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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Prohibition on Land Transfers Protecting Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court explains why land sales to non-tenants are void under PD 27, protecting agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Conviction for Statutory Rape of Minor Upheld Despite Accused’s Denial and Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of an uncle who assaulted his 5-year-old niece, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
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.
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.
Academic Freedom and Ethical Standards: Selling Books to Students as Conduct Prejudicial to Service
A professor's sale of books to her own students was upheld as conduct prejudicial to service, clarifying limits of academic freedom.
Estoppel and Foreclosure: When a Bank's "Incentive" Is Not a Redemption Extension
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's incentive scheme letter extends the redemption period and when estoppel applies.
Support Pendente Lite: Defining Indispensable Needs in Marital Separation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what expenses count as support pendente lite and which deductions are allowed in marital separation cases.
Habeas Corpus and Libel: Limits of Retroactive Application of Favorable Penalties
When can a convict seek habeas corpus and demand retroactive application of a favorable penalty rule? The Supreme Court clarifies.
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.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Moral Ascendancy AS Force Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Absence OF Physical Violence
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.