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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Accreditation of Political Parties: COMELEC's Authority and the Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's discretion in accrediting dominant minority parties, affirming that courts will not interfere absent grave abuse of discretion.
When Tax Rulings Become Final: Prohibition, Forum Shopping, and the Hierarchy of Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of prohibition may be filed directly with the Court of Appeals despite the hierarchy of courts rule.
GSIS Jurisdiction Over Housing Loan Disputes: The Rafael Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS has exclusive jurisdiction over housing loan disputes and when courts may take cognizance of contractual claims.
Corporate Officers Held Liable for Customs Fraud Piercing the Corporate Veil
Learn how Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil to hold officers liable for customs fraud, and what this means for corporate governance.
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.
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.
Estate vs Trustee: Intestate Courts Cannot Decide Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intestate courts lack jurisdiction to adjudicate ownership of properties claimed by third parties under adverse title.
Jurisdiction Limits Intestate Courts AND Ownership Disputes IN Estate Proceedings
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Republic v. Kikuchi on Divorce Recognition
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves foreign divorce law in the Philippines, remanding a case for failure to establish Japanese law.
No-Spouse Employment Policies: Balancing Business Needs and Marital Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity rules in Laroco v. Laroco, reshaping how courts evaluate marriage nullity cases.
Revitalizing Judicial Education THE Supreme Courts NEW Approach TO Philja Appointments AND Reappointments
The Supreme Court clarifies the Environment Secretary's authority to cancel mineral production sharing agreements without prior MGB recommendation.
Courts Must Respect CIAC Arbitral Awards: Key Lessons from ASEC v. Toyota Alabang
The Supreme Court reminds courts to defer to CIAC arbitral tribunals' factual findings, preserving the finality and integrity of construction arbitration.
Genuine Factual Disputes Prevent Summary Judgment: A Deep Dive
Explore when Philippine courts deny summary judgment due to genuine factual disputes, as illustrated by Aljem's Credit Investors Corp. v. Bautista.
Defining Municipal Boundaries: The Weight of Evidence in Territorial Disputes
How courts resolve municipal boundary disputes: a look at Bakun v. Sugpon and the role of preponderant evidence.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Control: Clarifying Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must refer ejectment cases to the DAR and what the DAR certification must contain.
Challenging Land Titles: Jurisdiction and Collateral Attacks Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear challenges to land titles, and when such actions amount to prohibited collateral attacks.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Legal Insights and Practical Implications
A look at how Philippine courts handle qualified statutory rape cases, focusing on evidence, credibility, and penalties.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Resolving Conflicts in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial in homicide cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When a Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from Gumawid v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, denial, and penalty computation under the Revised Penal Code.
Hierarchy of Courts and Indigenous Peoples Rights: Anita Santos v. Gabaen
Supreme Court dismisses Anita Santos' petition against NCIP orders, affirming the doctrine of hierarchy of courts and limiting standing in IP rights disputes.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters and swindlers, and what proof is needed.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments Philippine Courts Balance Comity AND Domestic Policy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on enforcing foreign judgments, service of summons, and limits on interest awards.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.