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.
Attorney Discipline in Nullity Cases: Due Process and Compliance Standards
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline standards in nullity cases, requiring clear evidence and due process before sanctions.
Upholding Diligence: Court Stenographer Accountability in Transcription Accuracy
SC ruling on appeal timeliness when litigants receive unreadable court decisions, and the duty to ensure accurate transcripts.
Upholding Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Disputes in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court recalls a final resolution to approve a compromise agreement, reaffirming that amicable settlements are favored in Philippine law.
Perfecting Your Appeal Understanding Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements after a petition is denied, and what this means for litigants in the Philippines.
Possession Beyond Ownership: Constructive Possession in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains constructive possession in drug cases—control and dominion matter more than ownership. Learn the rules from Quelnan v. People.
Publication Requirement for Tax Ordinances: A Prerequisite to Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication of local tax ordinances is a condition precedent to their enforceability and collection.
Constructive Possession in Drug Cases: What Quelnan v. People Teaches
The Supreme Court explains constructive possession of illegal drugs and when a warrantless arrest is valid in drug cases.
Prior Possession Prevails in Forcible Entry: Claudio v. Quebral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who recovers the property.
Exclusive Franchises and Constitutional Limits: Water District Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled Section 47 of PD 198 unconstitutional, striking down exclusive water district franchises as contrary to the Constitution.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Philippine Property Deals
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how borrowers are protected under Philippine law.
Navigating Forum Shopping: The Consequences of Concealing Related Cases in Habeas Corpus Petitions
The Supreme Court explains why filing a habeas corpus petition while concealing a related certiorari case amounts to forum shopping, with serious consequences.
Father's Betrayal: Upholding Justice in Statutory Rape Cases Despite Hymen Integrity
Supreme Court affirms father's statutory rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that virginity is not an element of rape.
Double Jeopardy: When a Gun Ban Violation Precludes Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban violation bars a separate illegal possession of firearms charge under RA 8294.
Untimely Appeal and Finality of Administrative Decisions: Lessons from Atty. Uy v. Villanueva
The Supreme Court rules on finality of administrative decisions, exhaustion of remedies, and employer liability in labor disputes.
Due Process in Dismissal: Written Notice and Hearing Requirements Explained
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural due process in employee dismissal and the limits of personal liability for corporate officers.
Joint vs Solidary Obligations: What the Supreme Court Says About Liability in Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when multiple debtors are only jointly liable, not solidarily liable, under Philippine contract law.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Judicial Decisions AND Preventing Reneging ON Obligations
When a compromise agreement is approved by the court, can a party later back out? This case explains the binding effect of such agreements.
Abolition of Public Office: Balancing Government Reorganization and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court explains when abolishing a government office is valid and how it differs from removal, protecting security of tenure.
Workplace Remarks and Dismissal: When Is It Serious Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee remarks during union meetings constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
When Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Conviction: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove parricide and intent to kill in People v. Castillo.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings
When can a court issue a TRO in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules on temporary restraining orders and judicial discretion.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Limits of Annulment Based on Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies that Rule 47 annulment of judgment does not apply to criminal cases, and counsel's negligence is not extrinsic fraud.
Intent vs Action: Differentiating Attempted From Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a stabbing is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why the subjective phase matters.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.