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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Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
When Social Media Posts Become Psychological Abuse: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, with heavier penalties for ICT use.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Validity and Evidentiary Rules in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when oral partition of inherited land is valid, evidentiary requirements, and homestead patent limits on implied trusts.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Over Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that when government occupies private land without expropriation, owners may receive just compensation instead of physical return.
Government Procurement: Upholding Integrity and Accountability in Public Bidding Processes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies accountability of BAC members in irregular government procurement under RA 9184, ruling on grave and simple misconduct.
Money Laundering Prosecution Can Proceed Independently of Unlawful Activity Requires Proof Beyond Reasonable D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering cases may proceed independently of predicate crimes, but the unlawful activity's elements must still be proven.
Money Laundering: Knowledge of Unlawful Proceeds, Not Clean Appearance, Determines Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering guilt hinges on knowing proceeds are from unlawful activity, not on making them look clean.
Upholding Land Sale Agreements: Clear Evidence Needed to Challenge Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ortigas land dispute underscores the heavy burden of proving intimidation in challenging real estate sales.
Liberalizing Amendments Safeguarding Justice AND Preventing Delay IN Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts must liberally allow amended pleadings, balancing justice against procedural delay.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: Holding Nurses Accountable for Post-Operative Patient Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur to hold nurses liable for a patient's death after post-operative care failures.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Work-Related Connection for Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove their illness is work-related by substantial evidence, not merely allege it.
When a Tax Audit Lacks Authority: The LOA Requirement in Philippine Tax Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why BIR revenue officers need a valid Letter of Authority to conduct tax audits, and what happens when reassignments bypass this requirement.
When a Revenue Officer Lacks Authority: The LOA Requirement in Tax Audits
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a new Letter of Authority is required when tax investigations are reassigned to another revenue officer.
Family Home Exemption From Execution: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies family home exemption from execution, requiring proof of actual occupancy and compliance with Family Code.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Why the Valuation Date Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must use the valuation date and DAR formula applicable at the time of taking.
Condominium Foreclosure Special Authority Imperative FOR Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that condominium corporations need special authority to extrajudicially foreclose units for unpaid dues.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Communication Failures in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for missed deadlines and failure to inform clients, setting clear standards for attorney conduct.
Co-Ownership Rights and Provisional Ownership in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that co-owners cannot eject each other from inherited property before partition, even with a Torrens title.
The Shared Burden: Defining Well-Founded Fear in Philippine Refugee Status Determinations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the shared burden of proof and "well-founded fear" standard in refugee status determination under the 1951 Convention.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
Challenging Filiation: Birth Certificate Corrections and DNA Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules filiation cannot be collaterally attacked via Rule 108 birth certificate correction petitions; DNA testing requires prima facie evidence.
Right of Way Requisites: Proving Isolation for Easement Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for compulsory right of way easement claims under Civil Code Articles 649 and 650.
Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights After Probation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular and the rights they gain against illegal dismissal.