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.
Piercing the Form: How Allegations Determine Parties in HLURB Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine who are parties to an HLURB case.
Prior Physical Possession Prevails: Understanding Forcible Entry in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forcible entry rules: prior physical possession, not ownership, determines who stays on the property until lawful ejectment.
When Lawyers' Lives Lack Integrity: Disbarment for Gross Immorality and Multiple Marriages
The Supreme Court disbarred two lawyers for gross immorality involving bigamous marriages and illicit affairs, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
Adverse Claim vs Execution Sale: Protecting Prior Registered Rights Over Land
The Supreme Court ruled that a levy on execution is subordinate to valid encumbrances already annotated on the title, and that an adverse claim gives constructive notice to all.
Board Resolution Not Always Required for Corporate Verification in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may sign verification and certification against forum shopping without a board resolution.
Psychological Incapacity: When Personality Disorders Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that a diagnosis of personality disorders alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Arrastre Operator's Duty of Care: Liability for Lost Cargo After Delivery
When is an arrastre operator liable for lost cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty of care and limits of liability in Asian Terminals v. Daehan.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Distinguishing Roles and Defining Accountability
When do employees of an illegal recruiter face criminal liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conspiracy, syndicate, and penalties.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Foreclosure Annulment
When a final judgment can be appealed, certiorari is not available. Learn the procedural rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.
Customs Bonds: Contractual Obligations vs Tax Collection Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that suits on customs bonds are contractual, not tax collection cases, so appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
Upholding Public Land Rights Denying Land Registration Within Military Reservations
Supreme Court affirms that lands inside military reservations and forest lands are inalienable public domain, not registrable.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Valid Cause for Dismissal: Bibiana Farms v. Lado
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and what procedural due process requires in employee termination.
Union Leave vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in the Workplace
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union leave, management prerogative, and the consequences of defying a disapproved leave application.
Perfected Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Ownership Transfer and Good Faith in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and how good faith determines ownership in double sales.
Balancing Indigenous Land Rights and Government Authority: Clarifying the Scope of NCIP Injunction Powers
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP may issue injunctions in ancestral land disputes, balancing indigenous rights against government authority.
When a Lessor Evicts Sublessees Before the Lease Ends: Sunbanun v. Go
The Supreme Court held a lessor liable for damages after ejecting her tenant's lodgers months before the lease expired, because the contract allowed a lodging house.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirmative Identification and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court in Vidar v. People explains why delayed reporting, mug-shot identification, and relationship to the victim do not necessarily weaken a prosecution for robbery with homicide.
Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide: Key Element in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains intent to gain as a decisive element in robbery with homicide, clarifying the rules on killing incidental to robbery.
Upholding the Integrity of Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges to decide cases promptly, underscoring how delay undermines the integrity of drug buy-bust operations and chain of custody.
Judicial Accountability: The Cost of Undue Delay in Resolving Motions
When a Court of Appeals justice sat on a motion for nearly three years, the Supreme Court imposed a fine, reaffirming that judges must decide cases promptly.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.