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.
Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
The Indispensable Appeal Bond in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Lesson from Forever Security
Why failing to post an appeal bond in illegal dismissal cases is fatal, and what abandonment really requires under Philippine labor law.
Eminent Domain vs Land Titles: When Government Delay Fortifies Private Property Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how government delay in paying just compensation and registering expropriated land strengthens private landowners' Torrens titles.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, possession, accretion, and Torrens title conclusiveness explained in plain language.
Auction Sale Perfection and Judicial Discretion: Lessons from Dizon v. Dizon
When is a bid at an auction sale final? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on auction perfection and judicial discretion in Dizon v. Dizon.
Written Notice of Dishonor Is Essential in B.P. 22 Cases: Bax v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies that oral demands do not suffice—written notice of dishonor is required to convict under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Writ of Possession Protecting Heirs' Rights in Undivided Estates
Learn how the Supreme Court protects compulsory heirs when a foreclosed property is subject to a writ of possession in an undivided estate.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Judicial Accountability: The Consequences of Delay in Resolving Court Matters
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving a motion, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
When Private Individuals Cannot Be Charged Under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law
Explaining Go v. Sandiganbayan: why private persons cannot be charged with conspiracy under Section 3(g) of RA 3019.
Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.
Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Indefeasibility of Title: Why Land Ownership Can't Be Attacked Decades After Registration
A Torrens title becomes incontrovertible after one year. Learn why a collateral attack on a 1973 title failed in Ingusan v. Heirs of Reyes.
Inheritance Disputes: Redemption, Co-Ownership, and Prescription in Family Estates
When one heir redeems family property, does she own it? The Supreme Court clarifies co-ownership, prescription, and reimbursement rules.
How Philippine Courts Compute the Two-Year Tax Refund Period
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery in murder cases, affirming that attacking a defenseless victim who is grappling with another constitutes treachery.
Court Employee Fined for Gambling During Office Hours: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a court clerk for gambling during office hours, underscoring the high ethical standards required of judiciary employees.
Demand Not Required for Liability Under Article 218: Manlangit v. Sandiganbayan
Public officers must render accounts on time—no demand needed. The Supreme Court clarifies Article 218 liability in Manlangit v. Sandiganbayan.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Upholding Labor Rights: The Limits of Loss of Trust in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence cannot justify employee dismissal without clear, proven basis.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes: Alleging Assessed Value Is a Must
In property disputes, the complaint must allege the assessed value of the property to determine whether the RTC or MTC has jurisdiction.
When Limited Liability Doesnt Shield a Shipowner: The Aboitiz Shipping Ruling
Explaining when a shipowner's limited liability defense fails, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Aboitiz Shipping v. New India Assurance.
Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.