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.
Party List Registration: What the Supreme Court Requires of Sectoral Organizations
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for party-list registration, emphasizing that organizations must genuinely represent marginalized sectors and cannot make untruthful claims.
Warrant of Arrest Stands: Court Power Prevails Over DOJ Review
Supreme Court rules a judge's exclusive power to issue warrants of arrest cannot be suspended by a pending DOJ petition for review.
Dishonored Checks and Unpaid Debts: Why a Civil Case Does Not Always Stop a Criminal Charge
A civil collection suit does not automatically suspend a criminal case for violation of B.P. Blg. 22. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
Redundancy, Retrenchment, and Strikes: Lessons from the Hyatt Regency Manila Case
The Supreme Court balances valid downsizing against illegal strikes, explaining redundancy, retrenchment, and quitclaims in the hotel industry.
Correcting Land Title Errors When A Mistake Isnt Just A Mistake
The Supreme Court explains when a mistaken land partition can be corrected and why a free patent obtained through fraud is void.
Loss of Trust When Employee Criticism Doesnt Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach, not mere criticism or suspicion.
Protecting Children: Defining and Punishing Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a minor falls under RA 7610 and how courts determine the true nature of the crime charged.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Valid Cause and the Right to Reinstatement and Backwages
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal, valid cause, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Criminal Charges Can Proceed Without Prior Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can file criminal tax evasion charges without a prior formal assessment, distinguishing deficiency assessments from criminal prosecution.
Actual Malice and Media Responsibility in Reporting on Public Figures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that public figures must prove actual malice to claim damages for false news reports.
Accountability for Deadly Assault: Distinguishing Frustrated Homicide from Murder Through Intent and Circumsta
The Supreme Court clarifies when a near-fatal bolo attack is frustrated homicide versus murder, and how intent and treachery are proven.
Sellers Obligation Delivering Titles Despite Encumbrances IN Philippine Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on subdivision sellers' duty to deliver clean titles despite encumbrances, and buyer remedies.
Safeguarding Rights Illegal Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Evidence Chain Break
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when police break chain of custody, reinforcing that evidence integrity is vital to conviction.
Double Sale and Good Faith Registration: Pagaduan v. Ocuma on Property Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled on double sale, good faith registration, and prescription in Pagaduan v. Ocuma.
When Lawyers Draft Illegal Lease Contracts: The Hontanosas Case on Foreign Land Leases
A lawyer who drafts and notarizes lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens faces suspension, as the Supreme Court ruled in Kupers v. Hontanosas.
Intersection Collisions and Driver Negligence: Who Has the Right of Way in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies right of way rules, driver negligence, and fault in intersection collisions under RA 4136.
Stevedores and the Duty of Care: When Cargo Damage Is Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stevedores owe ordinary diligence, not the higher standard of common carriers, in loading and stowing cargo.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for nine counts of statutory rape against his young daughters, clarifying evidentiary rules.
Navigating Mining Disputes When DO Courts NOT Mining Agencies Decide
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining-related contract disputes under the Philippine Mining Act.
Novation Must Be Clear: Restructuring Agreements Do Not Automatically Extinguish Prior Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when debt restructuring novates an obligation and when it merely modifies the original agreement.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on a six-year-old's testimony, explaining why minor inconsistencies do not destroy a child witness's credibility.