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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Forged Deeds vs Innocent Purchasers: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forged deeds defeat innocent purchaser protection under the Torrens system.
Supervening Events and Restitution: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when supervening events justify setting aside final judgments and ordering restitution of executed amounts.
Falsification of Private Documents: Where Venue Lies Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue for falsification of private documents is where the falsification occurred, not where the document was used.
CTA Has Exclusive Power Over Certiorari in Local Tax Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CTA, not the CA, has exclusive jurisdiction over certiorari petitions assailing RTC interlocutory orders in local tax cases.
The Impact of a Lost Title: Protecting Property Rights and Innocent Purchasers
A Supreme Court ruling on lost titles clarifies when a court can issue a new owner's duplicate and how innocent purchasers are protected.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Lawsuits for the Same Breach of Contract
A single breach of contract gives rise to only one cause of action. Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar a second lawsuit.
Intra-Corporate Disputes as Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When an intra-corporate dispute over officer authority can suspend criminal estafa proceedings, explained through a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Contract and Unilateral Termination: The Talampas v. Moldex Realty Case
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains in Talampas v. Moldex Realty.
Upholding Due Process and Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the four-fold test for employer-employee relationship.
Navigating Appeals Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals in Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases, and wrong appeals must be dismissed.
Intent to Gain in Theft: Proving Criminal Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts establish intent to gain in theft cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Medina v. People.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing company doctor assessments prevail absent third-doctor review under CBA.
Prior Possession Is Key in Philippine Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine forcible entry cases hinge on prior physical possession. The Supreme Court explains why in Alcedo v. Sagudang.
Upholding Workers Rights Interpreting Employment Contracts IN Favor OF Labor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent, and how CBA conflict-resolution clauses bind the parties.
Reconveyance Actions Survive Death and Stand Apart from Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that reconveyance actions survive a party's death and proceed independently of estate settlement proceedings.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Statutory Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts must balance judicial discretion with statutory guidelines in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Writ of Kalikasan and Oil Pipeline Safety: The West Tower Case
A look at the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on the Writ of Kalikasan, environmental protection orders, and the safe operation of aging oil pipelines.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Disbarred for Neglect, Non-Communication, and Practicing While Suspended
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for neglecting a client's case, failing to return funds, and practicing law while under suspension.
Local Autonomy vs National Interest: Can Congress Override Local Taxing Power
The Supreme Court strikes down RA 9167 provisions that diverted local amusement taxes to a national agency, affirming local fiscal autonomy.
Party-List Seat Allocation: Supreme Court Upholds COMELEC’s Proportional Distribution
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s party-list seat allocation under the BANAT formula, clarifying how additional seats are distributed proportionally.
Unproven Claims When Government Contracts Lack Evidence Of Delivery
Supreme Court affirms COA denial of P63M textbook claim for lack of proof of delivery and appropriation.
Registered Owner vs Actual Operator: Who Pays in Vehicle Accidents?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the registered-owner rule in vehicle accidents and the right to reimbursement via cross-claim against the actual operator.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause at the Time of Termination
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just cause, due process, and burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.