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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Accidental Shooting or Intentional Harm: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal shooting is homicide, not murder, and why the information must allege treachery as a fact.
Breach of Express Warranty When Road Widening Impacts Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that express warranties in deeds of sale differ from implied warranty against eviction, entitling buyer to refund.
When a Motion for Reconsideration Is Not a Second Bite at the Apple
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration of a decision that substantially reverses an earlier ruling is not prohibited.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable, citing the frailty of human memory and suggestive procedures.
When a Lawyer Exceeds Authority: Suspension for Unauthorized Sale of Client’s Property
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for selling a client's property without authority, violating Canons 5, 15, and 17 of the CPR.
Lawyer’s Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds: A Lesson in Professional Responsibility
When a lawyer fails to process a client’s title and keeps the fees, the Supreme Court steps in with suspension and restitution.
Beyond Mismanagement When Corporate Decisions Dont Amount TO Criminal Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between illegal recruitment and estafa, and when corporate decisions cross into criminal fraud.
Just Compensation and Due Process in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
The Supreme Court rules that just compensation for agrarian reform land must be valued at the time of taking, not at outdated dates, and that gross undervaluation violates due process.
Mental Health at Sea: Employer Liability for a Seafarer's Bipolar Disorder
A Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's bipolar disorder is compensable under the POEA contract and what employers must prove to avoid liability.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Trust, Diligence, and the Consequences of Neglect
A lawyer's failure to handle a client's funds and legal work can lead to suspension. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Misconduct vs Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee misconduct justifies termination, and when it does not, in Fabricator Philippines v. Estolas.
When the Company Doctor's Disability Rating Becomes Binding on Seafarers
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer who disagrees with the company-designated physician's disability rating must follow the POEA-SEC procedure, or that rating becomes final.
Insanity Plea and Arson: When Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder, in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the insanity defense, the proof needed for murder, and when arson is a separate crime.
Robbery With Homicide: How Intent and Treachery Shape the Crime
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, intent to rob, and treachery as an aggravating circumstance.
Warrantless Arrests and Drug Evidence: When a Tiny Sachet Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a man of drug possession, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 for minuscule amounts of shabu.
Accountability for Acts: Criminal Liability in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when each participant in a robbery becomes liable for homicide committed on the occasion of the robbery.
Baptismal Certificates and Filiation: Proving Legal Parentage in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that baptismal and marriage certificates alone cannot prove filiation for inheritance claims, citing Family Code rules.
Unregistered Land and Due Diligence: A Bank's Duty in Mortgage Contracts
When a bank mortgages unregistered land, it must verify true ownership. The Supreme Court explains the consequences of failing this duty.
Simulated Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.
Equitable Estoppel in VAT Refund Claims: Protecting Taxpayers From Conflicting BIR Rulings
The Supreme Court shields taxpayers who relied on BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 from premature VAT refund dismissals through equitable estoppel.
Suicide and Seafarers' Death Benefits: Proving Intentional Self-Harm in Maritime Claims
When can a shipping company deny death benefits by proving a seafarer committed suicide? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary standard.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Impropriety in Aiding Litigant
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for grave misconduct, impropriety, and conduct unbecoming a court employee for aiding a litigant.
Election Overspending: When Party Membership Limits Campaign Spending in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies that party membership alone restricts candidates to the P3.00 per voter spending cap under RA 7166.
Electoral Rights vs Budgetary Constraints: Protecting People's Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court rules that lack of budget cannot defeat local initiative, but propositions must stay within the sanggunian's powers.