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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Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court applied of the Revised Penal Code in People v. Toukyo, clarifying that death abates criminal liability and related civil claims.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When a Contract to Sell Expires in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a contract to sell expires, the parol evidence rule, and refund rights for unpaid buyers.
Constructive Dismissal: When Work Conditions Become Unbearable Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal standards and service incentive leave pay prescription in Rodriguez v. Park N Ride.
SSS Contribution Remittance: Non-Payment Makes Corporate Officers Criminally Liable
Corporate officers can face jail time for failing to remit SSS contributions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When a Forged Sale Is Void: Reimbursement, Accession, and Heirs' Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies what happens when a forged deed of sale is voided, including heirs' liability, refunds, and the rules on buildings built in bad faith.
Acknowledgment of Debt and the Best Evidence Rule: BPI v. Mendoza
The Supreme Court clarifies when a photocopy of a document may be admitted as evidence, and how a debtor's own acts can prove an obligation.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
When Absence Doesnt Mean Abandonment Protecting Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Dismissals
The Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment requires clear intent, not mere absence, and employers must prove both elements.
Filing Fees in Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the Subject Matter Cannot Be Valued in Money
The Supreme Court clarifies when intra-corporate disputes require filing fees based on pecuniary value, correcting a prior misreading of Lu v. Lu Ym, Sr.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Property Rights and Legal Easements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can demand a legal easement of right of way and how courts balance property rights.
Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Unappealed Court Orders Bind Parties in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why failing to appeal a rehabilitation order within 15 days bars a party from later challenging it.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Annulment of Judgment in Land Title Cases: The Jurisdictional Limit on Lost Title Proceedings
A landowner's title was cancelled without her knowledge. The Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over lost title cases.
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Handling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that positive drug tests alone cannot prove someone knowingly visited a drug den under RA 9165.
Drug Den Conviction Requires Proof of Knowledge, Not Just Positive Drug Test
Supreme Court clarifies that positive drug test results alone do not prove a person knowingly visited a drug den under RA 9165.
Conspiracy and Qualified Rape: Revisiting Liability in Group Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy upgrades rape to qualified rape and why an appellate court over-counted convictions.
Why Police Must Follow Section 21 of RA 9165 in Drug Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to conduct inventory and photograph seized items under Section 21 of RA 9165.
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Conspiracy and the Element of Force in Rape and Homicide Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, force, and proper charges in rape and homicide, modifying a conviction from simple to qualified rape.