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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Summary Judgment: When Failing to Refute Allegations Costs You the Case
Learn how failing to refute payment allegations led to summary judgment against the Villuga spouses in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Entrapment vs Instigation: What Makes a Valid Drug Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court explains the difference between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why a valid buy-bust operation leads to conviction.
When Snatching a Bag Is Theft, Not Robbery: The Violence Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that snatching a bag without violence or intimidation is theft, not robbery, even if a death occurs.
Acquisitive Prescription vs Torrens Title: Proving Land Registration Claims in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into private ownership and registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Defining the Power of Control in Labor Disputes: The Legend Hotel Case
When is a hotel pianist an employee, not an independent talent? The Supreme Court clarifies the control test in illegal dismissal cases.
Res Judicata and Foreclosure: When a Second Bite at the Apple Is Denied
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata bars a second case on the same foreclosure dispute, and clarifies appeal rules.
Government Instrumentalities and Tax Exemption: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity with corporate powers is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Interlocutory Orders: Why Immediate Appeals Can Derail Justice
Philippine Supreme Court explains why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed immediately, preventing delays and multiplicity of appeals in criminal cases.
Perfecting Title: Strict Requirements for Land Registration in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict rules on land registration, including proof of alienability and possession periods.
Finality of Judgments: Customs Bureau Bound by Interest on Seized Shipments
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments, including interest awards, bind the Bureau of Customs on seized shipments.
Intervention in Land Registration: Timeliness and Legal Interest Requirements
Learn when courts allow intervention in land registration cases and why timing and legal interest matter, based on Ongco v. Dalisay.
Perfecting Land Titles: The Burden of Proof in Land Registration Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict burden of proof in land registration, including possession periods and evidence of alienability.
Tax Exemption for Government Instrumentalities: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Judicial Misconduct and Impeachment: When Court Review Becomes Moot
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed Chief Justice Corona's challenge to his impeachment trial—because the case became moot after conviction.
Impeachment and Judicial Review: Defining the Limits of Court Intervention
The Supreme Court rules on the JBC's composition, clarifying constitutional limits on congressional representation and judicial review.
Supreme Court Dismisses Corona Impeachment Petition on Mootness Grounds
The Supreme Court dismissed former Chief Justice Corona's petition assailing his impeachment trial, ruling the case became moot upon his conviction.
Supreme Court Limits Congress to One Seat on the Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules Congress may send only one representative to the JBC, striking down the eight-member composition as unconstitutional.
Court Employee Dismissed for Misusing Cash Evidence: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
Supreme Court dismisses court employee who took P45,000 cash evidence for repairs, ruling restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Judicial Misconduct and Impartiality: Lessons from the Corona Impeachment Case
The Supreme Court's ruling on the Corona impeachment petition clarifies the limits of judicial review over impeachment proceedings and the doctrine of mootness.
Undue Delay in Justice: A Judge's Accountability in Expediting Legal Proceedings
When a judge delays a case, justice suffers. The Supreme Court's ruling in Chu v. Capellan explains why judges must act promptly.
Judicial Accountability: Timeliness and Due Process in Summary Proceedings
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how judges may be fined for undue delay in summary proceedings, while clarifying what does not violate due process.
Heavy Workload Not Enough to Justify Certiorari Filing Extension
Philippine Supreme Court rules heavy workload alone is not a compelling reason to extend the 60-day period for filing a petition for certiorari under Rule 65.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Undue Delay in Unlawful Detainer Case
Learn when a judge's delay in holding preliminary conference becomes administrative liability, from a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Double Compensation and Gratuity Pay: Constitutional Limits for Government Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gratuity pay becomes prohibited double compensation under the Constitution for government employees.