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.
Unilateral Rescission Limits in Philippine Contract Law: PNCC v. Mars Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral rescission, contract interpretation, and damages in PNCC v. Mars Construction (G.R. No. 133909).
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Minor Testimonial Inconsistencies: People v. Arafiles
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions despite minor inconsistencies in the victim's testimony, explaining why minor contradictions do not destroy credibility.
Perfecting Imperfect Titles: The Burden of Proof in Land Registration Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden of proof in land registration cases, requiring clear evidence of open, continuous possession for at least 30 years.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Due Diligence in Unregistered Land Transactions
When a bank fails to verify ownership of unregistered land before accepting it as collateral, it acts in bad faith and loses protection as a mortgagee.
Rape Conviction Stands Even If Accused Claims Consensual Affair
A claim of a romantic relationship does not negate rape if force was used. The Supreme Court explains why consent matters.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Overtaking at a Curve: Determining Negligence and Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on overtaking at curves, negligence presumption, and common carrier liability for passenger deaths.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.
When Self Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression as a Prerequisite in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why self-defense fails when unlawful aggression ceases, using a police officer's homicide conviction as the key example.
Overtaking at a Curve and Common Carrier Liability: Mallari v. Court of Appeals
A jeepney driver's reckless overtaking at a curve makes both driver and owner liable for a passenger's death.
Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide: Intent Is the Decisive Factor
The Supreme Court explains when taking a victim's property after a killing is theft, not robbery with homicide.
Summary Procedure and Motions for Reconsideration: Scope of Prohibited Pleadings Clarified
A judge may validly act on a motion for reconsideration of a dismissal order in summary procedure cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Lease Renewal Clauses: Mutual Consent vs Unilateral Option Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lease renewal clause requires mutual consent rather than a unilateral lessee option, with practical guidance.
Power Rate Differentials: ERB Authority to Protect Utility Companies Upheld
Supreme Court affirms ERB power to set rate differentials favoring utilities over direct industrial customers of NAPOCOR.
Continued Possession Prevents Prescription in Land Reconveyance Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an action for reconveyance cannot be barred by prescription when the plaintiff remains in possession of the disputed land.
Positive Identification Overrides Alibi: Examining Witness Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Criminal Convi
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction, rejecting self-defense, and clarifies the rules on witness credibility and delayed reporting.
Motion for Reconsideration Under Summary Procedure: The Lucas Doctrine
When can a litigant file a motion for reconsideration under summary procedure? The Supreme Court clarifies the exception for dismissal orders.
When a "Sale" Is Really an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Aguirre v. Tupas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under the Civil Code.
Eminent Domain: Necessity, Procedure, and the Writ of Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the government may expropriate private land, the necessity requirement, and the rule on writs of possession.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Law: The Ricafranca Case on Unlicensed Firearms
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and the effect of R.A. 8294 on murder committed with unlicensed firearms.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure in Agrarian Reform Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural lessees retain security of tenure under CARL, even when landowners claim conversion or termination of lease.
Upholding Tenant Rights Establishing Tenancy Despite Conflicting Evidence
Supreme Court ruling clarifies how substantial evidence and rental receipts establish bona fide tenancy under agrarian law.