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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Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Possessory Rights in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how Article 1602 protects possessory rights.
Condominium Foreclosure Special Authority Imperative FOR Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that condominium corporations need special authority to extrajudicially foreclose units for unpaid dues.
Imprescriptibility of Reconveyance Actions Challenging Titles Based on Nonexistent Contracts
When a land title is based on a nonexistent contract, the action for reconveyance does not prescribe, the Supreme Court rules.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Counsel's Negligence Impacts an Appeal
The Supreme Court rules that a counsel's failure to file a brief on time should not cost an accused his appeal, especially when liberty is at stake.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Why the Valuation Date Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must use the valuation date and DAR formula applicable at the time of taking.
Forcible Entry: How a Torrens Title Proves Prior Physical Possession
In ejectment cases, prior physical possession can be proven by a Torrens title and tax declarations, not just actual occupation. The Supreme Court explains.
Judicial Independence vs Harassment: Striking the Balance in Administrative Complaints Against Judges
The Supreme Court clarifies when administrative complaints against judges become harassment suits, protecting judicial independence while ensuring accountability.
Double Jeopardy and Rape Conviction: What the Supreme Court Said About Due Process
A rape conviction upheld despite the victim's intellectual disability—here's why the Court refused to impose statutory rape.
Serious Misconduct and Illegal Dismissal: When a Petty Quarrel Isn't Grounds for Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a workplace fight constitutes serious misconduct justifying dismissal, and when it amounts to illegal termination.
Faculty Rights and Union Membership: Protecting the Right to Self-Organization in Educational Institutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that faculty members are not managerial employees and may form unions, protecting their right to self-organization.
Double Jeopardy and the Limits of Estate Representation in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an estate administrator may appeal an acquittal—and why double jeopardy bars such appeals.
Breach of Public Trust When Negligence in Procurement Leads to Graft Conviction
Supreme Court affirms graft conviction of DOH supply officer for gross inexcusable negligence in anomalous drug purchases, clarifying liability under RA 3019.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When OMB Delay Dismisses Administrative Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that an almost eight-year delay by the Ombudsman in resolving an administrative case violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Unmarried Cohabitation Establishing Property Rights In Long Term Illicit Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that long-term illicit cohabitation can establish co-ownership rights under Article 148 of the Family Code.
When Fraud or Force Negates Consent in Rape: People v. Disipulo
The Supreme Court clarifies that consent obtained through fraud or overcome by force is not valid consent in rape cases.
Philippine Taxation: Source of Income for Satellite Communication Services
Supreme Court rules satellite air time fees paid to non-resident foreign corporation are Philippine-sourced income subject to final withholding tax.
Judicial Accountability and Compassionate Justice: Reassessing Penalties for Misconduct
The Supreme Court partially grants a judge's reconsideration, replacing dismissal with a fine, applying compassionate justice in administrative cases.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Communication Failures in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for missed deadlines and failure to inform clients, setting clear standards for attorney conduct.
Attorney Negligence and Client Communication: Ethical Duties in Legal Representation
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence and the duty to inform clients, with practical lessons for attorneys and clients.
Judicial Clemency and Reinstatement of Disqualified Public Officials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when dismissed judges may be reinstated through judicial clemency, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and public apology.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer and solidarity liable.
Chronic Infidelity as Psychological Incapacity: Quiogue v. Quiogue Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that chronic infidelity rooted in a personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Psychological Incapacity: Proving Marital Nullity Through Totality of Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies how totality of evidence, including expert testimony, can establish psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.