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.
Upholding Honesty in Court: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements
A lawyer's false denial of a compromise agreement led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that candor to courts is non-negotiable.
When Is a Family Home Exempt from Execution? Key Lessons from Taruc v. Maximo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family home is exempt from execution and what evidence a judgment debtor must present to claim the exemption.
Family Home Exemption From Execution: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies family home exemption from execution, requiring proof of actual occupancy and compliance with Family Code.
Accretion and Forcible Entry: Why Prior Physical Possession Beats Title
In forcible entry cases over accreted land, the Supreme Court rules that prior physical possession, not mere ownership of adjacent titled property, is decisive.
Reassignment Validity Must Precede Ombudsman Oppression Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC must first rule on a reassignment's validity before the Ombudsman can hear an oppression charge.
When Zealous Advocacy Turns Abusive: Disciplining Lawyers for Offensive Language
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between vigorous advocacy and offensive language in pleadings, disciplining a lawyer for intemperate remarks.
Interest on Overdue Accounts: Clarifying the Scope of Legal Interest and Unconscionability in Sales of Goods
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to stipulated interest and how courts determine unconscionable rates in sales transactions.
Final CIAC Awards Binding on COA: Supreme Court Limits Audit Body's Review Power
Supreme Court ruling in Sunway Builders v. COA confirms COA cannot modify final CIAC arbitration awards, limiting its role to execution and payment.
When Fraud or Force Negates Consent in Rape: People v. Disipulo
The Supreme Court clarifies that consent obtained through fraud or overcome by force is not valid consent in rape cases.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.
Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employees From Unjust Working Conditions
The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal, abandonment, and when harsh working conditions amount to illegal termination under Philippine law.
Upholding Traffic Regulations: Valid Delegation of Power and Public Safety
The Supreme Court upholds traffic penalty regulations as valid exercises of delegated legislative power and police power for public safety.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Defining Regulatory Authority Over Gaming Operations in Economic Zones
Supreme Court clarifies limits of judicial courtesy, territorial jurisdiction, and regulatory authority over gaming operations in economic zones.
When Delay Defeats Title: Laches and Registered Land in Lorenzo v. Eustaquio
The Supreme Court ruled that laches can defeat registered land ownership, even when the original transfer was flawed. Learn the key rules.
Ancestral Land Disputes and the NCIP's Jurisdictional Limits in the Philippines
Understand when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes and when courts or other agencies must hear the case.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Banking Disputes
Learn when certiorari is proper in banking disputes and why exhausting administrative remedies remains a key requirement before court action.
Counsel Negligence and Strict Procedural Rules: PNB v. Spouses Victor
Supreme Court affirms strict 60-day period for petitions for relief, holding clients bound by counsel's negligence absent clear abandonment.
Agency Coupled With Interest Irrevocability AND Protection OF Third Party Rights IN Lease Agreements
Explaining when an agency coupled with interest becomes irrevocable, protecting the agent's rights and third-party interests in lease agreements.
Escrow Funds and Execution of Judgments: Rights of Third-Party Banks Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when escrow funds may be reached in executing money judgments, protecting third-party banks from premature court orders.
Accreditation of Political Parties: COMELEC's Authority and the Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's discretion in accrediting dominant minority parties, affirming that courts will not interfere absent grave abuse of discretion.
Due Process in Elections: COMELEC's Duty to Hear Conflicting Candidacy Claims
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's accreditation of dominant minority parties, clarifying that the Commission's rule-making power over political party accreditation is subject to constitutional limit
Upholding Final Judgments: The Prohibition Against Defiance of Court Orders
The Supreme Court reiterates that final judgments are immutable and must be obeyed, even by government entities, in National Steel Corporation v. City of Iligan.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Recanted Testimony: When Prior Statements Overrule a Witness's Change of Heart
The Supreme Court explains when a recanted testimony deserves scant consideration and why prior statements can convict.