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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
PDIC Insurance: Defining Deposit and Protecting the Depositing Public
Supreme Court rules inter-branch fund transfers are not insurable deposits under the PDIC Charter, clarifying deposit insurance scope.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Guilt by Circumstance: Conviction in Rape-Homicide Through Indirect Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape with homicide, and how the composite crime is defined.
Timeliness is Key: Understanding the 15-Day Rule for Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why landowners must file just compensation cases within 15 days of the DARAB decision, or lose their right.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's weak defense of alibi.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability FOR Clerks OF Court IN Handling Judiciary Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's suspension for mishandling judiciary funds, emphasizing public accountability and strict compliance with deposit rules.
Judicial Integrity Imperiled When Judges Betray Public Trust Lessons From Falsified Court Decisions
When a judge fabricates annulment decisions without proceedings, the Supreme Court shows why dismissal and disbarment follow.
Coconut Levy Funds Are Public Funds: SC Limits on Spending and Public Purpose
The Supreme Court ruled coco-levy funds are public funds, voiding laws that treated them as private property and allowed spending beyond their special purpose.
Sound Mind Prevails: Upholding Testamentary Freedom in Will Probate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forgetfulness does not equal unsound mind, and oppositors bear the burden in will probate cases.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Misconduct for Court Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct by court employees, explaining penalties, ethical standards, and why resignation does not erase liability.
When Onboard Recreation Becomes Work-Related: Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when injuries from onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC and the Bunkhouse Rule.
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Stradcom v. Laqui Ruling on Preliminary Injunctions
The Supreme Court explains the moot and academic doctrine in Stradcom v. Laqui, showing how a preliminary injunction expires with the main case.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Doesn't Justify Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach by employee; poor sales performance alone is not enough.
Perfected Contracts and Procedural Rules in Philippine Joint Venture Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when oral joint venture agreements are perfected and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
Cooperatives No Longer Exempt From Court Fees: The 2012 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court denied cooperatives' exemption from court and sheriff's fees, reaffirming judicial independence and fiscal autonomy.
When Is a Bus Company Liable for Accidents? Employer Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bus company liability for driver negligence, damages, and employer responsibility under civil law.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Law: When Can a Victim’s Last Words Convict
Philippine law admits dying declarations as evidence. Learn the legal requirements and limits of this exception to hearsay.
Land Registration: Proving Possession for Imperfect Titles Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Public Land Act and Property Registration Decree.
Crediting Prior Government Service for Retirement in the Judiciary: A Guide for Philippine Judges
Explains when Philippine judges and justices can credit prior government service, like prosecutor work, for retirement and longevity pay.
Breach of Trust: The Price of Corruption for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence, explaining the crime, penalties, and why deceit need not be proven.
Rescission of Share Sale: When Broken Promises Do Not Justify Annulment
A Supreme Court ruling on when disappointed investors can—and cannot—rescind a stock sale for fraud or breach.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
Litis Pendentia and Forum Shopping in Philippine Law: The Cabreza Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied litis pendentia and forum shopping rules to bar a second suit over the same conjugal property dispute.
When Judges Ignore Court Directives: Administrative Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rulings show judges who disregard court directives face administrative liability, including fines, suspension, or dismissal from service.