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.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When the Surplus Must Be Returned
Philippine Bank of Communications v. Yeung clarifies when a writ of possession issues after foreclosure and how sale surpluses are handled.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Prescription and Laches in Deed of Sale Cases: Lessons from Sanchez v. Sanchez
When can a deed of sale be challenged in court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and laches in Sanchez v. Sanchez.
Breach of Contract vs Loan Obligations: Independent Liabilities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a debtor's separate contract breach does not extinguish loan obligations to a creditor.
Senior Citizen Discounts: Police Power vs. Eminent Domain in Business Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain, in Manila Memorial Park v. DSWD.
Work-Related Illness Compensability of Myocardial Infarction Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on compensability of myocardial infarction as a work-related illness, explained through Supreme Court rulings and legal standards.
Falsification of Public Documents and Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019
When does falsification of public documents justify preventive suspension under Section 13 of RA 3019? The Supreme Court explains.
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Admissibility of Testimony From Persons With Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that persons with mental retardation can be credible witnesses in rape cases, provided they understand questions and testify clearly.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Employer's Duty to Recall Employees After Six-Month Suspension of Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a bona fide suspension of business operations beyond six months makes employee termination illegal unless workers are recalled.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court denies former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Maceda Law Protecting Installment Buyers From Improper Contract Cancellations
Learn how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers from improper contract cancellations and what the Supreme Court said about buyer rights.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
GMA Network v. Pabriga clarifies when broadcast technicians are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not project workers.
Foreclosure Validity: Banks Can Foreclose Despite Disputed Loan Agreements
Supreme Court ruling on when banks may foreclose despite disputed interest rates, and the legal interest that applies after default.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.
Good Faith and Public Office: Reassessing Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith and lack of manifest partiality can defeat graft charges under RA 3019.
Proving the Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Hilarion
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution must prove a rape victim's age, and why the failure to do so downgrades statutory rape to simple rape.
Right to Remain Silent Prevails: Silence at Custodial Investigation Not an Admission of Guilt
Supreme Court rules silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt in rape case.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Hearsay on Trial: Proving Misconduct in Philippine Administrative Law
A look at Far Eastern Surety v. People, on bail bond liability, forgery claims, and the proper mode of appeal under Rule 45.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Limits for Landowners With Other Agricultural Holdings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners with other agricultural lands lose retention rights over tenanted rice lands under LOI 474.
Forged Documents and Good Faith: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
When forged deeds meet buyers' good faith, Philippine courts weigh title protection against prudence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.