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.
Land Registration: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for a Clear Title
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove possession for land registration under PD 1529, and when the tracing cloth plan requirement may be relaxed.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Stringent Compliance is Key: Reconstitution of Torrens Title Requires Strict Adherence to Law
The Supreme Court reiterates that judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demands strict compliance with RA 26, or the petition fails.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony Prevails Over Minor Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not impair credibility when the essential facts are clearly established.
Unproven Claims When Government Contracts Lack Evidence Of Delivery
Supreme Court affirms COA denial of P63M textbook claim for lack of proof of delivery and appropriation.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Security Guard's Prolonged Floating Status Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status beyond six months amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the guard to separation pay and back wages.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
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.
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.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Defective Summons: How Improper Service Can Void an Ejectment Case in the Philippines
Learn how defective summons and improper substituted service can void an ejectment case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Reconstitution of Lost Title Allowed: Supreme Court Clarifies R.A. 26 Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties: Demaala v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using ICT raises the penalty.
Seafarers Heart Disease Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness FOR Disability Benefits
A seafarer's stroke was ruled work-related and compensable. Learn how the Supreme Court proved the link between work and illness.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
Security Guards Duty to Accept Assignments vs Constructive Dismissal
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Exocet v. Serrano.
Shared Intent, Shared Guilt: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in homicide cases—when one acts, all are liable, even without direct participation.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.