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.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Inclusion Insights From A Landmark Supreme Court Decision
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when ejectment suits fail and why repeated demands don't reset the one-year filing period.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman: When Courts Defer to Prosecutorial Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in public official cases, reinforcing judicial restraint absent grave abuse of discretion.
Agency Coupled With Interest Irrevocability AND Protection OF Third Party Rights IN Lease Agreements
Explaining when an agency coupled with interest becomes irrevocable, protecting the agent's rights and third-party interests in lease agreements.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion in Public Fund Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause finding against a mayor for unlawful appointments and graft, underscoring judicial restraint.
Right of Way Requisites: Proving Isolation for Easement Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for compulsory right of way easement claims under Civil Code Articles 649 and 650.
Counsel Negligence and Strict Procedural Rules: PNB v. Spouses Victor
Supreme Court affirms strict 60-day period for petitions for relief, holding clients bound by counsel's negligence absent clear abandonment.
Accreditation of Political Parties: COMELEC's Authority and the Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's discretion in accrediting dominant minority parties, affirming that courts will not interfere absent grave abuse of discretion.
SALN Compliance Opportunity to Correct Errors Prevents Haphazard Prosecution
Supreme Court acquits public official of SALN violation, ruling that the review and compliance procedure under RA 6713 must precede prosecution.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Prohibition Against Defiance of Court Orders
The Supreme Court reiterates that final judgments are immutable and must be obeyed, even by government entities, in National Steel Corporation v. City of Iligan.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal of Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa based on deceptive recruitment schemes.
GSIS Jurisdiction Over Housing Loan Disputes: The Rafael Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS has exclusive jurisdiction over housing loan disputes and when courts may take cognizance of contractual claims.
Recanted Testimony: When Prior Statements Overrule a Witness's Change of Heart
The Supreme Court explains when a recanted testimony deserves scant consideration and why prior statements can convict.
Corporate Officers Criminally Liable for Customs Fraud: Fernandez v. People
Corporate officers cannot hide behind a corporation to escape criminal liability for customs fraud, the Supreme Court ruled in Fernandez v. People.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: When a Co-Owner Can Be Evicted for Forcible Entry
A co-owner who forcibly takes exclusive possession of common property can be ejected. Learn the rules on co-ownership and forcible entry from a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Upholding Criminal Liability for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to turn over goods or proceeds under trust receipts is estafa under PD 115, not mere civil liability.
Corporate Officers Held Liable for Customs Fraud Piercing the Corporate Veil
Learn how Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil to hold officers liable for customs fraud, and what this means for corporate governance.
Balancing Local Authority and National Mining Rights: The Luisito Marty Case
A mayor's refusal to issue mining permits tested the line between local autonomy and national mining law. The Supreme Court's ruling explained.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Nuisance Candidates: Genuine Intention vs Political Viability in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that lack of nationwide support or political machinery is not a ground to declare a candidate a nuisance under Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Bidding Rights Prospective vs Actual Bidders and Preliminary Injunctions
Supreme Court clarifies that prospective bidders lack clear legal rights for preliminary injunctions in government procurement disputes.
When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar
A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.