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.
Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law: Enforceability of a Writ of Possession During Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures can be enforced even while an appeal is pending.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
Filing an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines: No Need to Exhaust Judicial Remedies First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that exhaustion of judicial remedies is not required before filing an administrative case against a judge.
Duty to Update Valid Service Despite Address Change IN Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to update service addresses in labor disputes, and why a postmaster's certification cannot override a registry return card.
Philippine Red Cross Private Status and Constitutional Limits on Lawmakers
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Philippine Red Cross is a government corporation and the constitutional ban on lawmakers holding public office.
Guilty Plea and Evidence: Conviction for Kidnapping With Rape Stands on Proof, Not Confession Alone
A guilty plea doesn't automatically convict. The Supreme Court explains why independent evidence still matters in kidnapping with rape cases.
When Judges Fail to Decide Cases: Court Rules on Gross Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court dismisses judge for failing to decide cases for years, ruling that heavy caseload is no excuse for judicial delay.
Sheriffs Misconduct Upholding Integrity IN Writ Execution 2
When a sheriff oversteps in enforcing a writ, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriff's expenses and conduct.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Correcting Typographical Errors Valid Execution Despite Misstated Property Address
A typographical error in a judgment's dispositive portion does not render it defective or unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains how courts may correct such errors.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining the Boundaries of Employee Misappropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, based on the nature of possession.
When a Dishonored Check Cannot Be Theft: The Impossible Crime Doctrine in the Philippines
Can a worthless check be the object of theft? The Supreme Court explains the impossible crime doctrine and why intent alone is not enough.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Inform Workers of Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at the start of engagement.
Judicial Misconduct: When a Judge Borrows From Lawyers and Erodes Impartiality
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for borrowing money from a lawyer with cases pending before her court, underscoring judicial integrity.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Testimony of Child Victims in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Obero, where the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, affirming how courts assess a child victim's testimony and the finality of judgments.
Brokerage Obligations Accounting FOR Stock Certificates AND Exchange Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker duties: accounting for missing certificates, PSE's right to sell pledged seats, and client refunds.
Probationary Employment Security of Tenure and Due Process Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationary employees in the civil service enjoy security of tenure and due process rights, and cannot be dismissed at will.
Delegation of Search Warrant Endorsement: Balancing Efficiency and Safeguards in Criminal Investigations
The Supreme Court amends rules to allow law enforcement heads to delegate search warrant endorsements, balancing efficiency with judicial safeguards.
Mootness in Philippine Law: Resignation Resolves Appointment Dispute
Explore how the Supreme Court applies the mootness doctrine in Philippine administrative law, using a resignation case to illustrate key principles.
Loss of Redemption Rights: Inheriting Property After Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines
When a mortgaged property is foreclosed and not redeemed, heirs lose inheritance rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Reconstitution of Title in the Philippines: Strict Compliance and Proof of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles, including notice rules and proof of ownership.
Avoiding Double Jeopardy Distinct Offenses Arising From A Single ACT
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend criminal proceedings, and why rescission of a contract does not defeat a BP 22 prosecution.
HLURB's Primary Jurisdiction Over Real Estate Disputes Involving Unsound Practices
When does the HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over real estate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies in Tri-Corp v. Greystone.