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.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Pawnshops and VAT: Clarifying Tax Exemptions for Non-Bank Financial Intermediaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that pawnshops, as non-bank financial intermediaries, were not liable for VAT in 2000 due to deferred effectivity.
Navigating Land Disputes: Reversion, Expropriation, and Title Conflicts Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how reversion cases, expropriation proceedings, and quieting of title actions interact when land titles are challenged.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Supreme Court clarifies that courts determining just compensation under CARP must strictly apply the DAR valuation formula, not substitute their own methods.
Ensuring Corporate Authority in Legal Actions: The Importance of Board Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment jurisdiction, board resolutions, and why corporate authority matters in lawsuits.
Judicial Discretion vs Undue Favoritism: When Judges Face Administrative Liability
Explaining when judicial rulings constitute administrative offenses, based on the Supreme Court's dismissal of the complaint against CA Justices Roxas and Enriquez.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Eligibility for Examination Irregularities
Court dismisses clerk of court for using a proxy in the 1988 civil service exam, ruling dishonesty forfeits eligibility and all benefits.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Upholding LLDA Authority Enforcing Environmental Standards in Laguna de Bay
Supreme Court affirms LLDA's power to impose fines for effluent violations, reinforcing environmental enforcement in Laguna de Bay region.
Single Act Multiple Crimes Complex Crime of Murder and Attempted Murder Defined
Explaining the complex crime rule when one act kills several and wounds others, citing People v. Barde.
Transparency in Elections: The Right to Review Source Codes for Automated Election Systems
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must make AES source codes available for independent review under R.A. 9369.
Conspiracy and Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from Bug-atan v. People
How Philippine courts weigh co-conspirator testimony, conspiracy evidence, and credibility in homicide and murder cases.
Reinstatement Rights of Police Officers After Acquittal: The Roaquin Case
When can a discharged police officer demand reinstatement and back pay after acquittal? The Supreme Court explains in Calinisan v. Roaquin.
Arraignment Delay Denied: Why Speedy Trial Rights Trump Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be denied to protect the accused's right to speedy trial.
Annulment and Parricide: The Prejudicial Question Rule Explained
When a marriage annulment case can—and cannot—suspend a criminal case for parricide under Philippine law.
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Survival of Actions: Property Rights Prevail After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights versus personal actions under Rule 3.
Navigating the Chain of Custody: How Procedural Lapses Can Overturn Drug Convictions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what Section 21 of RA 9165 requires.
Certiorari as Remedy for Questioning Acquittal Based on Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may question an acquittal and why errors of judgment remain barred by double jeopardy.