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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Child Victims' Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony prevails over the absence of physical injuries.
Just Compensation and Government Delay: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
The Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is valued and how legal interest accrues in expropriation cases involving government delay.
Bona Fide Purchase Prevails Protecting Innocent Buyers in Land Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protected an innocent purchaser for value from a DARAB decision that sought to cancel its Torrens titles.
Unsatisfactory Performance: When Two Consecutive Bad Ratings Justify Dropping from the Rolls
The Supreme Court explains when two consecutive unsatisfactory performance ratings justify dropping a court employee from the rolls.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Social Justice Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and when social justice arguments fail.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Tenant Rights in Agrarian Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant security of tenure, ejectment grounds, and procedural rules in agrarian disputes.
Separation Pay and Due Process in Valid Dismissals: Lessons from Unilever v. Rivera
The Supreme Court clarifies when separation pay is due to validly dismissed employees and the procedural due process required in termination cases.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Criminal Prosecution
Supreme Court affirms conviction based on credible eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in murder case.
Waiver of Demand and Interest Rate Limits in Philippine Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when demand is unnecessary before default and why courts reduce excessive stipulated interest rates.
The Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates From Unfair Claims in Leasehold Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how the Dead Man's Statute bars testimony about a deceased person's alleged admissions, protecting estates from unfair claims.
Possession vs Ownership in Ejectment Cases: The Rule on Supervening Events
Learn how the Supreme Court treats claims of ownership acquired after an unlawful detainer judgment, and why possession remains the sole issue in ejectment cases.
Motion for Reconsideration Cannot Raise New Issues, High Court Rules
Supreme Court reiterates that new arguments raised for the first time in a motion for reconsideration are deemed waived, affirming finality of judgments.
Expropriation and Conflicting Ownership Claims: When the Government May Challenge a Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies that in expropriation cases, the government may present evidence on ownership disputes solely to determine who receives just compensation.
Salary Standardization Incumbency Determines RATA Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that RATA benefits under the Salary Standardization Law apply only to incumbents as of July 1, 1989.
Public Space vs Private Gain: When Loan Agreements Undermine Public Land Rights
Supreme Court rules loans secured by public plaza are void; public dominion property cannot be collateralized for commercial ventures.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Ejectment Disputes Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, courts may provisionally rule on ownership to determine who has the right to possess property.
Court Personnel Neglect of Duty: When Delayed Case Records Trigger Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simple neglect of duty by court personnel who delayed transmitting appeal records, with penalties explained.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Ownership Claims
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—decides who stays. The Supreme Court explains why in Rivera-Calingasan v. Rivera.
Dual Citizenship and Public Office: When Using a Foreign Passport Disqualifies a Candidate
The Supreme Court rules that using a foreign passport after renouncing foreign citizenship disqualifies a candidate from running for local office.
The Writ of Amparo and Enforced Disappearances: Accountability Beyond Criminal Guilt
The Supreme Court clarifies the writ of amparo's preventive and curative roles in enforced disappearance cases, emphasizing the duty to investigate.
Party Autonomy vs Individual Rights in Party-List Internal Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC’s authority to resolve internal party-list disputes and cancel registrations for nominee disqualification.
Co-Owner's Right to File Ejectment: Clarifying Philippine Rules on Co-Ownership and Unlawful Detainer
Can one co-owner file ejectment without joining others? The Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' rights under Article 487 in Catedrilla v. Lauron.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Benefits: When Removing Workplace Chairs Is Valid
Supreme Court ruling on when management can remove workplace amenities without violating labor laws or the non-diminution rule.
Property Rights and Survey Errors: Resolving Land Disputes Through Proper Legal Action
A Supreme Court ruling explains why survey errors must be corrected administratively, not through court actions for reconveyance.