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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Corporate President’s Authority to Sign Forum-Shopping Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate president can sign verifications and forum-shopping certifications without a board resolution.
Marriage Nullity for Absence of Marriage License: What the Supreme Court Says
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on declaring marriage void for lack of marriage license, evidence rules, and practical implications.
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.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Rights and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases, emphasizing substantial compliance and integrity of evidence.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Substantial Evidence and the 3-Day Medical Exam Rule Matter
A Supreme Court ruling explains why seafarers must comply with the mandatory post-employment medical exam and prove work-related illness with substantial evidence.
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.
Advisory Bodies in Philippine Automated Elections: Chong v. Senate
The Supreme Court upheld the Advisory Council and Technical Evaluation Committee in automated elections, ruling they support rather than diminish the COMELEC's powers.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a valid commission faces suspension and a permanent ban from notarial practice, as this case shows.
Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Corporate Powers and Member Discipline: When Can Associations Suspend Member Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may discipline members and suspend privileges without committing an ultra vires act.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When It Justifies Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing a managerial employee, and when it cannot.
Supreme Court Cancels Free Patent Over Timberland, Orders Reversion to State
SC rules DENR's presumption of regularity prevails; titles over inalienable timberland are void and must revert to the State.
Proving Land Ownership: Open Possession Since June 12, 1945
Free patents require open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945, but only over alienable land. Timberland cannot be privately owned.
Final Judgments Stand: Disbarred Lawyer's Bid to Reopen Case Denied
Disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final case denied; Court orders execution, fines, and contempt for defiance.
Homestead Rights Prevail: Reclassification of Land Does Not Extinguish Right to Repurchase
Learn how the Supreme Court protects homestead rights in expropriation, ruling on right-of-way measurement and just compensation.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Offenses
Supreme Court rules that using social media to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When "Other Documents" Suffice Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when "other documents" may support reconstitution of lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Upholding Client Loyalty THE Prohibition Against Representing Conflicting Interests IN Legal Practice
Balancing Corporate Development and Residents' Rights: Defining Cause of Action in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when evicted residents have a cause of action for damages against corporate developers in land disputes.
Home Lot Entitlement in Agrarian Disputes: Landholder Obligations and Tenant Rights
Who must provide home lots to agrarian tenants? The Supreme Court clarifies landholder obligations and tenant rights in a 2016 ruling.
Credibility of a Rape Survivor's Positive Identification and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's credible, positive identification and corroborating evidence outweigh defenses of denial and minor inconsistencies.
Forum Shopping Requisites and Exceptions in Tax Litigation: Commissioner of Customs v. Pilipinas Shell
The Supreme Court clarifies the three elements of forum shopping and when filing separate cases in different courts is allowed.