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.
Eminent Domain and Abandonment: Reversion of Expropriated Land for Lack of Public Use
When the government abandons expropriated land and fails to pay just compensation, courts may order reconveyance to the original owners.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid buy-bust entrapment and a mere frame-up in drug cases, and what evidence convicts.
Donation Mortis Causa vs Inter Vivos: Understanding Estate Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a donation is mortis causa, not inter vivos, and why formalities of a will matter.
Procedural Compliance and Corporate Rehabilitation: Ensuring Fair Adjudication of Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural rules serve justice, not frustrate it, in corporate rehabilitation appeals.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Disbarment for Gross Immoral Conduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the bar.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Notarial Duty Ensuring Personal Appearance In Document Acknowledgment
A notary public must require personal appearance of signatories before notarizing documents. Learn the legal consequences of violating this duty.
Lease vs Land Reform: Tenant Rights to Crops and Improvements Under CARP
When the government acquires land under CARP, who owns the standing crops and improvements—the landowner or the tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When does a job transfer amount to constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in Bisig Manggagawa sa Tryco v. NLRC.
Peace vs. the Constitution: Delineating Executive Power in Ancestral Domain Agreements
The Supreme Court ruled the MOA-AD unconstitutional, limiting the executive's power to bind the state in peace agreements.
Conspiracy and Falsification: Probable Cause in Private Document Cases
How the Supreme Court clarified that conspiracy allegations in falsification cases need only probable cause at preliminary stages, not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification controls absent a third-doctor review.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Courts, Not HLURB, Decide Contract Disputes: Cadimas v. Carrion
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every subdivision property dispute falls under HLURB jurisdiction—ordinary contract breaches belong in regular courts.
Relief From Judgment Not Available in the Supreme Court: Purcon v. MRM Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38 cannot be filed in the High Court.
The Perils of Untimely Appeals: Adherence to Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Explore how strict procedural rules shape Philippine labor cases, from appeal deadlines to due process in dismissals.
Proving Land Ownership: Why Possession Since 1945 Needs More Than Claims
Learn what Philippine courts require to prove land ownership through possession since 1945, from the Arbias v. Republic case.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Possession and Alienable Status
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what evidence is needed to register land under PD 1529, including possession and alienable classification.
Loan Restructuring vs Mortgage Release: When Must a Bank Return Collateral?
When a borrower restructures a loan and assigns property as partial payment, is the bank obliged to release other collateral? The Supreme Court explains.
Rape Delay in Reporting Due to Fear and Intimidation Does Not Affect Victim's Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a rape victim's delay in reporting due to fear of the offender does not diminish her credibility or indicate a false accusation.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credible Testimony and Medical Evidence Validate Child Victim's Account
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings outweigh denial and alibi.
Investment or Loan? The Estafa Trap in Misrepresented Business Ventures
When a business deal fails, is it a breach of contract or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies when false pretenses turn a failed investment into a criminal offense.
Executive Privilege vs Senate Inquiries: The Neri Doctrine on Presidential Communications
The Supreme Court upholds presidential communications privilege in Senate inquiries, balancing executive confidentiality against legislative oversight powers.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.