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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Self-Defense Plea Fails When Ambush Claim Is Uncorroborated in Homicide Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery must be proven in homicide cases.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
When Constitutional Limits Bar Recovery of Illegally Acquired Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an alien who bought land through a Filipino cannot recover the property or his money.
Airline Passenger Rights: When Rerouting Breaches the Contract of Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when airlines breach carriage contracts by rerouting passengers without consent, and what damages apply.
Tax Refund Limitations: The One-Year Rule for Carry-Over of Excess Income Tax Payments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that excess income tax payments may only be carried over to the immediately succeeding taxable year under the old NIRC.
Upholding Final Judgments The Limits of Annulment Based on Jurisdictional Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments and limits of jurisdictional challenges in annulment cases.
Ejectment Suits: Registered Ownership vs. Co-Ownership Claims in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, registered ownership prevails over co-ownership claims, but only for possession purposes.
Certiorari Deadlines: When Does the 60-Day Clock Really Start
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that orders executing final judgments are not appealable, and the 60-day certiorari period cannot revive settled cases.
Judicial Conduct: Errors of Judgment vs Misconduct in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is mere error of judgment versus administrative misconduct requiring bad faith.
Land Title Registration: Proving Ownership and Alienability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for land registration: possession since June 12, 1945 and proof the land is alienable public domain.
Valid Search Warrants Despite Name Discrepancies and Scope Limits in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when name errors in search warrants are valid and when warrantless car searches are illegal.
Jurisdictional Thresholds for Property Disputes: When Assessed Value Determines the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when property disputes fall under MTC jurisdiction based on assessed value, not the action's caption.
Upholding Employee Rights: Proving Just Cause for Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer's burden of proof in dismissal cases, explaining just cause requirements and employee rights.
Finality of Judgment: Clarification vs. Modification of Court Orders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a final judgment may be clarified without violating the doctrine of immutability of judgments.
Easement by Prescription: Why Permissive Use Never Ripens Into a Right-of-Way
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerated use of land cannot create an easement by prescription, and when prescriptive periods for compensation begin.
Bus Holdups and Homicide: Affirming Guilt but Reducing Penalty Due to Procedural Rules
Philippine Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide conviction but reduces penalty to reclusion perpetua, acquitting co-accused for lack of proof.
Sheriff's Misconduct in Writ Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for settling cases and pocketing funds during writ execution, reaffirming strict standards for court officers.
Landlord Rights Prevail Recovering Possession Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenants cannot appeal denial of new trial and how counsel's errors bind clients.
Bill of Lading Value Limits Carrier Liability for Lost Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bill of lading value declarations cap a common carrier's liability for lost goods, even when insurance paid more.
Unknowing Possession: When Lack of Knowledge Voids Drug Possession Charges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere physical possession of drugs is not enough for conviction—the prosecution must prove the accused knowingly and consciously possessed them.
Dismissal for Gross Incompetence and Lingering Inefficiency Despite Warnings Justifies Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for gross incompetence and inefficiency despite repeated warnings and prior sanctions.
Ejectment vs Ownership: When Courts Decide Possession in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claims of ownership do not strip municipal trial courts of jurisdiction over ejectment cases.
Judicial Accountability: Signing Marriage Contracts Without Licenses Is Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges liable for signing marriage contracts without licenses, ruling it constitutes gross negligence in judicial duties.
Conspiracy and Homicide: Determining Individual Liability in Group Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in group crimes, and why a conviction for murder was reduced to homicide.