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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Grave Abuse of Discretion Standard in Sandiganbayan Certiorari Petitions
Explore how the Supreme Court defined grave abuse of discretion in certiorari petitions against the Sandiganbayan, citing the Barrera market stall case.
Conspiracy and Intent in Attempted Homicide: Establishing Criminal Collaboration
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy and intent to kill are proven in attempted homicide cases, using the Cabildo ruling.
Summary Judgment and Pleadings: What Lazaro v. Brewmaster Teaches About Cause of Action
Understand how the Supreme Court in Lazaro v. Brewmaster clarified summary judgment, pleadings, and cause of action under Philippine procedure.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Just Compensation for Land Acquired Under P.D. 27: Why R.A. 6657 and DAR A.O. 5 Govern the Valuation
When agrarian land taken under P.D. 27 is paid for only later, the Supreme Court says just compensation must follow R.A. 6657 and the DAR A.O. 5 formula.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Rehabilitation and Compliance with Disciplinary Orders
The Supreme Court grants a lawyer's petition for reinstatement after serving successive suspensions, showing the path back to practice.
Administrative Due Process: Preliminary Investigation Before Formal Charge Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court voids GSIS administrative charges and suspensions issued without preliminary investigation, and orders back salaries for affected employees.
Guaranty Obligations DBP's Liability Despite Supplier Change
Supreme Court rules on guaranty liability when supplier changes, implied approval, and burden of proof in payment claims.
Dismissal Disputes Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice IN Labor Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court prioritized substantial justice over procedural technicalities in a criminal case, ensuring fairness prevails.
Anib v. Coca-Cola: Technical Rules Yield to Substantial Justice in Labor Cases
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural technicalities should not bar review of labor cases, remanding an illegal dismissal dispute for hearing on the merits.
Trademark Confusion in Skin Care: Dermaline, Inc. v. Myra Pharmaceuticals
The Supreme Court affirmed the rejection of the DERMALINE mark for being confusingly similar to the registered DERMALIN mark in this skin care trademark case.
Breach of Banking Duty, Gross Negligence, and Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal
The Supreme Court rules that a bank officer's gross negligence in failing to secure documents justifies dismissal for loss of confidence.
Judicial Accountability: Delays in Case Resolution and the 90-Day Rule
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, reinforcing the constitutional 90-day rule for deciding motions and cases.
When Final Judgments Clash: Upholding the Anti-Graft Law and Defining Usurpation of Judicial Functions in the
A provincial adjudicator ignored a final Court of Appeals ruling, leading to a landmark conviction under the Anti-Graft Law and a clarifying ruling on usurpation of judicial functions.
Upholding Search Warrant Validity Balancing Individual Rights AND LAW Enforcement IN Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms valid search warrant in drug case, balancing constitutional rights and law enforcement needs.
Breach of Contract: DPWH’s Right to Rescind Despite Slippage Thresholds
When can a government agency rescind a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on contractual breach and slippage thresholds.
Implied Admission in Philippine Law: Navigating Requests for Admission in Civil Cases
When does a failure to respond to a Request for Admission trigger implied admission? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits under Rule 26.
Land Valuation Under CARP: Defining the Basis for Provisional Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies that provisional compensation under CARP is based on the Land Bank's initial valuation, not the DARAB award.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
Coconut Fees and Export Sales: Clarifying Obligations for Copra Exporters
Supreme Court clarifies that PCA fees attach upon purchase of copra by exporters, regardless of whether the coconut products are sold domestically or exported.
Bank Accountability for Negligence and Damages in Handling Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for teller negligence causing depositor embarrassment and damages.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Blueprint Sufficiency and Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court held that a blueprint copy of a survey plan may substantially comply with registration requirements when the original tracing cloth plan is unavailable.
When Peaceful Picketing Crosses the Line: Legal Boundaries in Labor Strikes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "peaceful moving picket" becomes an illegal blockade, and the due process rights of dismissed strikers.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery is established and why minor witness inconsistencies do not weaken a murder conviction.