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.
Revocation of Authority and Amendment of Information in Election Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend informations and when arraignment may be suspended pending COMELEC appeal.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
Union Shop Steward Is a Union Position: Lessons from Miranda v. Asian Terminals
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shop steward holds a union position, not a company post, and explains the limits of employer liability in intra-union disputes.
Derivative Suits and Venue: Lessons from Hi-Yield Realty v. Court of Appeals
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on derivative suit venue, Rule 65 vs. Rule 45, and why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Tax Cases: The Supreme Court's Approval in California Manufacturing
When can a taxpayer compromise local tax liabilities? The Supreme Court's ruling in California Manufacturing explains the binding effect of judicial compromises.
Constitutional Limits on Land Ownership: Aliens Cannot Indirectly Control Philippine Land Through Filipino Spo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that alien spouses cannot claim rights over land titled to Filipino wives, citing constitutional prohibitions.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Testimony and Penetration Standards in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration and credible victim testimony suffice to prove the crime.
Strict Deadlines for Appeal Memoranda: Mejillano v. Lucillo and the Limits of Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court in Mejillano v. Lucillo affirms that failure to file an appeal memorandum on time is fatal, even where the appellant pleads ignorance or counsel's death.
BSP’s Exclusive Authority Over Bank Receivership: What It Means for Depositors and Creditors
The Supreme Court affirms the BSP’s exclusive authority over bank receivership, clarifying the limits of court intervention and the rights of depositors and creditors.
Mortgagor's Stipulated Right to Notice Prevails in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules banks must honor contractual stipulations requiring personal notice to mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, or risk nullifying the sale.
Dual Citizenship and Elections: The Renunciation Requirement Under R.A. 9225
Philippine dual citizens seeking elective office must personally renounce foreign citizenship under R.A. 9225. The Supreme Court explains in De Guzman v. COMELEC.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure: Consignation of Redemption Price Is Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: filing a judicial redemption action does not stop a writ of possession unless the redemption price is paid or consigned.
Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined P40,000 for Public Humiliation of Court Clerk
Supreme Court holds judge liable for gross misconduct after threatening, vilifying, and publicly humiliating a court clerk through newspaper publications.
Breach of Trust vs Estafa: Delineating Fiduciary Duty in Investment Transactions
When does an investment house's failure to return funds become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between fiduciary duty and mere debtor-creditor relations.
Resignation With Assurance: Enforceability of Separation Pay Agreements in Voluntary Resignations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a voluntary resignation with a promised separation pay creates an enforceable obligation on the employer.
DST on Deposit on Stock Subscription: When Is It Due?
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to deposits on stock subscription, distinguishing them from actual stock subscriptions.
Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Agrarian Reform vs Civil Action
Supreme Court clarifies when property disputes fall under regular courts rather than DARAB, using jurisdictional rules.
Tenant Rights Consent AND Sharing Requirements IN Agricultural Land Disputes
When is a land dispute agrarian or civil? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction and the rules on tenancy.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
CSC Disciplinary Power Over State University Employees Affirmed Despite Board Autonomy
Supreme Court affirms CSC's authority to discipline state university employees, clarifying that board autonomy does not divest the Commission of jurisdiction.
Gross Negligence and Employee Termination: When One Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of gross negligence can be a valid just cause for terminating a regular employee.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and Weak Defenses of Denial and Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony suffices and that denial and alibi are weak defenses.