fail without proper evidence. Learn the documentation rules from a Supreme Court case on input VAT refunds.
Laches and Land Rights: Why Delay Can Defeat Property Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how laches and inaction can bar property reconveyance claims even when fraud is alleged.
Prompt Disposition Mandate: Disciplining Judges for Case Delays
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for undue delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory nature of the 30-day period under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes: Why Complete Adjudication Matters
The Supreme Court explains why all indispensable parties must be joined in property cases, or the entire case fails.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: An Attorney's Duty to Fulfill Financial Obligations and Maintain Honesty
A lawyer who acquires client property entrusted to him commits gross misconduct warranting disbarment under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.
Implied Admission: The Decisive Impact of Uncontested Requests in Philippine Courts
How a sheriff's failure to file a comment led to a finding of dishonesty and dismissal from service.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability in Estafa Cases
When can a corporate officer be personally liable for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of corporate personality and criminal liability.
Squatting Decriminalized: The Extinction of Civil Liability Following the Repeal of Anti-Squatting Law
The Supreme Court acquits a man charged under the Revised Forestry Code, clarifying that even mala prohibita offenses require proof of intent.
Perfected Sales vs. Recovery of Property: Understanding Real Actions in Philippine Law
When is a suit for specific performance actually a real action for recovery of property? The Supreme Court clarifies in Jimenez v. Jordana.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's conviction for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22 involves moral turpitude and warrants disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Adultery as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for cohabiting with a woman not his wife, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.