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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Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Deadlines in Expropriation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may take judicial notice of land values and why the DAR formula must govern just compensation in agrarian expropriation.
Probate of Wills in the Philippines: When Attestation Clause Errors Are Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court explains when attestation clause defects invalidate a will, and when substantial compliance may save it.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Establishing Filiation: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required for Support Orders in the Philippines
Philippine courts require clear and convincing evidence to establish filiation for child support. Learn the legal standards and practical implications.
Defining Disability for Seafarers: Rights and the 240-Day Rule in Maritime Employment
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent, and why exceeding 120 days does not automatically entitle him to full benefits.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Verification Matters: Why Unverified Labor Claims Get Dismissed
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed 99 workers' labor claims for lack of proper verification in Martos v. New San Jose Builders.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Physician Assessments IN THE Absence OF Clear Contradictory Evidence
Rape Conviction Affirmed Upholding Victim Testimony AND Rejecting Alibi IN Qualified Rape Cases
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Fresh Period Rule Expanded to Criminal Appeals: Equal Rights for Accused
The Supreme Court extends the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get the same 15-day window as civil litigants.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving accused persons 15 days from denial of reconsideration to appeal.
Preliminary Injunction and Foreclosure: When Mortgagors Can Stop a Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor may obtain a preliminary injunction to stop an extrajudicial foreclosure sale.
Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder: People v. Nazareno
Explaining how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength are proven in murder cases, and why the Supreme Court affirmed Nazareno's conviction.
Overlapping Land Titles: Resolving Ownership Disputes Through Title Verification
Learn how the Supreme Court resolves property disputes involving overlapping titles, and why verifying technical descriptions matters in Philippine land ownership cases.
How Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength Shape Murder Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength are proven in murder cases, and why each participant bears equal liability.
Injunction Against Bank Foreclosure: When Borrowers Cannot Stop the Sale
Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure, and why defaulting borrowers cannot rely on disputed interest rates.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Protecting the Accused's Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court applies the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get a full 15 days to appeal after denial of reconsideration.
Bank Liability for Altered Checks and Employee Misconduct: Lessons from Westmont Bank v. Dela Rosa-Ramos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks are liable for altered checks and negligent employees, and how depositor contributory negligence affects damages.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving convicted accused a full 15 days from denial of reconsideration.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Extending Option to Purchase in Government Contracts: When Amendments Are Valid
Supreme Court explains when extending an option to purchase in a government contract is a valid amendment, not a new procurement requiring public bidding.
Due Process in Homeowners Association Expulsions: Lessons from Arroyo v. Rosal Homeowners Association
Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements for homeowners association expulsion and eviction under the Community Mortgage Program.
Judicial Conduct and Impropriety: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
A judge's jail visits to solicit inmate signatures constituted simple misconduct, underscoring the duty to avoid impropriety.