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.
Unraveling Fraud Protecting Heirs Rights IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirs can pursue quieting of title and reconveyance despite allegations of fraud and laches.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.
Assignees of Bank Mortgagee Entitled to Shorter Redemption Period Under General Banking Law
Supreme Court rules assignees of a bank mortgagee benefit from the shorter three-month redemption period under the General Banking Law.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Reasonable Doubt Leads to Acquittal
A mayor was acquitted of falsifying marriage certificates when the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he did not solemnize the weddings.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"
The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution
Probable Cause and Customs Seizure: Protecting Due Process in Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause must precede customs seizure and forfeiture, protecting claimants from arbitrary government action.
Stroke Compensation Claims: When Work Stress Meets Employee Welfare
Supreme Court clarifies when stroke and hypertension are compensable under PD 626, emphasizing probability over certainty in employee claims.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, explaining treachery, witness credibility, and damages in Philippine criminal law.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Government Delay Forfeits Expropriation Rights
The Supreme Court rules that the government's failure to pay just compensation for over 30 years bars its claim to expropriated property.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Protests: Payment Deadlines and Damage Awards
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC appeal fee deadlines under Resolution 8486 and limits damages in election protests to actual or compensatory damages.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
When Police Lapses in Drug Cases Lead to Acquittal: The Gamboa Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Scrutiny and Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite affidavit of desistance, ruling recanted affidavits are unreliable and victim testimony credible.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Real Actions and Jurisdiction: Why Assessed Value Determines the Correct Philippine Court
In real actions, the property's assessed value determines which court has jurisdiction. Omitting it can doom the case.
Search Warrant Validity: MTC Authority and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies that a Municipal Trial Court may issue a search warrant even for offenses outside its trial jurisdiction, within the same judicial region.
When a Lawyer Buys a Client's Property: The Business Deal Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property is a valid business deal, not a breach of professional ethics.
MTC Authority to Issue Search Warrants: People v. Castillo Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs can issue search warrants even for offenses beyond their jurisdiction, under Rule 126.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Due Process in Club Membership Suspensions: The Ching v. QCSC Ruling
When can a club suspend a member without a hearing? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules in Ching v. Quezon City Sports Club.
Work-Related Illness and Causation in Seafarer Disability Claims: Key Lessons
Learn how Philippine courts decide seafarer disability claims, focusing on work-related illness, causation, and the POEA standard of proof.