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.
When Force in Rape by Sexual Assault Is Proven: Carrera v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a rape by sexual assault conviction, clarifying how force and lack of voluntariness are established.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Banks' Duty of Diligence in Verifying Land Titles
When a bank accepts a mortgage without fully investigating suspicious facts on the property, it acts in bad faith and loses protection as an innocent mortgagee.
Breach of Contract: Upholding Banks' Right to Set Off Loans Against Deposits
Supreme Court rules banks may set off deposits against unpaid loans when valid hold-out agreements exist, reversing lower court rulings.
Unlawful Arrests and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is invalid, evidence seized from the accused becomes inadmissible. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Maysilo Estate Dispute Upholding Torrens System Integrity IN Land Title Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility in unlawful detainer cases, protecting registered owners from collateral attacks.
Salary Differentials and the Immutability of Judgments: Employee Rights After Illegal Demotion
Philippine Airlines v. Bichara clarifies when courts may adjust a final labor judgment due to supervening events, and the limits of execution.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Demotion Reversal: Salary Differentials Despite Retrenchment and Retirement
Philippine Airlines v. Bichara clarifies that a final judgment on illegal demotion entitles an employee to salary differentials, even after retrenchment and retirement.
Injunctions Against POEA Orders: Balancing Agency Authority and Judicial Review
When can courts enjoin POEA orders? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of agency authority and judicial power in Principalia.
Excise Tax Refunds on Petroleum Products Sold to Tax-Exempt Entities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when oil companies can claim excise tax refunds for fuel sold to tax-exempt entities like Clark Development Corporation.
When the COMELEC Cannot Decide: The Legal Effect of a Split Vote
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on what happens when the COMELEC en banc fails to muster a majority vote in election cases.
False Legal Credentials and a Lawyer's Duty of Candor to the Court
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for using another counsel's professional details in pleadings, underscoring the duty of candor.
Attorney Suspension Case Dismissed: Res Judicata and Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against lawyer, applying res judicata and the clear preponderance of evidence standard in disciplinary proceedings.
VAT Refund Claims: The 120-Day Rule, Equitable Estoppel, and the San Roque Window
The Supreme Court clarifies when a premature VAT refund claim may still prosper under the San Roque doctrine and equitable estoppel.
Executive Judge’s Power to Act on Defective Judicial Inhibition Orders
SC clarifies that an executive judge may return a defective voluntary inhibition order to the judge, without usurping the Supreme Court’s sole power to reverse it.
Equitable Estoppel in VAT Refund Claims: Protection Against BIR Rulings
The Supreme Court protects taxpayers who relied on BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03, allowing premature VAT refund claims during the window period.
Conflicting Medical Opinions IN Seafarer Disability Claims Upholding THE Company Designated Physicians Assessment
Mortgagee in Bad Faith: Title Defects and Lender Responsibility in Real Estate Transactions
When a mortgagor lacks title at the time of mortgage, lenders cannot claim good faith protection. Learn from Claudio v. Saraza.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance prevails over rescission in land sales, protecting the injured party's choice of remedy.
Tenancy Rights: Why Landowner Consent Is Essential in Agricultural Leasehold
The Supreme Court clarifies that landowner consent is essential to create agricultural tenancy, rejecting implied tenancy claims without it.
Perfecting Appeals in Special Proceedings: Why the Record on Appeal Matters
In special proceedings like estate settlement, failing to file a record on appeal is fatal. Learn the rules and avoid losing your appeal.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Remorse and Reformation After Disbarment
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's petition for reinstatement, clarifying the strict standards for proving remorse, reformation, and fitness to rejoin the Bar.
Disbarment for Gross Misconduct: When a Labor Arbiter Delays Justice
A labor arbiter's two-year delay in acting on a motion for execution and refusal to amend a writ led to his disbarment for gross misconduct and gross ignorance of the law.
Reckless Driving and Criminal Intent: Establishing Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when reckless driving rises to criminal negligence versus mere administrative liability in vehicular accidents.