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.
Behest Loans and Prescription: Timelines for Prosecuting Corrupt Practices in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription begins for behest loan cases under RA 3019, and when courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Choosing the Right Appeal Route: Lessons from Taguinod v. Court of Appeals
A 2007 Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies appeal routes and the burden of proof in agrarian reform cases involving homestead patents.
Perfecting Land Titles: Open, Continuous, and Adverse Possession Since June 12, 1945
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the June 12, 1945 possession rule in land registration, citing Republic v. Consunji.
Surety Bound When Invoking Jurisdiction Estops Later Challenges In Construction Disputes
When a surety invokes CIAC jurisdiction to dismiss a court case, it cannot later challenge that jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
Mootness in Corporate Mergers: SSS Investment Disposition Examined
When a corporate merger dissolves the subject shares, a case over their sale becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains.
Double Sale Doctrine, Good Faith Registration, and Forged Deeds in Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the double sale rule applies and why good faith registration cannot cure a forged deed in land disputes.
Trademark Rights vs Registration: Resolving Unfair Competition Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark registration and actual use affect unfair competition claims under the Intellectual Property Code.
False Claims Real Consequences Falsification OF Public Documents AND THE Erosion OF Public Trust
Learn how Philippine courts treat falsification of public documents and why it erodes public trust in official records.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Unbroken Evidence Integrity Matters
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing the need to prove the seized drugs' identity beyond reasonable doubt.
The Indispensable Appeal Bond in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Lesson from Forever Security
Why failing to post an appeal bond in illegal dismissal cases is fatal, and what abandonment really requires under Philippine labor law.
Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Written Notice of Dishonor Is Essential in B.P. 22 Cases: Bax v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies that oral demands do not suffice—written notice of dishonor is required to convict under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Auction Sale Perfection and Judicial Discretion: Lessons from Dizon v. Dizon
When is a bid at an auction sale final? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on auction perfection and judicial discretion in Dizon v. Dizon.
When Private Individuals Cannot Be Charged Under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law
Explaining Go v. Sandiganbayan: why private persons cannot be charged with conspiracy under Section 3(g) of RA 3019.
Judicial Accountability: The Consequences of Delay in Resolving Court Matters
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving a motion, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.
Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Indefeasibility of Title: Why Land Ownership Can't Be Attacked Decades After Registration
A Torrens title becomes incontrovertible after one year. Learn why a collateral attack on a 1973 title failed in Ingusan v. Heirs of Reyes.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Ownership Issues In Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs retain jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues arise, resolving only for possession.