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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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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Religious Affiliation and Shari'a Court Jurisdiction
Can a municipality be considered Muslim for Shari'a court jurisdiction? The Supreme Court says no, reversing a Shari'a District Court ruling.
Overcoming Title Presumptions: The Imperative of Clear and Convincing Evidence in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why clear and convincing evidence is required to overturn a free patent and certificate of title.
Myocardial Infarction and Employee Compensation: Proving Causation in Occupational Diseases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when myocardial infarction is compensable under the Employees' Compensation Program and what claimants must prove.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Protecting Children: Defining Cruelty Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes child cruelty under R.A. 7610, affirming a guardian's conviction for burning a 9-year-old.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.