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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Due Process Prevails: COA Decision Overturned for Lack of Fair Hearing
The Supreme Court annulled a COA ruling that held BSP officers liable for a cash shortage without affording them due process.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status and Continuous Possession
When can long possession overcome the lack of a DENR certification in land registration cases? The Supreme Court explains.
Affidavits of Retraction and Evidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases: PNB v. Gregorio
Supreme Court clarifies how courts review NLRC rulings and how affidavits of retraction are treated in illegal dismissal cases.
Perfecting Imperfect Titles: Open Possession and Land Registration in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court ruled that long, open possession of land can be confirmed as title, even without a DENR certification.
Perfecting Imperfect Titles: Possessory Rights and Land Registration in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when long possession can confirm imperfect titles, even without a DENR certification, in Republic v. Noval.
CO Ownership AND THE Right TO Alienate Understanding Property Partition IN THE Philippines
Estafa AND Corporate Liability When Does Breach OF Contract Become A Crime
Estafa Corporate Liability vs Personal Liability in Loan Agreements
When is a corporate officer personally liable for estafa in a loan deal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between criminal fraud and civil debt.
Upholding Contract Validity Against Claims of Forgery and Incapacity in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forgery, mental incapacity, and undue influence when challenging notarized property sales.
Mastermind Liability When Inducement Leads to Robbery and Carnapping
When a mastermind induces others to commit robbery and carnapping, Philippine law holds them fully liable for all consequences.
The 10-Day Rule for Appealing Voluntary Arbitrator Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the strict 10-day deadline for appealing voluntary arbitrator decisions in Philippine labor cases, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Victim Testimony and Credibility Matter in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs denial, alibi, and inconclusive medical findings.
Optional Positions and Local Government Authority: Budgetary Allocation Required for Municipal Appointments
The Supreme Court clarifies that appointments to optional LGU positions like the MENRO require both sanggunian concurrence and a valid appropriation ordinance.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Mutual Contract Termination Does Not Waive Payment Claims in Construction Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on DPWH v. CMC/Monark Joint Venture clarifies that mutual termination of a construction contract does not extinguish valid payment claims.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Property Purchasers After Foreclosure
Learn when subsequent purchasers of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession, and the hearing requirement under Philippine law.
Safeguarding Rights Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict, ruling that police lapses in chain of custody defeat the presumption of regularity.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Adherence to Chain of Custody Rules
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule.
When a Tax Sale Lacks Notice: Due Process and Res Judicata in Property Auctions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a tax delinquency sale without proper notice violates due process and is not barred by res judicata.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: Ignacio v. City Treasurer of Quezon City
When a tax sale is challenged for lack of notice, res judicata may not bar the case if the earlier judgment did not rule on the sale's validity.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: When a Prior Case Does Not Bar a New Suit
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata applies in tax delinquency sales and protects property owners' right to due process.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Child Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a victim's positive identification against an alibi defense in child rape cases under RA 7610.
Certiorari Filing Deadlines: The 60-Day Rule and Grave Abuse of Discretion
A dismissed employee's appeal was wrongly rejected by the Court of Appeals before the 60-day certiorari period lapsed—what this means for litigants.