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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Dishonesty in Public Service: Defining the Boundaries of Misconduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple dishonesty and grave offenses in administrative cases, with practical guidance for public servants.
Just Compensation Balancing Zonal Value AND Fair Market Value IN Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, affirming fair market value standards.
Workplace Violence and Serious Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Valid Dismissal
When does an employee's single infraction justify termination? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of serious misconduct as a just cause for dismissal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Are Solidarily Liable
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally and solidarily liable with the corporation, and when they cannot.
Sheriff Dismissed for Soliciting Sexual Favors in Exchange for Duty Performance
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff who solicited sexual favors to implement a writ, underscoring ethical standards for court personnel.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formulas
Courts must adhere to DAR valuation formulas in CARP land compensation cases unless they clearly explain reasons for deviation, as shown in this ruling.
Treachery Unproven: Conviction Reduced from Murder to Homicide for Lack of Clear Evidence
Supreme Court reduces murder conviction to homicide when treachery is not proven by clear and convincing evidence, explaining the required standard.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Substantial Evidence Required IN Negligence Claims Against Lawyers
Learn the evidentiary standard for lawyer negligence complaints in the Philippines, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Zara v. Atty. Joyas.
Force AND Consent IN Rape Examining Standards OF Proof AND Victim Behavior
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Court Property
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for taking court property without authority and lying under oath, reaffirming strict standards for judicial personnel.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Ethical Standards for the Bench and Bar
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years, clarifying ethical standards.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
When Land Boundaries Prevail Over Stated Area in Lump-Sum Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump-sum land sales, boundaries control over stated area, preventing relitigation of ownership disputes.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on public officials who signed resolutions recommending their own appointments, and the consequences of conflict of interest.
Overlapping Land Claims Resolving Boundary Disputes IN Property Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies remedies for unpaid sellers in land sales, distinguishing dacion en pago from absolute sale.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts May Deviate From DAR Valuation Guidelines
Explaining when courts may depart from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform cases, and why a clear explanation is required.
Navigating THE Boundaries OF Treachery Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Sudden Attacks
Just Compensation and Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Deviate From DAR Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when Special Agrarian Courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in determining just compensation under RA 6657.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment for Attorney's Deceptive Settlement Tactics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving an opposing party into paying P2 million under a false compromise agreement, reaffirming high ethical standards.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Navigating THE Boundaries OF Government Employee Benefits
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, highlighting a strict standard for drug prosecutions.
DAR Secretary Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Title Cancellations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR Secretary exclusively handles cancellation of registered emancipation patents and agrarian titles.
Just Compensation Courts Role IN Agrarian Reform Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts may deviate from DAR's valuation formula in agrarian reform cases, provided the deviation is reasoned and grounded on evidence.