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.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
Motion to Defer Arraignment Denied: Understanding Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Courts
When can a judge's refusal to postpone arraignment amount to grave abuse of discretion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial discretion.
Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary: Dishonesty and Misconduct Lead to Dismissal for Court Personnel
Clerk of Court dismissed for dishonesty, forgery, and misuse of public funds in violation of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel.
Real Property Tax Sales: Ensuring Proper Notice to Delinquent Owners
The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirements for tax delinquency sales under P.D. 464, emphasizing strict compliance with statutory notice rules.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Default Judgment Consequences of Missing Pretrial in Philippine Courts
Learn how skipping pretrial can lead to default judgment in Philippine courts, and what the Ramientas v. Reyala case says about procedural rules.
Real Estate Foreclosure in the Philippines: Notice Requirements and Due Process
A look at Guanco v. Antolo and why strict notice and posting rules govern extrajudicial foreclosure sales in the Philippines.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Unfair Labor Practice Dismissals: Employee Rights to Moral and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court ruling on unfair labor practice dismissals, moral damages, and the rule against splitting causes of action in the Philippines.
Challenging Land Titles: Understanding Extrinsic Fraud in Property Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud can void a land title—and why ordinary disputes over ownership are not enough.
When a Teacher’s Grade Changes Become Illegal Dismissal: Academic Integrity vs. Discretion
A teacher who altered failing grades was dismissed, but the Supreme Court ruled the dismissal illegal—simple misconduct, not serious misconduct.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
VAT on Sale of Assets: When Is It "In the Course of Trade or Business"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of company assets is subject to VAT, requiring that the sale occur in the course of trade or business.
Prescription of Offenses Under Special Laws: Absence From the Philippines Does Not Suspend the Period
The Supreme Court rules that under Act No. 3326, an accused's absence from the Philippines does not interrupt the prescriptive period for offenses under special laws.
Prejudicial Question in Philippine Criminal Procedure: Suspends, Not Dismisses, Criminal Cases
Understand the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine criminal procedure—how it suspends rather than dismisses criminal cases, with key rules.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Foreshore Rights in the Philippines: When Private Land Meets Public Domain
Philippine foreshore areas are public domain, but private rights can exist. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Jurisdiction AND Procedural Pitfalls IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts handle jurisdiction and procedural errors in corporate disputes, with key takeaways from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Due Process in Civil Actions
When a suit excludes an indispensable party, the judgment may be void. Learn the Rule 47 remedy of annulment for extrinsic fraud.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law: Abad v. Co Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood rule in Abad v. Co, ensuring voter intent prevails over technical ballot errors.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
Motion for Reconsideration and Election Protests: The CCP Board Case
The Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of filling vacancies in the CCP Board and the limits of the President's appointing power.
Proving Causation in Delayed Illness Claims: Philippine Employee Compensation Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide employee compensation claims when illness or death occurs years after employment ends, and what proof is required.