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.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Validity of a Special Power of Attorney in Property Transfers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies jurisdiction in property disputes, the statute of frauds, and rights of first refusal in Philippine real estate law.
Rape by Sexual Assault: When Digital Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when inserting fingers into a victim's vagina constitutes rape by sexual assault, distinct from rape by sexual intercourse.
From Public Land to Private Right: Establishing Land Ownership Through Acquisitive Prescription
How long possession of alienable public land can ripen into private ownership, explained through a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility of Witnesses and Inconsistencies Between Affidavits and Court Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, affidavit-testimony inconsistencies, and penalties for rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Prosecute Public Officials: Galario v. Ombudsman
When can the Ombudsman charge a different offense than what was complained of? The Supreme Court explains in Galario v. Ombudsman.
Fixed-Term Employment: Employers Cannot Terminate Before Contract Expiry Without Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term employment: employers cannot terminate workers before contract expiry without just cause, even with waiver clauses.
Seafarer Breach Before Boarding: Damages Despite No Employer-Employee Relationship
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer can claim damages for unjustified non-deployment even without employer-employee relationship.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Court Employees Must Pay Just Debts: Ethical Standards for Judiciary Personnel
Court employees who willfully fail to pay just debts face administrative liability, even after settling obligations. Learn from a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Beyond Legibility Upholding the Right to Appeal Despite Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court ruled that an unreadable copy of a decision justifies relaxing appeal deadlines, protecting the right to appeal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.