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.
Can a Voided Municipality Be Revived? Lessons from Andong, Lanao del Sur
The Supreme Court rules that a municipality voided in Pelaez cannot be revived without legislative action, even if it claims to exist.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts: When Settlements End Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements are valid and binding, ending protracted litigation between parties.
Burden of Proof in Estafa: Proving Deceit Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Bouncing Check Cases
Postdated checks don't automatically mean estafa. The Supreme Court explains why deceit must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Double Sales and Good Faith: Protecting Prior Rights in Property Disputes
When two sales of the same land occur, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on double sales and good faith.
Strikes and Union Officer Liability: Navigating Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats illegal strikes, union officer liability, and procedural rules in labor disputes.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Theft Within the Supreme Court: Etcuban v. Sulpicio Lines
When can an employer dismiss a fiduciary employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in Etcuban v. Sulpicio Lines.
When Possession Does Not Equal Ownership: Land Registration and the Alienable and Disposable Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into ownership for registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Liability for Damages: Balancing Official Duty and Personal Bad Faith
A public officer's official acts can still trigger personal liability for damages when done in bad faith, as this Philippine Supreme Court case shows.
Prior Possession Prevails Resolving Forcible Entry Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve forcible entry cases by protecting prior physical possession, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
Self-Defense Claims Fail When Evidence Shows Accused Was the Aggressor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when incomplete self-defense applies in homicide cases and why the accused's version must be credible.
DOLE's Visitorial Powers: No P5,000 Cap on Compliance Orders After R.A. 7730
Supreme Court clarifies that DOLE regional directors may issue compliance orders for labor standards violations regardless of the amount of money claims involved.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Sheriff's Duty in Execution: Third-Party Claims and the Limits of Discretion
A sheriff who levies property must honor third-party claims and court orders staying execution. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's discretion.
Judge Dismissed and Lawyer Suspended for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born out of wedlock.
Judicial Inefficiency: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Pending Matters Promptly
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in resolving incidents violates the Constitution and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions and Its Consequences
When judges fail to decide cases on time, justice is denied. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Who Represents the Republic: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Role Before the High Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the Solicitor General may represent government agencies before appellate courts, not their own legal offices.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Dismissal for Absences and Discourtesy in Public Service
Court employees must uphold public trust. Learn how habitual absences and gross discourtesy led to penalties in this administrative case.
Sheriff's Dishonesty in Executing Judgment Warrants Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for dishonesty after he withdrew P75,000 more than the judgment amount and falsified his return of service.
Judicial Temperament: When a Judge's Words Violate the Code of Judicial Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for vulgar language shows why judicial temperament and courtesy are non-negotiable.
Granting Bail Without Hearing: A Judge's Discretion and the Prosecution's Right to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges must conduct a hearing before granting bail, even in discretionary cases, to protect the prosecution's right to be heard.