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.
Reconstitution of Lost Title After Fire: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost title can be reconstituted after a fire, easing strict documentary requirements.
Correcting Dispositive Errors When Can A Final Judgment BE Clarified
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final and executory judgment may still be corrected for clerical errors or inadvertent omissions.
Reversion of Land: Balancing State Ownership and Good Faith Improvements
When land reverts to the State, what happens to improvements planted in good faith? The Supreme Court provides guidance.
Advertising Standards: Voluntary Self-Regulation vs Legal Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that the Advertising Board of the Philippines' clearance system is voluntary self-regulation, not government authority.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Forum Shopping Prohibition Filing Separate Actions FOR THE Same Relief Results IN Dismissal
Filing both an appeal and a certiorari petition over the same RTC orders is forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why both cases were dismissed.
NPC Liable for Electrocution Death: Duty to Maintain Safe Transmission Lines
Supreme Court rules power company negligent for sagging transmission lines that electrocuted a miner, rejecting contributory negligence defense.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
Renouncing Foreign Citizenship: A Hard Requirement for Elective Office in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a separate, sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship is required for elective office under RA 9225.
Untruthful Certificates of Service: A Judge's Duty Beyond the Salary
A judge's false certificate of service leads to suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Protecting the Family Home When Courts Must Investigate Exemption Claims
The Supreme Court voids a writ of execution where the trial court ignored claims that the property was an exempt family home.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Determining Land Value Under RA 6657
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies which law governs land valuation for agrarian reform properties acquired under PD 27 but compensated after RA 6657.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Unreliable Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Rape Case
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence and prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Neglect of Duty and Undue Delay
The Supreme Court ruled that judges and court personnel face administrative liability for undue delay and neglect of duty, even after retirement.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs. Writ of Preliminary Attachment: Balancing Obligations with Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract of sale is perfected and when a writ of preliminary attachment may be improperly issued.
Upholding Public Trust: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
A judge's extramarital affair led to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the bench.
Constructive Possession of Illegal Drugs: Proximity Alone Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence near illegal drugs does not prove constructive possession; dominion and control are required.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength fails as a qualifying circumstance, reducing murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Possession Cases: Mere Presence at a Crime Scene Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence in a friend's hut where drugs were found does not prove possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Balancing Privacy and Due Process: Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Administrative Cases
When do illegally obtained evidence become inadmissible in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits.
Cityhood Denied: How Income Requirements Protect Local Governments
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement of uniform criteria in the Local Government Code.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.