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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Electoral Protests and Mootness: When Expiration of Term Limits Ends the Case
The Supreme Court explains why an electoral protest becomes moot when the contested term expires, using the Roxas v. Binay case as an example.
Possession Disputes When Foreclosure Sales Meet Adverse Claims
When can a third-party possessor block a writ of possession after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Hernandez v. Ocampo.
Bouncing Back Acquittal in BP 22 Cases Hinges on Proof of Notice of Dishonor
Supreme Court acquits BP 22 accused where prosecution failed to prove written notice of dishonor was received by the drawer.
Estafa Acquittal and Civil Liability: Distinguishing Ex Delicto From Ex Contractu
When an estafa acquittal rests on a contract, civil liability ex delicto cannot be awarded; the creditor must file a separate civil action.
THE Testimony OF A Child Witness IN Rape With Homicide Cases Assessing Credibility AND Impact
Ejectment Cases: Proving Tolerance and the Limits of Possession Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, tolerance, and why ownership claims don't decide who keeps physical possession.
Tax Exemption for PAGCOR Licensees: Understanding the Scope of PD 1869
The Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR licensees remain exempt from corporate income tax on gaming operations under PD 1869.
Torrens Title vs Actual Possession: Resolving Property Disputes in Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, actual possession—not Torrens title—determines who stays on the property.
Franchise Tax vs Real Property Tax: Clarifying NGCP's Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP's franchise tax covers real property taxes and when local governments may still collect them.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Land Disputes in Ejectment Cases
In ejectment cases, physical possession matters more than ownership. The Supreme Court explains in Echanes v. Hailar.
Clerks of Court Must Transmit Appeal Records on Time: A Lesson from Tecson v. Asuncion-Roxas
A clerk of court's one-year delay in transmitting criminal appeal records to the CA constitutes gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court rules.
Rescission Rights Enforcing Compromise Agreements In Property Sales
When a buyer defaults on a court-approved compromise agreement, the seller may rescind and enforce the original contract without a separate action.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Republic v. Pangasinan Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for proving psychological incapacity to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Torrens Title vs Actual Possession: Ownership Rights in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how Torrens title and actual possession affect unlawful detainer cases, explained in plain language.
Psychological Incapacity and Marriage Nullity: Why Medically Rooted Afflictions Must Be Proven
In Republic v. Pangasinan, the Supreme Court rejected a marriage nullity plea for failure to prove a medically rooted, incurable psychological incapacity.
Eyewitness Testimony Prevails Over Denial and Alibi in Murder and Attempted Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a murder and attempted murder conviction, ruling that a police officer's positive eyewitness identification outweighs the accused's denial and alibi.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misusing Client Funds and Soliciting Bribe
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for absconding with client money and offering to bribe a judge, reaffirming ethical duties.
Attorney Negligence and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Legal Practice
A lawyer who absconds with client funds and solicits money to bribe a judge faces suspension, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the Philippine bar.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorney's Duty to Client and the Integrity of the Profession
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds and solicits money to bribe a judge faces suspension, reaffirming core ethical duties.
Breach OF Trust Attorneys Duty TO Account FOR Client Funds AND Ethical Conduct
Caveat Emptor: The Risk Borne by a Buyer in Bad Faith in Property Transactions
A buyer who fails to verify a seller's title bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains caveat emptor and bad faith in Ranara v. De Los Angeles.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Mitigating Dismissal Proportionality in Disciplinary Actions for Rank and File Employees
When is dismissal too harsh for a first-time offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dishonesty and grave misconduct in public service.
Lawyer Suspended for Taking Client Funds Without Securing US Visas
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline shows why attorneys must account for client funds and charge only reasonable fees.