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.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Evaluating Criminal Complaints: Key Lessons from Espaldon v. Buban
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman's discretionary dismissal under Section 20 of R.A. 6770 applies only to administrative, not criminal, complaints.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Premature Filing Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule for seafarer disability assessments, explaining when a claim becomes premature and why timing matters.
Supreme Court Upholds Strict Rules on Certiorari Petitions in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict rules on certiorari petitions and what this means for legal practitioners and clients.
Unregistered Real Estate Mortgages: Valid Between Parties Despite Formal Defects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that defective notarization or registration of a real estate mortgage does not invalidate it between the parties.
Road Right-of-Way Measurement: The 20-Meter Rule from the Highway Centerline
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20-meter road right-of-way easement under the Public Land Act is measured from the centerline of the highway.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: When Ejectment Cases Fail
Understand when an ejectment case fails and why accion publiciana is the proper remedy for recovering possession of property.
Maritime Liens vs Preliminary Attachment: Enforcement Rules Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a maritime lien suffices and when a writ of preliminary attachment is proper.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and accion publiciana, and why filing the wrong action can get your case dismissed.
Notarial Duty and Identification Validity of Notarization Based on Laws at Time of Execution
Notaries must follow the identification rules in effect when the document is notarized, not later rules. The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Consequences for Judicial and Notarial Misconduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality and suspends him from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the judiciary and bar.
Fair Compensation for Agricultural Land Under CARP: Apo Fruits v. LBP
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation for agricultural land taken under CARP, and when interest starts to run.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Cost of Skipping the Post-Employment Medical Exam
A seafarer who skips the company-designated post-employment medical exam forfeits disability claims. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
When Probationary Employment Becomes Regular: The Umali v. Hobbywing Rule
Explore when a probationary employee becomes regular by operation of law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Umali v. Hobbywing Solutions.
Attorney Neglect and Failure to Account for Client Funds Warrants One-Year Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in litigation fees.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Annulling Extrajudicial Settlements for Lack of Informed Consent
The Supreme Court annuls an extrajudicial settlement where an illiterate heir signed without understanding its terms, protecting vulnerable parties.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.
Defective Summons Nullifies Judgment Safeguarding Due Process in Annulment Cases
SC rules defective summons in annulment cases violates due process; petitions for annulment are actions in personam requiring proper service.
Challenging Forged Documents and Implied Admissions in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to respond to a request for admission does not result in implied admission, protecting property owners from forged documents.
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Neglect and Failure to Inform Leads to Six-Month Suspension
A lawyer who failed to inform a client about an adverse NLRC ruling and did not appeal was suspended for six months for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Judicial Affidavit Rule and Contempt: Good Faith in Complying with Court Orders
When does using a corporate name violate an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance defeats indirect contempt.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.