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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Co-Ownership and Ejectment: When a Co-Owner Can Be Evicted for Forcible Entry
A co-owner who forcibly takes exclusive possession of common property can be ejected. Learn the rules on co-ownership and forcible entry from a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Trust Receipts and Criminal Liability: When a Loan Becomes Estafa Under PD 115
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt transaction creates criminal liability for estafa, not just civil liability, under PD 115.
Heirs of Landowners Under CARP: No Separate Retention Rights After 1988
Supreme Court rules heirs of landowners who died after 1988 cannot claim separate retention rights under CARP; only the decedent's five-hectare limit applies.
Speedy Disposition vs Protracted Process When Delay Deprives Justice in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates the right to speedy disposition, distinguishing mere mathematical reckoning from actual prejudice.
Corporate Officers Criminally Liable for Customs Fraud: Fernandez v. People
Corporate officers cannot hide behind a corporation to escape criminal liability for customs fraud, the Supreme Court ruled in Fernandez v. People.
Trafficking in Persons for Prostitution Is a Crime Even If Intercepted Before Exploitation
Supreme Court clarifies that recruitment for prostitution constitutes trafficking in persons even if the intended exploitation is intercepted.
Dying Declarations vs Res Gestae: Hearsay Exceptions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a victim's dying words are admissible—as a dying declaration or as res gestae—in a murder conviction.
Corporate Officers Cannot Hide Behind Corporate Veil in Customs Fraud Cases
Supreme Court ruling on corporate officer liability for customs fraud through misdeclaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when inordinate delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, with practical guidance.
Speedy Disposition Right Prevails Over Six-Year Delay in Fertilizer Fund Scam Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a six-year delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, warranting dismissal.
Human Trafficking Consent and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's consent is irrelevant in human trafficking cases under RA 9208, as amended by RA 10364.
Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights After Probation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular and the rights they gain against illegal dismissal.
Divorce Abroad and Filipino Spouses: Recognizing Foreign Judgments Under Article 26 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when Philippine courts recognize foreign divorces obtained by Filipino spouses and their alien partners under Article 26.
Theft of Company Property: Balancing Employee Rights and Employers' Disciplinary Prerogative
Supreme Court clarifies when theft of company property justifies dismissal, balancing employer discipline with proportional penalties for erring employees.
Foreign Divorce Recognition: Proving Japanese Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for recognizing foreign divorces, remanding a Filipina's case for further evidence on Japanese law.
Balancing Local Authority and National Mining Rights: The Luisito Marty Case
A mayor's refusal to issue mining permits tested the line between local autonomy and national mining law. The Supreme Court's ruling explained.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Nuisance Candidates: Genuine Intention vs Political Viability in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that lack of nationwide support or political machinery is not a ground to declare a candidate a nuisance under Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code.
When a Lawyer Promises a Fixed Outcome: Disbarment for Influence Peddling and Neglect
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who promised an antedated annulment judgment through connections, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Attorney Disbarred for Promising Favorable Judgment Through Influence Peddling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who promised clients a favorable annulment judgment through connections, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: When Dual Representation Violates Client Loyalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's dual representation becomes a prohibited conflict of interest under Rule 15.03 of the CPR.
Building in Bad Faith: When a Landowner's Silence Equals Consent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner's silence and inaction can make them a builder in bad faith under Article 453 of the Civil Code.
Bidding Rights Prospective vs Actual Bidders and Preliminary Injunctions
Supreme Court clarifies that prospective bidders lack clear legal rights for preliminary injunctions in government procurement disputes.