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.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment is valid and when it violates a worker's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Unmarked Evidence Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to mark seized sachets, breaking the chain of custody and casting doubt on the evidence.
Civil Service Exam Fraud: Forged Signatures and Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on Civil Service exam fraud, forged signatures, and the consequences of dishonesty in public service employment.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.
Strict Rules on Foreclosure Notice Publication: What Philippine Mortgagors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with foreclosure notice publication requirements and consequences of defective notices.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
Land Title Registration: Possession Before Land Classification Counts
Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's classification as alienable and disposable can count toward original registration.
Adverse Possession and Land Registration: Clarifying Requirements for Imperfect Titles
Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's classification as alienable and disposable counts toward confirming imperfect title under Section 14(1).
Finality of Settlements: How Quitclaims Impact Employment Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and binding in labor disputes, protecting employees from waivers made under duress.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.
Breach of Trust When Court Employees Fail to Safeguard Public Funds
Court personnel who mishandle public funds face administrative liability, including dismissal, for breach of trust and conduct prejudicial to service.
Client Responsibility: The Binding Nature of Counsel Negligence in Philippine Law
When does a lawyer's mistake bind the client? The Supreme Court explains the rule on counsel negligence and the client's duty to monitor cases.
Attorneys Fees THE Right TO Claim After Final Judgment
A lawyer can claim attorney's fees even after final judgment. The Supreme Court explains when and how.
Rape Through Sexual Assault: Protecting Children Beyond Gender
The Supreme Court affirms that men can be rape victims, ruling on sexual assault against a 10-year-old boy and the applicable penalty.
Grave Misconduct Requires Proof of Wrongful Intent, Not Just a Flawed Revaluation
When is a bad property valuation grave misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to hold public officers liable.
Psychological Incapacity and Marriage Nullity: Proving Grave and Incurable Conditions
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, requiring grave, incurable, and juridically antecedent conditions.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal: How It Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains how an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability, and why drug offenses carry no civil liability.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: Reconstitution Rights Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining patent holders cannot seek reconstitution of land titles they do not own.
Reassessing Psychological Incapacity Expert Testimony in Philippine Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how expert testimony on psychological incapacity should be weighed in Philippine marriage nullity cases.
Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Estate Needs and Servient Estate Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to determine the extent and indemnity for a legal easement of right of way under the Civil Code.
Mandamus and Property Rights: Court Orders for Possession Have Limits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a writ of possession cannot be issued in a mandamus case, and the proper remedy for winning bidders.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on chain of custody in drug possession cases, explaining why substantial compliance with Section 21 suffices.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC and CBA Procedures Matters
SC ruling explains why seafarers must follow POEA-SEC and CBA procedures, including third-doctor referral, before filing disability claims.