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.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Correcting Typographical Errors Valid Execution Despite Misstated Property Address
A typographical error in a judgment's dispositive portion does not render it defective or unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains how courts may correct such errors.
Delegation of Search Warrant Endorsement: Balancing Efficiency and Safeguards in Criminal Investigations
The Supreme Court amends rules to allow law enforcement heads to delegate search warrant endorsements, balancing efficiency with judicial safeguards.
Mootness in Philippine Law: Resignation Resolves Appointment Dispute
Explore how the Supreme Court applies the mootness doctrine in Philippine administrative law, using a resignation case to illustrate key principles.
Age of Criminal Responsibility: Testimonial Evidence and Protecting Juvenile Offenders
How testimonial evidence can prove a juvenile offender's age for exemption from criminal liability under RA 9344.
Ending Perpetual Trusts Balancing Testamentary Freedom AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine law limits how long trusts can last. This article explains the rule against perpetuities and how courts balance a testator's wishes against property rights.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Venue and Procedure Under Philippine Rules
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue for shareholder derivative suits and why procedural choices like certiorari vs. appeal matter.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.
Constitutional Limits on Land Ownership: Aliens Cannot Indirectly Control Philippine Land Through Filipino Spo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that alien spouses cannot claim rights over land titled to Filipino wives, citing constitutional prohibitions.
Strict Deadlines for Appeal Memoranda: Mejillano v. Lucillo and the Limits of Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court in Mejillano v. Lucillo affirms that failure to file an appeal memorandum on time is fatal, even where the appellant pleads ignorance or counsel's death.
BSP’s Exclusive Authority Over Bank Receivership: What It Means for Depositors and Creditors
The Supreme Court affirms the BSP’s exclusive authority over bank receivership, clarifying the limits of court intervention and the rights of depositors and creditors.
Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.
Mootness in Election Contests: When Expiration of Term Ends the Legal Fight
Expiration of an elective office's term can render an election contest moot. Learn the rule from Baldo v. COMELEC.
Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Agrarian Reform vs Civil Action
Supreme Court clarifies when property disputes fall under regular courts rather than DARAB, using jurisdictional rules.
Sheriff Dismissed for Unauthorized Auction and Falsified Sale Certificate
A sheriff who conducted an auction without authority and falsified a certificate of sale was dismissed from service for grave misconduct.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Dishonored Checks and Unpaid Debts: Why a Civil Case Does Not Always Stop a Criminal Charge
A civil collection suit does not automatically suspend a criminal case for violation of B.P. Blg. 22. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
Redundancy, Retrenchment, and Strikes: Lessons from the Hyatt Regency Manila Case
The Supreme Court balances valid downsizing against illegal strikes, explaining redundancy, retrenchment, and quitclaims in the hotel industry.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and Weak Defenses of Denial and Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony suffices and that denial and alibi are weak defenses.