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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When Defective Informations Can Be Amended: Lessons from a Libel Case on Venue and Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective informations in libel cases may be amended before arraignment, and when dismissal is proper.
Misrepresentation in a Contract to Sell Does Not Automatically Mean Estafa
The Supreme Court acquitted a seller of estafa despite a false claim of ownership, showing that not every misrepresentation in a contract is a crime.
Water Rights AND Corporate Counsel Ensuring Regulatory Compliance IN Water USE
Immutability of Judgments: When Final Decisions Stand Firm
Explaining the immutability of judgments through LBP v. Hababag, Sr., where the Supreme Court denied reconsideration and clarified interest rules.
Boundary Disputes Between LGUs: When the RTC Can Take Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear LGU boundary disputes even without prior sanggunian settlement.
LRTA v. Pili: When a Government Agency Answers for a Subsidiary's Labor Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government-owned corporation can be held liable for the monetary claims of a subsidiary's employees.
Heirs Discord Upholding Partition Rights In Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that no co-heir may be forced to remain in co-ownership, and explains strict rules on appeals.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Restructuring
When does a resignation become involuntary? Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes voluntary resignation from illegal dismissal in corporate transfers.
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan: When Contracting Arrangements Hide Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court affirms that PAL illegally dismissed workers hired through a labor-only contractor, reinforcing security of tenure protections.
When Selling Another’s Property Is Not Estafa: The Ison Case
The Supreme Court explains when a false claim of ownership does not amount to estafa, and why the prosecution must prove deceit beyond reasonable doubt.
Water Rights AND Regulatory Authority Upholding Nwrbs Power TO Deny Water Permits FOR Code Violations
Estafa Acquittal: When Lack of Proof of Deceit and Reliance Wins the Case
A look at Ison v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused of estafa for failure to prove deceit and reliance beyond reasonable doubt.
Tax Evasion and Probable Cause: BIR v. Manila Home Textile Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of probable cause in tax evasion cases and the burden on the BIR in preliminary investigations.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Timely Assessment by the Company Doctor Matters
If a company-designated doctor fails to assess a seafarer's fitness within 240 days from repatriation, the seafarer is deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Accountability in Public Service: Defining Misconduct and the Limits of Official Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between grave and simple misconduct for public officials, and the limits of their liability.
Defining Misconduct in Public Service: The Faller Case on Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in public service, and when receiving funds without proper documentation becomes an administrative offense.
Forum Shopping and Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping rules and possessory rights under the Civil Code in property disputes.
Judicial Review in Illegal Dismissal: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Prerogatives
The Supreme Court clarifies the CA's power to review NLRC factual findings in illegal dismissal cases, emphasizing substantial evidence over technicalities.
Correcting a Title’s Civil Status: When a Full Court Hearing Is Required
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when changing a name or marital status on a Torrens title needs a full adversarial hearing, not summary correction.
Overcoming Silence THE Admissibility OF Delayed Rape Reports IN Incestuous Abuse Cases
HLURB Contempt Powers: When to File Indirect Contempt in Housing Disputes
Learn when to file indirect contempt before the HLURB rather than the Supreme Court, based on Spouses Trinidad v. Fama Realty.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in robbery with homicide prosecutions.
SEC Retains Oversight Power to Investigate Corporate Irregularities and Protect Stakeholders
The Supreme Court affirms the SEC's regulatory power to investigate corporate irregularities and create a management committee to protect stakeholders.
Challenging Land Ownership Claims Establishing Lessor Lessee Relationships IN Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, lessor-lessee relationships, and the res inter alios acta principle in property disputes.