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.
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Electricity Disconnection: Utility's Duty to Inspect and Provide Notice
When can a distribution utility disconnect electric service? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inspect meters and give proper notice.
Res Judicata and Litis Pendentia: Ending Endless Property Litigation in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata and litis pendentia to bar a second property case, preventing endless litigation over the same land.
Behest Loans and Due Diligence: Protecting Public Funds From Graft
Supreme Court ruling on when government loans become graft, and why due diligence and business judgment protect public officials.
Third Party Interference: Protecting Exclusive Distributorship Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when third parties can be liable for interfering with exclusive distributorship contracts under Philippine law.
When Legal Interest Begins on Construction Claims: Lessons from Yamauchi v. Suñiga
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest accrues on construction damage awards and how courts determine temperate damages.
Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention: Victim's Testimony as Primary Evidence
In People v. Fajardo, the Supreme Court ruled that a victim's credible testimony alone can convict kidnappers, even without confessions.
Master's Degree Requirement for College Faculty: Educational Standards Prevail Over CBA Tenure Provisions
Supreme Court rules CHED faculty qualification requirements prevail over CBA tenure-by-default provisions, upholding dismissal of professors without master's degrees.
Freedom TO Travel Safeguarding Constitutional Rights Against Administrative Overreach
The Supreme Court strikes down DOJ Circular No. 41 for infringing the constitutional right to travel, reaffirming that only law, not administrative fiat, may restrict it.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Preventing Unjustified Delays
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay violates the right to speedy disposition, using the balancing test to weigh prosecution conduct and accused's actions.
Compromised Integrity: Navigating the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Premature Filing Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule for seafarer disability assessments, explaining when a claim becomes premature and why timing matters.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Proving the Burden for Annulment
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for annulment based on psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Judicial Efficiency vs Personal Hardship: Striking a Balance in Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal hardships can and cannot excuse a judge's delay in deciding cases, imposing a P15,000 fine for gross inefficiency.
Sheriffs Overreach: Defining the Boundaries of Official Duty and Ethical Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sheriff's actions exceed official duty, imposing administrative liability for abuse of authority.
Unregistered Real Estate Mortgages: Valid Between Parties Despite Formal Defects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that defective notarization or registration of a real estate mortgage does not invalidate it between the parties.
Defense of Relatives and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of relatives justifies a killing and why unlawful aggression is its indispensable requirement.
Supreme Court Upholds Strict Rules on Certiorari Petitions in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict rules on certiorari petitions and what this means for legal practitioners and clients.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape in Familial Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a father's rape of a minor daughter constitutes qualified rape, carrying the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder Based ON Proof OF Superior Strength
The Supreme Court explains when the qualifying circumstance of abuse of superior strength applies—and when it does not.
Franchise Disputes and Cooperative Restructuring in Philippine Electrification
Supreme Court clarifies NEA authority over electric cooperative franchises, asset transfers, and why internal restructuring cannot create new cooperatives.
How Philippine Courts Assess Credibility and Consent in Rape Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates witness credibility, consent, and damages in rape convictions, using People v. Bugna.
Road Right-of-Way Measurement: The 20-Meter Rule from the Highway Centerline
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20-meter road right-of-way easement under the Public Land Act is measured from the centerline of the highway.
Cyber Libel Prescribes in One Year: Supreme Court Clarifies RA 10175 and RA 9480
The Supreme Court rules cyber libel prescribes in one year, not 15, and clarifies when the prescriptive period starts running.
Certificate of Arrival Is Mandatory in Naturalization Cases, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court denies naturalization for missing a certificate of arrival, a mandatory requirement under the Revised Naturalization Law.