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.
Military Pension and Citizenship: The Parreño Ruling on PD 1638
Retired AFP officers who lose Filipino citizenship can have their pensions terminated under PD 1638, as upheld in Parreño v. COA.
The Perils of Procedural Missteps: Navigating Appeal Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Victory Liner v. Malinias shows how procedural errors, not the merits, can doom a case. Learn the rules on appeals, relief, and certiorari.
When Can Foreign Corporations Sue in the Philippines? A Guide
Learn when unlicensed foreign corporations can sue in Philippine courts under the Corporation Code and Foreign Investments Act.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
How credible eyewitness testimony and treachery shape murder convictions in the Philippines, with lessons from People v. Dulanas.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
INP Retirees Entitled to PNP Retirement Benefits Under R.A. 6975
Supreme Court rules INP retirees are entitled to the same retirement benefits as PNP retirees under R.A. 6975, as amended.
Establishing Filiation: How Informal Writings Can Prove Paternity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how handwritten letters can establish paternity and filiation of illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Law Students as Agents in Inferior Courts: The Cruz v. Mina Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a law student may appear in inferior courts without lawyer supervision, and the civil aspect of grave threats.
Attorney Negligence and the Limits of Relief from Judgment in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, relief from judgment is not always available. This decision explains the limits.
Easement Reduction on Urban Land: Balancing Public Land Rules and Development
When a free-patent lot becomes urban private land, the river easement may shrink from 40 meters to 3 meters.
Independent Damage Claims in Forcible Entry: Separating Possession From Subsequent Harm
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damages from forcible entry may be claimed in a separate ordinary action rather than the ejectment case.
Lawyer Suspended for Contracting Second Marriage While First Was Subsisting
A lawyer's second marriage while his first remained valid led to a one-year suspension, underscoring lawyers' duty to know the law.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Formal Offer of Evidence: Why Failure Can End a Land Ownership Case
A missed deadline to formally offer evidence can doom a land dispute. Learn the rule from Heirs of Pasag v. Parocha.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible child witness testimony, explaining delay in reporting and denial defenses.
Contract Rescission and RTC Jurisdiction: Lessons from Villena v. Payoyo
When rescinding a contract is the primary remedy, the case belongs in the Regional Trial Court—even if the monetary claim is small.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Prompt Action on Orders and Court Efficiency
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability for delayed decisions and defiance of court orders, and what it means for court efficiency.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Good Faith in Property Transactions: Protecting Innocent Purchasers Under the Torrens System
When a notarized special power of attorney turns out forged, who keeps the land? The Supreme Court explains good faith under the Torrens system.
Party-List Proportionality: The Veterans Formula After CIBAC v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court clarifies the correct formula for computing additional party-list seats, reaffirming the Veterans ruling in CIBAC v. COMELEC.
Private Parties and Conspiracy Under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals may be charged with Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law when conspiring with public officers.
Rape and the Best Evidence Rule: Proving Minority in Statutory Rape Cases
A father convicted of qualified rape challenges the death penalty, claiming the victim's minority was not proven. The Supreme Court explains how a photocopied birth certificate can establish age.
When Jurisdiction Attaches: The Ombudsman vs. DECS in Public School Teacher Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers, explaining the limits of the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorneys AND THE Prohibition Against Forum Shopping 2
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that filing repeated suits for the same cause violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and constitutes forum shopping.