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.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
Unutilized Creditable Withholding Tax: Proving Claims for Refund or Tax Credit
The Supreme Court clarifies what a taxpayer must prove to claim a refund of unutilized creditable withholding taxes, and what need not be proven.
When a Void Marriage Decree Can Be Issued Without Waiting for Property Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 void marriage decrees need not wait for property liquidation under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Navigating Career Executive Service CES Understanding Eligibility FOR Managerial Government Positions IN THE P
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service eligibility is required only for presidential appointees, not all managerial government positions.
Judicial Accountability: Court Personnel Disciplined for Delayed Execution and Misconduct
Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for delaying execution of judgment, issuing defective writs, and sheriff misconduct in administrative case.
Negligence and Misconduct of Court Personnel: Lessons from a Clerk of Court and Sheriff Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how negligence by clerks of court and grave misconduct by sheriffs can derail justice and bring severe penalties.
Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct in Philippine Courts
A clerk of court's falsified receipts and unreported collections led to dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Ethics and Public Trust: When Government Cannot Hide Behind State Immunity
Supreme Court ruling on state immunity, quantum meruit, and why government contractors deserve payment for completed public works.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Overstep Final Judgments
A judge's motu proprio reversal of a final and executory order leads to dismissal for gross ignorance of the law in this administrative case.
Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Lessons from People v. Aure
A look at how Philippine courts apply proof beyond reasonable doubt in drug sale cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Aure.
Entrapment and Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Philippine Drug Cases
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid and how drug evidence must be preserved.
Clerks of Court Accountability: Fiduciary Funds and Gross Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for gross neglect of duty over mishandled fiduciary funds, even after retirement and restitution.
Court Efficiency and Accountability Penalties for Mismanaged Court Records
A Supreme Court ruling on court clerks fined for gross neglect of duty in handling fiduciary funds and records.
Union Registration in the Philippines: Balancing Compliance and Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to submit union reports warrants cancellation of registration, and the DOLE Secretary's review power.
Proof of Service in Philippine Courts: Why Proper Documentation Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on court fund mismanagement underscores the importance of proper documentation and accountability in Philippine courts.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Key Distinctions in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Hotel Liability for Lost Vehicles: Necessary Deposits Under Philippine Law
When a hotel valet loses a guest's vehicle, who pays? Philippine law on necessary deposits and the Durban Apartments ruling explain.
Plain View Doctrine: When Warrantless Seizures Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine and when evidence seized without a warrant can be used in court.
Searching Inquiry and Guilty Pleas: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Justice
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea requires a searching inquiry and when a conviction may stand despite an improvident plea.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judge liability for delayed case resolution, highlighting the 90-day rule and its impact on judicial integrity.
False Pretenses and Failed Promises: Establishing Estafa in Employment Scams
When promises of overseas jobs fail, when is it estafa or illegal recruitment? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Laogo.