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.
Public Hearing Imperative Invalidating Ordinances Without Community Input
A municipal ordinance imposing goodwill fees without a valid prior public hearing is void, the Supreme Court rules.
Upholding Judicial Authority: Dismissal for Sheriff's Misconduct and Disobedience
A sheriff who levied on property not owned by the judgment debtor and defied court orders was dismissed from service for grave misconduct and insubordination.
Arbitration Prevails: Upholding Agreements Amid Contractual Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that arbitration clauses survive main contract disputes, reinforcing the doctrine of separability in Philippine law.
Dacion en Pago Perfecting Ownership Despite Prior Encumbrances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dacion en pago, mortgage liens, and the right to compel surrender of a certificate of title.
Prescription in Reconveyance: Clarifying the Four-Year Rule for Actions Based on Threat and Intimidation
The Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period runs in reconveyance actions based on threat and intimidation, not fraud.
Protecting the Innocent: The Vital Role of Testimony and Medical Evidence in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining how a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings secure justice.
Protecting Marital Property: The Necessity of Spousal Consent in Property Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court protects conjugal property from unauthorized sales by one spouse, and why buyers must verify spousal consent.
Safeguarding Election Integrity and Due Process in COMELEC's Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC's internal ballot appreciation requires notice and how due process applies in election contests.
Father’s Conviction for Rape: Death Penalty Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Supreme Court affirms father’s rape conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information omitted the victim’s age.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects property rights in eminent domain cases, and why just compensation must follow legal procedures.
Air Carrier Breach of Contract: Damages and Interest in Air Travel Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest runs on damages awarded in air carrier breach of contract cases.
When Love Fades Psychological Incapacity VS Marital Disaffection IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's emotional distance is psychological incapacity under Article 36, and when it is simply a failed marriage.
When Falsified Encashment Slips Lead to Estafa: Lessons from People v. Domingo
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for estafa through falsification of commercial documents, clarifying the elements and penalties involved.
Writ of Possession Denied When Third Party Holds Property Adversely to Mortgagor
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank cannot get a writ of possession after foreclosure—when a third party holds the property under an adverse title.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: People v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining rules on credibility, alibi, treachery, and damages.
Respecting Final Judgments: The Imperative of Closure in Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Ibasco v. PDCP on finality of judgments, timely appeals, and the limits of injunctive relief in foreclosure cases.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can establish rape beyond reasonable doubt, even when the victim was unconscious during the assault.
Demolition Notices vs Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law requires demolition notices to comply with due process. Learn the rules that protect property owners and occupants.
Right of Way Cannot Be Acquired by Continuous Use Alone; Title or Written Agreement Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: easement of right of way is discontinuous, cannot be acquired by prescription or mere continuous use.
Corporate Officer Liability for Bad Faith Under Section 31 of the Corporation Code
When can corporate officers be personally liable for corporate obligations? The Supreme Court explains bad faith and gross negligence under Section 31.
Supreme Court on Sandiganbayan Appeals: Credibility Findings Bind Review
Learn how the Supreme Court limits appeals from the Sandiganbayan to questions of law, and why witness credibility findings are conclusive.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Judiciary: What the Supreme Court Says
Explore how the Supreme Court treats habitual absenteeism among judges and court personnel, and the disciplinary consequences under Philippine law.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.