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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Res Ipsa Loquitur and Proximate Cause in Philippine Electric Accident Cases
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur and proximate cause principles to hold an electric cooperative liable for electrocution injuries.
Amparo and Property Rights: Clarifying the Boundaries of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that amparo and habeas data writs protect life, liberty, and security—not property disputes.
Premature Campaigning: The Fine Line Between Aspiring and Declared Candidacy in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a candidate for election law purposes, and what this means for premature campaigning rules.
Bribery and Grave Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
A BIR examiner's conviction for grave misconduct in a bribery entrapment underscores the high standard of integrity required of public servants.
Ejectment Actions Ownership Disputes DO NOT Suspend Ejectment Proceedings
Filing an ownership dispute does not suspend an ejectment case. The Supreme Court explains why in Samonte v. Century Savings Bank.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Clear Terms Prevail Over External Claims
The Supreme Court affirms a rehabilitation plan over creditor objections and allows foreclosure of an accommodation mortgagor's property outside the stay order.
Accountability for Group Actions: Establishing Conspiracy in Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts determine conspiracy in criminal cases, when group liability attaches, and why mere presence or evasion of arrest does not equate to guilt.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Res Ipsa Loquitur Applies in Vehicle Accidents
A Supreme Court ruling explains how traffic violations like illegal overtaking establish negligence, and when res ipsa loquitur applies.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying RA 6657 Valuation Principles
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Electric Cooperative's Negligence in Power Line Installation: Proximate Cause Ruling
Supreme Court affirms liability of electric cooperative for electrocution injuries, applying proximate cause and foreseeability tests in negligence cases.
Zero-Rated Sales and VAT Refund Eligibility for Power Generation Companies
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in San Roque Power Corp. v. CIR on VAT refunds for zero-rated sales by power generators.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: When Owning Other Land Disqualifies a Landowner
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners covered by PD 27 may still be disqualified from retention rights under RA 6657.
When a Transfer Becomes Constructive Dismissal: Limits on Management Prerogative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer crosses the line from valid management prerogative to constructive dismissal, requiring reinstatement and backwages.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Ownership and Social Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners can retain land under agrarian reform, applying restrictions from LOI 474 to RA 6657.
Electric Cooperative Liable for Injuries from Uninsulated High-Voltage Wires
Philippine Supreme Court holds electric cooperative negligent for uninsulated high-voltage lines over a home, affirming damages for electrocution injuries.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying the Correct Valuation Method
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Eyewitness Identification Reliability and the Totality of Circumstances Test in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when out-of-court eyewitness identification is reliable under the totality of circumstances test, and how in-court identification cures defects.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Valuing Land Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for agrarian reform lands should be determined under RA 6657, not PD 27.
Insubordination vs Humane Consideration: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo clarifies when insubordination and loss of confidence justify dismissal.
Negligence and Employer Liability in Vehicular Accidents: Res Ipsa Loquitur Explained
When a bus collides with a jeepney at a highway intersection, who is at fault? The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur and employer liability.
Ejectment Cases: When Courts May Admit Evidence Not in the Pleadings
Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit evidence not raised in pleadings, and how prior titles prevail in ejectment disputes.
Reconveyance and Good Faith: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies reconveyance actions, good faith purchasers, and why registration alone does not vest land ownership in the Philippines.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When Courts Step In to Protect Borrowers
Philippine courts can reduce excessive loan interest rates. Learn how the Supreme Court protected borrowers from unconscionable terms.