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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Annulment of Free Patents vs. Reversion: Real Party in Interest Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between annulment of free patents and reversion, and who may file each action.
Inconsistencies in a Rape Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court ruled that minor inconsistencies in a child rape victim's testimony, including uncertainty over dates, do not destroy her credibility.
Overseas Dreams, Local Schemes: Upholding Protection Against Large Scale Illegal Recruitment
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment in People v. Abellanosa, clarifying penalties and reimbursement of placement fees.
Annulment of Free Patents vs Reversion: Who May Sue and When
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between annulment of free patents and reversion actions, and who has the legal standing to file each.
Attorney Neglect and Falsehood: Disciplinary Action for Violating Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who fails to file a client's position paper and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and revocation of notarial commission.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Negligence and the Duty to Refund Unearned Fees in the Philippines
A lawyer who neglects a client's case must refund unearned acceptance fees. The Supreme Court explains the rules on attorney negligence and quantum meruit.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Negligence, Falsehood, and Notarial Misconduct
A lawyer who neglects a client's case and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Upholding Court Discretion in Denying Postponements and Imposing Sanctions for Unjustified Absences
The Supreme Court affirms trial court discretion to deny postponements and impose fines for unjustified absences, emphasizing prompt case disposition.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: What Happens When the Accused Dies Before Final Judgment
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rule and its limits under Philippine law.
Attorney Neglect and Falsehood: Disciplining Lawyers for Breaching Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who fails to file a client's position paper and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Moratorium on Salary Increases Limits on GOCC Board Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that moratoriums on salary increases constrain GOCC board authority, affirming the legality of compensation freezes.
Unconscious Victim and Rape Conviction: Article 266-A Explained
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions where the victim was unconscious, explaining Article 266-A and damages in People v. Carillo.
Upholding Ethical Standards A Lawyers Duty TO Financial Integrity AND Professional Conduct
SC Upholds Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not undermine credibility when the account is coherent and believable.
Backwages IN Illegal Dismissal Cases Ensuring Full Compensation FOR Lost Earnings
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer and ejectment cases.
Separation of Church and State: Civil Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Marital Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over petitions for declaration of nullity of marriage.
Civil Courts, Not Church Tribunals, Decide Marriage Nullity Cases in the Philippines
Philippine civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over marriage nullity cases. The Supreme Court clarifies this in Tilar v. Republic.
Lawyer Suspended for Bounced Checks and Unpaid Debts: A Lesson in Professional Integrity
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for failing to pay debts and issuing bouncing checks, reinforcing ethical standards for attorneys.
Lease Perfection vs Performance: Hilltop Market Case on Conditions and Estoppel
When does a lease begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between conditions for perfection and performance in Hilltop Market.
Shareholder Rights Upholding Inspection Rights Despite Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders' inspection rights remain enforceable in RTC even when majority shares belong to sequestered corporations.
Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Church Marriages: Tilar v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts have jurisdiction to declare church marriages void under the Family Code, rejecting the separation of Church and State argument.
Supreme Court Dismisses Baseless Complaint Against CA Justice and Lawyer
The Supreme Court dismissed unverified complaints against a Court of Appeals justice and a lawyer, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence in administrative cases.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.