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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Dismissal of Actions: Balancing Diligence and the Courts Duty in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine courts balance procedural diligence with the duty to decide cases on their merits. This article explains dismissal rules, grounds, and practical guidance.
Challenging Drug Convictions: Scrutinizing Police Conduct and Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how courts weigh police testimony, buy-bust operations, and the presumption of regularity.
Upholding Property Rights When Caretaking Doesnt Equal Tenancy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a caretaker is not a tenant, and why the regular courts, not the DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment.
When Tenancy Claims Fail: Ejectment Jurisdiction After Corporate Revocation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case stays with regular courts despite tenancy defenses, and how corporate dissolution affects legal standing.
Rescission of Contracts in Philippine Law: The Wellex v. U-Land Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle rescission of contracts through the Wellex v. U-Land case, including fraud, breach, and restitution obligations.
Unconscionable Compromises Protecting Employees From Unfair Labor Settlements
Learn how Philippine courts protect employees from unfair labor settlements, illegal strike dismissals, and double compensation risks in this ruling.
Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails in murder cases, explaining the burden of proof and the elements required to invoke this justifying circumstance.
Pre-Trial Attendance Is Key: Consequences of Absenteeism in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict compliance with pre-trial rules. Learn the consequences of absence and the rules on reconstitution of titles.
Reconstitution of Torrens Titles: Strict Compliance and the Hierarchy of Courts
A petition to reconstitute a lost Torrens title must strictly follow RA 26; wrong remedy and forum doom the case.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
Upholding Forfeiture Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth Hidden Abroad
Philippine courts retain jurisdiction over forfeiture cases involving ill-gotten wealth even when assets are hidden in foreign jurisdictions.
Temperate vs Nominal Damages: When Philippine Courts Award Moderate Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply instead of nominal damages, using a shipping collision case as the guide.
Custodia Legis: When Courts Cannot Touch Funds Held by Another Court
Explaining the custodia legis rule from Solidbank v. Goyu & Sons: a court cannot interfere with funds under another court's control.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Mortgagees vs. Defective Titles in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts protect good faith mortgagees from defective titles, and the legal safeguards for property rights.
Navigating SEC Appeals: Understanding the Scope of Review and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may relax procedural rules and the limits of certiorari review in labor appeals.
Protecting Children: Corroborated Testimony and the Crime of Statutory Rape
In People v. Sato, the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction based on a child's candid testimony, showing how Philippine courts weigh evidence in child abuse cases.
When Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Government Infrastructure Projects: Restrictions on Injunctive Relief Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under RA 8975.
Text Messages as Evidence in Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts treat text messages as evidence in homicide cases and what it takes to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deed: How Philippine Courts Resolve Land Possession Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens titles, unregistered deeds, and land possession disputes involving public domain classification.
Probable Cause vs Ownership Claims in Theft Cases: People v. Yecyec
When can courts dismiss theft charges for lack of probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review in People v. Yecyec.
Compromise Agreements Prevail Resolving Tax Disputes Through Mutual Concessions
When parties settle tax disputes by compromise, courts may set aside prior rulings. The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of such agreements.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Courts Intervene To Protect Borrowers
The Supreme Court reduced 60% annual charges in a lease dispute to 12% interest plus 6% penalty, citing Article 1229.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.