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.
Protecting Your Property Purchase: The Innocent Purchaser for Value Doctrine in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects innocent purchasers for value under Philippine property law, and what buyers must do to secure their titles.
Probable Cause vs Prosecutorial Discretion: The Metrobank v. Gonzales Ruling on Trust Receipt Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Secretary of Justice's power to reverse probable cause findings in trust receipt estafa cases.
Security of Tenure and Reassignment Limits for Station-Specific Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on reassignment limits for station-specific appointments and security of tenure in government corporations.
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Sexual Assault Credibility and Victim Rights in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in sexual assault cases, safeguard victim rights, and determine proper charges and penalties.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments and Procedural Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Learn how missing appeal deadlines makes judgments final and binding, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on union elections as guide.
Finality of DARAB Decisions: No Reopening Despite Alleged Errors
A final DARAB ruling is immutable. Learn why the Supreme Court barred a tenant from reopening his case despite claims of jurisdictional errors.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Grandfather's Betrayal of Trust and the Testimony of a Child Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, relying on the credible testimony of his young granddaughter and medical evidence.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Court Personnel Accountability: Dismissal for Fund Shortages and Dishonesty
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for P147,972.60 in fund shortages, missing receipts, and dishonest collection practices.
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.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
Grave Threats vs. Light Threats: The Caluag Case on Gun-Pointing in the Philippines
When does pointing a gun become a grave threat? The Caluag case clarifies the legal line between grave and light threats under Philippine law.
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.
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.