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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Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between entrapment and instigation in buy-bust operations, affirming a drug sale conviction.
Ownership Disputes: When a Lawyer Cannot Acquire a Client's Property in Litigation
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for acquiring property in litigation and selling client land without authority—key rules for family property disputes.
Inheritance Limits: Heirs' Liability in Property Disputes Clarified
The Supreme Court rules that heirs impleaded in property cases are liable only up to their inherited shares, not beyond.
Constructive Dismissal Claim Fails Without Proof of Overt Dismissal Act
Supreme Court clarifies that employees alleging constructive dismissal must prove actual dismissal, not just claim it.
Seafarers Disability Claims Proving Entitlement AND THE Role OF Company Designated Physicians
Inconsistencies in a Rape Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court ruled that minor inconsistencies in a child rape victim's testimony, including uncertainty over dates, do not destroy her credibility.
Dismissal of Falsification Charges in Disbarment Case Highlights Burden of Proof for Lawyers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment charges against Atty. Bigay for lack of preponderant evidence, but reprimands notary Atty. Siapno for negligence.
Overseas Dreams, Local Schemes: Upholding Protection Against Large Scale Illegal Recruitment
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment in People v. Abellanosa, clarifying penalties and reimbursement of placement fees.
Annulment of Free Patents vs. Reversion: Real Party in Interest Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between annulment of free patents and reversion, and who may file each action.
Easement Rights and Property Development: Clarifying Limits and Obligations in Construction Projects
Understand how the Supreme Court distinguishes reversion from annulment of titles, and what this means for property owners and developers.
Annulment of Free Patents vs Reversion: Who May Sue and When
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between annulment of free patents and reversion actions, and who has the legal standing to file each.
Upholding Court Discretion in Denying Postponements and Imposing Sanctions for Unjustified Absences
The Supreme Court affirms trial court discretion to deny postponements and impose fines for unjustified absences, emphasizing prompt case disposition.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Negligence and the Duty to Refund Unearned Fees in the Philippines
A lawyer who neglects a client's case must refund unearned acceptance fees. The Supreme Court explains the rules on attorney negligence and quantum meruit.
Moratorium on Salary Increases Limits on GOCC Board Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that moratoriums on salary increases constrain GOCC board authority, affirming the legality of compensation freezes.
SC Upholds Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not undermine credibility when the account is coherent and believable.
Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Church Marriages: Tilar v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts have jurisdiction to declare church marriages void under the Family Code, rejecting the separation of Church and State argument.
Lease Perfection vs Performance: Hilltop Market Case on Conditions and Estoppel
When does a lease begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between conditions for perfection and performance in Hilltop Market.
Civil Courts, Not Church Tribunals, Decide Marriage Nullity Cases in the Philippines
Philippine civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over marriage nullity cases. The Supreme Court clarifies this in Tilar v. Republic.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer and ejectment cases.
Shareholder Rights Upholding Inspection Rights Despite Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders' inspection rights remain enforceable in RTC even when majority shares belong to sequestered corporations.
Lawyer Suspended for Bounced Checks and Unpaid Debts: A Lesson in Professional Integrity
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for failing to pay debts and issuing bouncing checks, reinforcing ethical standards for attorneys.
Separation of Church and State: Civil Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Marital Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over petitions for declaration of nullity of marriage.
Unconscious Victim and Rape Conviction: Article 266-A Explained
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions where the victim was unconscious, explaining Article 266-A and damages in People v. Carillo.
Judicial Clemency and Attorney Reinstatement: The Torres Case and the High Bar for True Reform
The Supreme Court denied Atty. Torres's petition for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reinstatement to the Philippine Bar.