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.
Navigating the Boundaries of Forum Shopping: Ensuring Integrity in Legal Advocacy
A lawyer's filing of two annulment cases raises forum shopping questions. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule and its limits.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
Judicial Efficiency: The Mandate for Timely Resolution of Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to decide cases is mandatory, not merely directory.
Franchise Tax Exemptions: Scope and Limits for Telecom Companies
The Supreme Court clarifies when "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in telecom franchises do not exempt companies from local business taxes.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Eligibility: Clarifying the Requirements for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens by birth may run for public office by merely filing a certificate of candidacy, without renouncing foreign citizenship.
Protecting Children How Courts Decide Statutory Rape Cases Despite Unclear Dates
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the exact date of the offense is uncertain, based on established legal principles.
When an Affidavit of Quitclaim Isn't Enough: Donation Requirements in Property Transfers
A quitclaim affidavit transferring real property may be treated as a donation. Learn the formal requirements to make it valid under Philippine law.
Reconveyance Actions and Good Faith: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and good faith in reconveyance actions, protecting banks that rely on court-issued titles.
Retrenchment Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee Protection During Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what criteria employers may use, and what employees can expect during economic downturns.
Redundancy Programs Upholding Employer Rights IN Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court affirms employer's right to contract out work during business exigencies, clarifying limits of unfair labor practice claims.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting and when a principal becomes the true employer of contractual workers.
Importation vs Transshipment: When Seized Goods Cannot Be Released Under Bond
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when transshipment claims fail and seized goods cannot be released under bond due to fraud.
Double Jeopardy and Police Accountability: When Amending an Information Is Allowed
Explaining when an amended criminal information does not trigger double jeopardy, through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on police killings.
Judicial Misconduct and Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases
A judge was suspended for soliciting P100,000 to fix cases. The Supreme Court explains the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases.
Probationary Employment for Teachers: Rights, Limits, and the Manalo Ruling
Learn the rules on probationary employment for private school teachers, including tenure rights, dismissal standards, and the landmark Manalo case.
Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide Intent IS KEY
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is mere homicide, not robbery with homicide, and explains the intent requirement.
Horse Racing Regulation: Philracom's Power to Ensure Fair and Safe Races
The Supreme Court upholds Philracom's authority to issue rules and directives for the horse racing industry, including measures to eradicate Equine Infectious Anemia.
VFA Constitutionality Upheld: Balancing Sovereignty and International Agreements
The Supreme Court upheld the Visiting Forces Agreement as constitutional while striking down detention agreements that violated its terms.
Revocability of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney: Agrarian Reform Limits on Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable power of attorney over agrarian reform land may still be challenged and revoked.