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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Foreign Nationals and Land Ownership: Constitutional Limits on Succession Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign nationals cannot own land or transmit rights through succession, affecting heirs' claims.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce, Property Rights, and the Keppel Case
Philippine courts don't take judicial notice of foreign laws. Learn the proof requirements from the Supreme Court's Keppel ruling on divorce and property.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case, stressing the mandatory witness requirements in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Key Rulings from a 2019 Case
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness penalties, damages, and procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Protecting Children Upholding Convictions FOR Rape AND Lasciviousness IN THE Home
The Supreme Court affirms rape and lasciviousness convictions, clarifying the applicable law for sexual abuse of minors under RA 7610 and the Revised Penal Code.
Clearing Title Disputes: How Ownership Rights Prevail in Property Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property disputes, foreign ownership limits, and the proper remedy for dismissed cases.
Judicial Accountability: Forfeiture of Benefits for Gross Ignorance of the Law
Supreme Court rules on judicial accountability, imposing fines on a retired judge for gross misconduct and defiance of Court orders.
Seafarers Disability Claim Denied for Concealing Pre-Existing Condition and Abandoning Treatment
Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for fraudulent misrepresentation in PEME and medical abandonment under the 2000 POEA-SEC.
Legal Redemption: The Critical Importance of Timely Assertion in Property Disputes
Land registration requires proof the property is alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains the rules and burden of proof.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility Protecting Registered Landowners From Delayed Claims
The Supreme Court affirms that Torrens titles become incontrovertible after one year, barring late claims against registered landowners.
Protecting Rights in Drug Cases: Strict Adherence to Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate over missing witnesses in drug evidence chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance under RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Possession: When Mere Presence Isn't Enough
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of drug possession, ruling that failure to comply with the chain of custody witness requirement undermines the prosecution's case.
Subrogation and Prescription: Insurers' Rights in Quasi-Delict Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription runs for insurers subrogated to insureds' quasi-delict claims, abandoning the Vector doctrine.
Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto, but not other civil claims.
Upholding Torrens Title When Tax Declarations Fail to Prove Ownership
The Supreme Court affirms that a Torrens certificate of title prevails over tax declarations, which do not prove ownership. Learn the rules on collateral attacks and prescription.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for False Identity and Worthless Checks
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction where accused misrepresented identity and issued checks from a closed account to defraud complainant.
Land Disputes and Indigenous Rights: Reasserting RTC Jurisdiction in Reversion Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the RTC, not the NCIP, has jurisdiction over reversion and cancellation of title cases involving ancestral lands.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Conspiracy and Intent: When Multiple Assaults Do Not Prove Discernment in Minors
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to kill and conspiracy do not automatically prove a minor's discernment, requiring separate proof for criminal liability.
Disbarment for Extortion: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
The Supreme Court disbarred a government lawyer for extortion, reaffirming that public office amplifies a lawyer's ethical duties.
Oral Agreements vs Written Contracts: When Verbal Lease Changes Hold Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when verbal agreements can modify written lease contracts, and when they cannot, in Modomo v. Layug.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Recovery of Possession
A party cannot use certiorari to challenge interlocutory orders like a denied motion to dismiss or default order when ordinary remedies exist.
Protecting Children: SC Clarifies Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, and the penalties for child sexual abuse.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.