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.
Conditional Donations: Substantial Compliance and Donor Intent in Land Donations
Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with a donation's primary purpose, not perfect performance, governs conditional land donations.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Delayed Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession is key, and evidence first presented on appeal cannot be considered.
Challenging Land Titles: Jurisdiction and Collateral Attacks Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear challenges to land titles, and when such actions amount to prohibited collateral attacks.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Protecting Minors: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a child rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a minor victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Resolving Conflicts in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial in homicide cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lifting of Mining Closure Orders Revives Writ of Kalikasan Petitions
Supreme Court rules that lifting DENR closure orders revives environmental claims, keeping Writ of Kalikasan petitions alive.
Co-Ownership vs. Partition: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A co-owner may sell only his undivided share; buyers become co-owners, and the proper remedy is partition, not annulment.
Separation of Powers in Local Governance: Valid Appointment of a Building Official
Supreme Court affirms that a city may create a separate building official office under the Local Government Code and National Building Code.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Conviction Upheld: Lessons on Appeal Limits
Supreme Court affirms large scale illegal recruitment conviction, raises fine to P5M, and explains why erroneous estafa penalties can no longer be corrected.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Employer-Employee Relationship
In illegal dismissal cases, the employee must first prove the employer-employee relationship. G.R. No. 244206 clarifies this burden.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When A Threat Doesnt Meet THE Legal Threshold
The Supreme Court acquits an OMB chairman of graft when conspiracy rests on hearsay, while affirming a subordinate's conviction.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Police Blotter Duties Clarified: Valderas v. Sulse on Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court clarifies police blotter scope and simple neglect of duty in Valderas v. Sulse, protecting officers from baseless administrative cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
Land Registration With Missing Cadastral Records: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Tapay
Can land be registered when government records from a prior cadastral case are missing? The Supreme Court says yes, under certain conditions.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Strict Compliance and Proof of Existence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: strict compliance with RA 26 and proof of title existence required.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Claur Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in nullifying marriages, applying the Tan-Andal guidelines.