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.
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Due Process and Prosecutorial Review: Ensuring Fair Hearings in Philippine Justice
Explore how the Supreme Court protects employee rights through due process, prosecutorial review, and fair hearings in Philippine labor disputes.
Upholding Honesty Dismissal FOR Undisclosed Assets IN Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court reinstates the dismissal of a DPWH official for failing to disclose assets in SALNs, reaffirming the duty of public servants to be transparent.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.
Child's Testimony in Statutory Rape and Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Delfin
When the prosecution cannot prove a child's age, statutory rape fails — but force and intimidation may still support a simple rape conviction.
Mining Rights and State Control: Resolving Disputes in the Diwalwal Gold Rush Area
The Supreme Court rules on the Diwalwal gold rush dispute, clarifying state control over mineral resources and the roles of mining regulatory bodies.
Tax Assessment Prescription: When False Returns Extend the BIR's Reach
A Supreme Court ruling explains when the BIR may assess taxes within ten years instead of three, based on false returns and substantial underdeclaration.
Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Upholding Trust in Legal Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for failing to return client funds intended for transfer taxes, reaffirming lawyers' fiduciary duties.
Breach of Public Trust: Endorsing Irregular Bonds and Undue Advantage
Supreme Court affirms conviction of GSIS VP for endorsing irregular surety bond, giving undue advantage to private company.
DILG Circulars on LGU Fund Disclosure Upheld: Local Autonomy Has Limits
Supreme Court upholds DILG circulars requiring LGU transparency in IRA use, clarifying that local autonomy does not mean absolute independence from national supervision.
Tax Assessment Limits and Due Process in Withholding Tax Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on prescription periods and due process requirements in tax assessments, using the Samar-I Electric Cooperative case.
Levy on Execution Prevails Over Prior Unregistered Sale: Suntay v. Keyser Mercantile
Supreme Court rules a registered levy on execution beats a prior unregistered sale, upholding the Torrens system's reliance on clean titles.
HLURB Jurisdiction in Subdivision Disputes: Residential Use vs Religious Worship
Supreme Court rules HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision disputes involving residential use violations, including church operations in residential lots.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
When Apology and Self-Incrimination Collide: Defining Willful Disobedience in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to apologize is not willful disobedience justifying dismissal under the Labor Code.
Rape Prosecution: No Requirement of Seclusion or Medical Findings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape can occur in public places and medical findings are not indispensable for conviction.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: When a Torrens Title Proves Possession
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title and tax declarations can establish prior physical possession in forcible entry cases.
Security of Tenure: Regular Employment and Illegal Dismissal in Fixed-Term Contracts
When does a fixed-term employee become regular? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and employer burden of proof.
Grave Misconduct in Public Office: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Service
Supreme Court clarifies grave misconduct standards, reinstating Ombudsman's dismissal of GSIS executive for irregular surety bond issuance.
Title Registration as Proof of Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title can prove prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, protecting landowners from intruders.
Breaking the Chain: Upholding Drug Convictions Despite Minor Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor gaps in marking evidence do not break the chain of custody in drug cases, affirming a life sentence.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: When a Torrens Title Proves Possession
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title and tax declarations can establish prior physical possession in forcible entry cases.
Breach of Contract in Letter of Credit Transactions: Proving Liability in Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what a bank must prove to establish liability in letter of credit transactions, and why pleadings matter.
Deportation and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Proceedings for Resident Aliens
The Supreme Court clarifies deportation procedures, appeal remedies, and due process rights for resident aliens facing removal from the Philippines.
Negligence in Notarial Duty: Lawyers Responsible for Staff Acts
A notary public cannot blame a secretary for unauthorized notarizations. The Supreme Court explains why lawyers bear full responsibility for their office staff's acts.