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.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Due Process and Unexplained Wealth in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials and what due process requires in unexplained wealth cases.
Attorney's Fees and Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees and quantum meruit principles, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling on contractual obligations.
Good Faith in Profit-Sharing Agreements: Lessons from Silverio v. Almeda
When a land sale includes a profit-sharing clause, the seller must act in good faith and disclose all resale details to the buyer.
Illegal Dismissal, Retirement Age, and Employee Benefits: Key Lessons from Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal, optional retirement, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in this Philippine labor case.
Contempt of Court: Upholding Judicial Authority and Enforcing Final Judgments
The Supreme Court held GSIS in indirect contempt for delaying payment of a final disability award, reaffirming that final judgments must be obeyed.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Court Upholds Conviction and Justice
The Supreme Court affirms the rape conviction of a man who sexually assaulted a mentally retarded woman, clarifying the rules on consent, evidence, and penalties.
Father’s Conviction for Rape: Death Penalty Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Supreme Court affirms father’s rape conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information omitted the victim’s age.
Government Contracts and Eminent Domain: Scrutinizing Good Faith in Land Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must follow RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not market data alone.
Lost Claim: Failure to Prove Open Possession Prevents Land Title Registration
Supreme Court denies land registration where applicant failed to prove open, continuous, exclusive possession since June 12, 1945.
Default and Foreclosure: When Accepting Late Payments Waives the Right to Foreclose
A lender who accepts late and partial payments after a borrower's default may waive the right to foreclose. Learn the rule from this Philippine case.
Unreliable Identification Conviction Quashed DUE TO Flawed Witness Testimony
Explore how flawed witness testimony undermines drug convictions, examining the Supreme Court's ruling on unreliable identification.
The Unwavering Testimony Convicting Accused in Robbery With Rape Cases Based on Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, explaining why her word alone can convict an accused.
Forced Resignation Is Illegal Dismissal: Casa Cebuana v. Leuterio
Forcing an employee to resign without due process is illegal dismissal. Learn the two-notice rule from Casa Cebuana v. Leuterio.
Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy Decide Double Murder Case
How credible eyewitness testimony and conspiracy principles led to homicide convictions in a juvenile double murder case.
Breach of Trust and Confidence: Upholding Termination of Supervisory Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal of supervisory employees for breach of trust and confidence in Coca-Cola Bottlers case.
Correcting Typographical Errors Valid Execution Despite Misstated Property Address
A typographical error in a judgment's dispositive portion does not render it defective or unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains how courts may correct such errors.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
DNA Evidence and Paternity: Establishing Paternity Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court first applied the DNA Rules to confirm paternity and uphold a rape conviction.
Sweetheart Defense Fails: Rape Conviction Upheld Without Proof of Consent
Philippine Supreme Court rejects the "sweetheart theory" in rape cases, affirming that love affairs do not justify sexual violence without consent.
Doubt Benefits The Accused When Witness Testimony Falls Short In Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains that reasonable doubt in rape cases arises when witness testimony is inconsistent, uncorroborated, or fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
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.
Statutory Rape: Protecting Children and Ensuring Due Process in Criminal Law
A father's conviction for statutory rape upheld, but due process requires every element—including relationship—be alleged in the information.