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.
Subic Bay Freeport: When Legal Interest Justifies Intervention in Import Duty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of legal interest for intervention in challenges to import duties on used motor vehicles in the Subic Bay Freeport.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Are Not Liable for Subsidiary Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold parent companies liable for subsidiary obligations.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Revival of Judgment Safeguarding Property Rights After Forcible Entry
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner recovery actions, tenant protections under P.D. 1517, and property rights enforcement.
Judicial Impartiality: Why Judges Must Avoid Financial Dealings With Litigants
A judge borrowed money from a party-litigant in a pending case. The Supreme Court explains why this violates judicial conduct rules.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Market Value vs. Statutory Factors
The Supreme Court rules that courts must follow Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not just market data, in fixing just compensation.
Navigating the Boundaries of Forum Shopping: Ensuring Integrity in Legal Advocacy
A lawyer's filing of two annulment cases raises forum shopping questions. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule and its limits.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
When Can a Court Interfere With Another Court's Judgment? Lessons From Jimmy T. Go
The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of non-interference between co-equal courts and when injunctions against execution are improper.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
NEA Authority Over Electric Cooperatives: Regulation and Due Process Boundaries
Supreme Court ruling on NEA's supervisory power over electric cooperatives and the due process required in administrative removal cases.
Court Personnel Accountability: Dismissal for Fund Shortages and Dishonesty
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for P147,972.60 in fund shortages, missing receipts, and dishonest collection practices.
Intentional Burning and Syndicate Aggravation: Defining Arson and Its Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies arson's elements and the syndicate aggravating circumstance that raises the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Illegal Dismissal and Employee Misconduct: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Employment Law
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced illegal dismissal claims against employee misconduct in Palteng v. United Coconut Planters Bank.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Judicial Efficiency: The Mandate for Timely Resolution of Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to decide cases is mandatory, not merely directory.
Franchise Tax Exemptions: Scope and Limits for Telecom Companies
The Supreme Court clarifies when "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in telecom franchises do not exempt companies from local business taxes.
Amending Criminal Informations: Balancing Rights and Procedural Rules in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when amended criminal informations are allowed after arraignment, balancing the accused's rights with procedural rules.
Broken Chains: Why Strict Evidence Procedures Matter in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, R.A. 9165.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.
Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.