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.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Final Judgments and Clerical Errors: The PhilHealth v. Chinese General Hospital Case
When a final judgment contains a clerical omission, courts may clarify it by reading the decision as a whole.
Reversion of Land: Balancing State Ownership and Good Faith Improvements
When land reverts to the State, what happens to improvements planted in good faith? The Supreme Court provides guidance.
Renouncing Foreign Citizenship: A Hard Requirement for Elective Office in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a separate, sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship is required for elective office under RA 9225.
Just Compensation for PD 27 Lands: Applying RA 6657 After Delay
When just compensation remains unsettled when RA 6657 took effect, the CARP Law governs valuation, not PD 27's outdated formula.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
Conditional Sales and Inheritance Rights: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve land disputes involving conditional sales, inheritance, and registration requirements under the Public Land Act.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs. Writ of Preliminary Attachment: Balancing Obligations with Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract of sale is perfected and when a writ of preliminary attachment may be improperly issued.
Upholding Public Trust: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
A judge's extramarital affair led to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the bench.
Eyewitness Identification and Inconsistent Statements in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, minor inconsistencies, and alibi defenses in robbery with homicide convictions.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Reconveyance After Expropriation: Balancing Public Purpose and Private Rights
When government abandons an expropriated lot's public purpose, former owners may recover it—but must return just compensation.
Police Power vs Customs Authority: The Limits of Search and Seizure in the Philippines
When can police search cargo without customs authority? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Boac v. People.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
Mandatory Drug Testing Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Upheld and Struck Down
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and criminal suspects.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Eminent Domain Abandonment of Expropriated Property and the Right to Reconveyance
When the government abandons expropriated land and fails to pay just compensation, owners may reclaim the property. Learn the rules.
Concurrent Jurisdiction and Estoppel: Ombudsman vs. DepEd in Teacher Discipline
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's concurrent jurisdiction over public school teachers and the estoppel bar against belated jurisdictional challenges.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Donation Mortis Causa vs Inter Vivos: Understanding Estate Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a donation is mortis causa, not inter vivos, and why formalities of a will matter.