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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Judicial Accountability: Defining the Boundaries of Gross Ignorance of the Law
When does a judge's legal error become gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Ortega v. Judge Dacara.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Land: The Cut-Off Rule Before RA 9700
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when RA 9700 applies to agrarian land valuation, protecting landowners with claims filed before July 1, 2009.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Landowner Rights and Valuation Guidelines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts must apply DAR valuation formulas in agrarian just compensation cases, not rely solely on market values.
Hierarchy of Courts and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: The Imperative for Orderly Legal Processes
The Supreme Court reiterates that parties must observe the hierarchy of courts and exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial relief.
Accountability Prevails: COA's Power to Discipline and Recover Unlawful Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's authority to discipline its personnel and recover unauthorized benefits received from audited agencies.
Insufficient Evidence Upholding Demurrer in Ill-Gotten Wealth Case
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan ruling that hearsay and speculative testimony cannot sustain ill-gotten wealth claims.
Insufficient Evidence in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases: The Republic Must Prove Complicity
The Supreme Court ruled that the Republic must present solid evidence to prove complicity in ill-gotten wealth cases, not mere speculation.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises the penalty.
When Courts Reject Negligence Claims: The Quasi-Delict Standard in Vehicular Accidents
The Supreme Court affirms that factual findings on negligence in quasi-delict cases bind appellate review, clarifying driver liability under Philippine law.
Safeguarding Impartiality Upholding DUE Process IN Administrative Whistleblowing Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession due to police failure to mark evidence at the place of seizure, establishing new guidelines for firearms cases.
Attorney Disbarment for Willful Disobedience Upholding Court Authority in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for willful disobedience, protecting court authority and the integrity of the legal profession.
Supreme Court: Early Retirement Must Be Voluntary—Illegal Dismissal Ruling Against Letran
SC rules an employee cannot be retired early without express consent; Letran liable for illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages.
Attorney Disbarred for Neglect and Misrepresentation in LANECO Case Faces Contempt and Execution
Supreme Court denies lawyer's bid to reopen final disbarment case, cites him for contempt and orders execution to enforce return of PHP 4.1 million.
Preterition of Compulsory Heirs: When a Will Can Be Set Aside Despite Probate
The Supreme Court clarifies when preterition of compulsory heirs voids a will's institution of heirs and when legacies remain valid.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contract breach warrants damages, and when it does not, in a property dispute.
Moral Ascendancy in Incestuous Rape: Upholding Protection for Child Victims
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape, explaining how parental moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Bus Accidents: When Negligence Is Implied Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur in a bus-motorcycle collision, explaining when negligence is presumed and employers are liable.
Construction Contracts Default Rules and Unjust Enrichment in Equipment Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules on minimum contract amounts, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment in construction equipment lease disputes.
Writ of Possession After Tax Delinquency Sale: No Forum Shopping Certification Required
Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession petition after a tax delinquency sale is not an initiatory pleading, so no certification against forum shopping is needed.
When Counsel's Negligence Costs the Appeal: Lessons from Dimaandal v. Ilagan
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless gross negligence deprives them of due process. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence procedure do not automatically acquit an accused if the evidence's integrity remains intact.
Treaty Obligations vs Domestic Law: Enforceability of UN Human Rights Committee Views in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules that UN Human Rights Committee views are recommendatory, not enforceable through mandamus in Philippine courts.
Land Reclassification as Municipal Park Prevails Over CARP Coverage
Supreme Court rules land zoned as municipal park before CARP is outside agrarian reform coverage, even if later claimed for distribution.