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.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly and File Periodic Returns: DBP v. Famero
The Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's duty to execute writs with dispatch and file Section 14, Rule 39 periodic returns, imposing a fine for neglect.
Eyewitness Testimony in Rape with Homicide Cases: Credibility and the Weight of a Single Witness
How Philippine courts assess the credibility of a single eyewitness in rape with homicide cases, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Fair Valuation of Rubber Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for rubber lands must be determined under agrarian reform, emphasizing the mandatory DAR valuation formula.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Lawyer Disbarred for Deceitful Land Dealings and Misrepresenting Ownership
A lawyer was disbarred for selling land he did not own, misrepresenting himself as owner, and keeping the proceeds—a clear violation of professional ethics.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Efficiency and Preventing Conflicting Rulings
Explore how consolidating related cases promotes judicial efficiency and prevents conflicting rulings, with insights from Philippine Supreme Court practice.
When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Final Judgments and Supervening Events: When Execution Cannot Be Stopped
A sale of property after judgment finality does not automatically stop execution. The Supreme Court explains the limits of supervening events.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Teacher Discipline and Due Process: Grave Misconduct in Philippine Schools
A teacher's physical punishment of a student constitutes grave misconduct, but mitigating factors can temper the penalty of dismissal.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Social Justice Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and when social justice arguments fail.
Protecting Third Party Rights in Foreclosure When Possession Trumps Ownership
When a third party adversely possesses foreclosed property, courts must hold a hearing before issuing a writ of possession.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Rules OF Court IS Mandatory
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession, third-party adverse claims, and strict procedural compliance in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Jail Officers Negligence Defining Gross Misconduct in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on when a jail officer's negligence and consent to a prisoner's escape constitutes gross misconduct in public service.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's family relationship by affinity requires inhibition, and why a losing litigant's late complaint failed.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when family relations by affinity disqualify a judge, and why mere allegations are not enough.
Upholding Electoral Tribunals Discretion Respecting THE Voters Intent IN Contested Ballots
A 3-3 Comelec en banc vote has no legal effect; the case must be reheard, the Supreme Court rules.
Digital Ballots As Primary Evidence Protecting Electoral Integrity In The Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that digital ballot images from PCOS machines are functional equivalents of physical ballots, protecting elections from tampering.
Stare Decisis in Indigenous Land Claims: Upholding Prior Rulings on the Busol Watershed
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to reverse an injunction favoring indigenous land claims in the Busol Watershed, following an earlier ruling.
Ballot Image Integrity and Electronic Evidence in Philippine Election Protests
Supreme Court ruling on ballot images as electronic evidence in election protests under RA 9369 and the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Procedural Rules in Annulment and Adoption Cases
A judge fined P10,000 for skipping mandatory no-collusion reports in annulments and adoption safeguards—a lesson in judicial accountability.