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.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Evidence: Custody Duties Explained
When a clerk of court loses evidence in his custody, the Supreme Court clarifies administrative liability for unauthorized transfers.
Lowest Bidder Rights: When a Bidder Is Entitled to a Government Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies that being the lowest bidder does not automatically entitle a bidder to a government contract award.
Forcible Entry vs Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinctions between forcible entry and accion publiciana in Regis v. Garcia, emphasizing proper remedies and procedural rules.
Fortuitous Events and Loan Obligations: DBP vs. Spouses Calina
A typhoon destroyed a financed fishing boat, but the borrowers still had to repay their loan. The Supreme Court explains why.
Establishing Landlord-Tenant Relationship: The Core of Ejectment Suits in the Philippines
A landlord-tenant relationship is essential in ejectment cases. The Supreme Court explains who may file an unlawful detainer suit.
Administrative vs Criminal Liability: Why Dismissal of One Does Not Dismiss the Other
A single act can trigger both administrative and criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why dismissal of one does not automatically end the other.
Waiver of Contractual Conditions in the Philippines: Lessons from Gonzales v. Lim
Learn when a party waives a contractual condition under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Lim.
Ensuring Judgment Execution Aligns With Court Decisions Lessons From Philippine Jurisprudence
When a final judgment becomes impossible to execute due to supervening events, courts may modify the ruling to harmonize it with justice and facts.
Reversion of Land Titles: Public Domain vs Private Claims in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when certificates of title over public domain land, including timberlands, are void and subject to reversion.
When a Lease of Coconut Trees Becomes an Agricultural Leasehold: Granada v. Bormaheco
The Supreme Court explains when a contract labeled as a lease of coconut trees may actually create an agricultural leasehold with security of tenure.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Disguised Transactions
The Supreme Court nullifies a bank's foreclosure on property mortgaged without the owner's authority, reinforcing strict rules on special powers of attorney.
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Credible Testimony and Rape Conviction: Affirming Guilt Despite Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, rejecting alibi and explaining delay in reporting.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Dishonored Debts in Government Service
Court interpreter reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts. Learn the ethics rules for government employees and their personal obligations.
Contempt of Court: The Necessity of Verified Petitions and Due Process
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a contempt ruling for lack of a verified petition and violation of due process rights.
Disproving Forgery: Standards for Signature Comparison in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standards for comparing signatures to prove forgery, emphasizing timing, genuine specimens, and burden of proof.
Security of Tenure: Defining Agricultural Tenancy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a person an agricultural lessee entitled to security of tenure under Philippine agrarian laws.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Consequences of Impropriety and Insubordination in the Philippine Judiciary
A clerk of court dismissed for gross dishonesty and grave misconduct over misappropriated cash bail bonds, reaffirming the judiciary's high ethical standards.
Judge Dismissed for Misappropriation of Court Funds and Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for in-chambers meetings with litigants, misappropriating support funds, and defying Court orders.
When Alibi Falls Short: The Weight of Credible Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction based on a single eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining why alibi failed.
Future Inheritance Contracts Are Void: Arrogante v. Deliarte Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts over future inheritance, and the exceptions that can save family property arrangements.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Leads to a Higher Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Deposition Deadlines in Intra-Corporate Cases: Philippine Computer Solutions v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day discovery period under the Interim Rules on Intra-Corporate Controversies and the rule on interlocutory orders.
Deposition Deadlines in Corporate Disputes: What Philippine Computer Solutions v. Manzo Teaches
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies deposition deadlines in intra-corporate disputes and why interlocutory orders must be raised on appeal.