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.
Forcible Entry: How a Torrens Title Proves Prior Physical Possession
In ejectment cases, prior physical possession can be proven by a Torrens title and tax declarations, not just actual occupation. The Supreme Court explains.
Serious Misconduct and Illegal Dismissal: When a Petty Quarrel Isn't Grounds for Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a workplace fight constitutes serious misconduct justifying dismissal, and when it amounts to illegal termination.
Breach of Public Trust When Negligence in Procurement Leads to Graft Conviction
Supreme Court affirms graft conviction of DOH supply officer for gross inexcusable negligence in anomalous drug purchases, clarifying liability under RA 3019.
Unmarried Cohabitation Establishing Property Rights In Long Term Illicit Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that long-term illicit cohabitation can establish co-ownership rights under Article 148 of the Family Code.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When OMB Delay Dismisses Administrative Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that an almost eight-year delay by the Ombudsman in resolving an administrative case violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Navigating Estate Settlements: Understanding the Limits of Intervention in Probate Proceedings
Learn when courts allow intervention in probate cases, the legal standards applied, and practical tips for protecting estate interests.
Attorney Negligence and Client Communication: Ethical Duties in Legal Representation
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence and the duty to inform clients, with practical lessons for attorneys and clients.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.
Accountability in Public Office: Mayor's Liability for Negligent Fund Disbursement
A mayor's approval of an unappropriated price escalation payment led to malversation and graft convictions, underscoring public officers' duty of diligence.
Usurpation of Official Functions: When Suspension Does Not Stop Official Acts
A suspended mayor who continued solemnizing marriages and issuing permits was convicted of usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the RPC.
Psychological Incapacity: Proving Marital Nullity Through Totality of Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies how totality of evidence, including expert testimony, can establish psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is anchored on actual use, not mere registration, in a landmark ruling.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the NGCP v. Gaite Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing verifiable data over speculative land reclassifications.
Judicial Accountability: Dismissal-Level Penalties for Gross Ignorance of Law and Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court penalizes judge, clerk, and process server for procedural lapses in annulment and drug cases, affirming strict judicial accountability standards.
Upholding Traffic Regulations: Valid Delegation of Power and Public Safety
The Supreme Court upholds traffic penalty regulations as valid exercises of delegated legislative power and police power for public safety.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Defining Regulatory Authority Over Gaming Operations in Economic Zones
Supreme Court clarifies limits of judicial courtesy, territorial jurisdiction, and regulatory authority over gaming operations in economic zones.
Unlawful Arrest and the Exclusionary Rule: Protecting Rights Against Illegal Marijuana Seizure
Supreme Court acquits in marijuana cultivation case, ruling that evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest is inadmissible.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Delay Defeats Title: Laches and Registered Land in Lorenzo v. Eustaquio
The Supreme Court ruled that laches can defeat registered land ownership, even when the original transfer was flawed. Learn the key rules.
Ancestral Land Disputes and the NCIP's Jurisdictional Limits in the Philippines
Understand when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes and when courts or other agencies must hear the case.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Jurisdiction First, Liability Later
Supreme Court clarifies that courts must first acquire jurisdiction over a corporation before applying the piercing the corporate veil doctrine to hold owners liable.
Cabug-os v. Espina: Balancing Employee Rights and Micro-Business Realities
The Supreme Court ruled that illegal dismissal awards against sari-sari stores must be equitable, considering the BMBE status and actual salaries of micro-enterprises.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Banking Disputes
Learn when certiorari is proper in banking disputes and why exhausting administrative remedies remains a key requirement before court action.
Venue vs Jurisdiction: When Courts Cannot Dismiss Probate Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that improper venue is not a ground for motu proprio dismissal of probate cases, distinguishing venue from jurisdiction.