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.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Individual Rights and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges due to the Ombudsman's inordinate delay, clarifying the right to speedy disposition.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
Litis Pendentia and Final Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Property Ownership
A final ruling on property ownership in one case bars a later suit on the same issue, even if the form of action differs.
Agrarian Reform Land Transfer Ban: What Beneficiaries and Buyers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year ban on selling agrarian reform lands, the void sale rule, and the buyer's right to recover payment.
Balancing Local Autonomy and National Law: The Limits of Municipal Power Over Water Resources
The Supreme Court nullified Batangas City's desalination ordinance, ruling that local governments cannot regulate water resources already governed by national law.
Architects vs Engineers: Who Can Sign Building Plans in the Philippines?
Supreme Court ruling on whether civil engineers may prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents under the National Building Code and Architecture Act.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
Bunkhouse Residency and Voter Registration: The Bascon Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that workers living in employer-provided bunkhouses can establish voter residency, provided they meet legal requirements.
Winning the Lottery Without a Ticket: Contract Law and Games of Chance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a damaged lotto ticket doesn't bar winning the jackpot if the bettor proves selecting the winning combination.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Understanding Legal Interest in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates landowners can claim when the government delays payment of just compensation in expropriation cases.
Interest on Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: The Tamparong Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Judicial Accountability: Granting Bail Without Due Process Is Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without due process illustrates the high standard of judicial competence and accountability in the Philippines.
Disbarment for Judicial Misconduct: Integrity and Ethics in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a former judge for gross misconduct, including soliciting money and failing to report marriages she solemnized.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Nullity: Spousal Rights and Evidentiary Standards in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file for marital nullity based on psychological incapacity and the evidentiary standards required under Article 36.
Psychological Incapacity as a Legal Concept: Expert Testimony and Marital Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity is a legal concept, not a medical illness, and psychiatric examination of the spouse is not indispensable.
Heirship Disputes: Why Summary Judgments Fail When Inheritance Rights Are Unclear
Supreme Court explains why summary judgment cannot resolve contested heirship and inheritance rights in estate administration cases.
Tolerance vs Title: Resolving Possession Disputes in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies that a notice of adverse claim does not defeat a prior possessor's right to eject occupants.
GSIS Loan Penalties: When Are They Unconscionable?
The Supreme Court ruled that compounded GSIS loan penalties can be unconscionable and subject to reduction. Learn the rules.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Eminent Domain and Prior Rights: Resolving Land Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract rights, port operations, and jurisdictional issues in infrastructure disputes.
Plain View Doctrine Upholds Warrantless Seizure in Illegal Firearm Possession
The Supreme Court affirms that a firearm seen tucked in a suspect's waist during a lawful police response falls under the plain view doctrine.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.