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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Lease vs. Sale: When a Property Owner Can Sell Leased Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease rights, option to renew, and when a lessor can sell property.
Tenants' Rights vs. Landowners' Prerogatives: Balancing Agrarian Reform and Property Rights
When a forged compromise agreement taints a university's title to agrarian land, the Supreme Court rules on collateral attack and indefeasibility.
Judicial Temperance: Upholding Courtroom Decorum and Judicial Conduct
Cañeda v. Menchavez explains why a judge who loses his temper and displays a firearm in court faces administrative discipline for unbecoming conduct.
When a Lease Lapses: A Lesson on Property Rights, Renewal Options, and Fraud Claims
Supreme Court ruling explains when a lease ends, how renewal options work, and why proving fraud requires solid evidence.
Judicial Accountability: Deciding Cases on Time and the Duty to Avoid Undue Delay
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for leaving cases undecided and the duty to avoid undue delay.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge Leaves Cases Undecided and Certifies Otherwise
A Supreme Court ruling shows how Philippine judges are held liable for undue delay in deciding cases, and why the line between poor case management and dishonesty matters.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Obligations for Medical Staff
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when nurses are independent contractors versus employees under Article 157 of the Labor Code.
Dismissal Before Prosecution Rests: Double Jeopardy and Due Process in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a premature dismissal of an anti-graft case bars refiling, and why due process matters more than double jeopardy.
Franchise Tax Exemptions: Scope and Limits for Telecom Companies
The Supreme Court clarifies when "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in telecom franchises do not exempt companies from local business taxes.
Illegal Dismissal and Employee Misconduct: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Employment Law
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced illegal dismissal claims against employee misconduct in Palteng v. United Coconut Planters Bank.
When a Four-Year-Old Testifies: How the Supreme Court Weighs a Child's Testimony in Statutory Rape
In People v. Sia, the Supreme Court upheld a statutory rape conviction based largely on a four-year-old victim's identification of her abuser. Here is what the ruling teaches.
Judicial Efficiency: The Mandate for Timely Resolution of Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to decide cases is mandatory, not merely directory.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Ethical Limits IN Advocating FOR A Clients Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees who are not faultless may receive separation pay but no backwages.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
When a Judge Misses the 90-Day Deadline: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for missing the 90-day decision period. Learn the rules and consequences.
Contract Assignments, Prior Rights vs. Garnishments in Construction Disputes
When a contractor assigns its receivables, who gets paid first—the assignee or a garnishing creditor? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and priority rules.
Year-End Benefits in Government Agencies: Balancing Statutory Limits and Employee Welfare
Supreme Court ruling on year-end benefits for government board members and consultants, balancing statutory limits with good faith.
Amending Criminal Informations: Balancing Rights and Procedural Rules in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when amended criminal informations are allowed after arraignment, balancing the accused's rights with procedural rules.
Broken Chains: Why Strict Evidence Procedures Matter in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, R.A. 9165.
Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Rape or Child Abuse? How the Supreme Court Draws the Line Under RA 7610
In People v. Abay, the Supreme Court clarified when sexual abuse of a minor is prosecuted as rape and when it falls under RA 7610.
Supreme Court Justice Held Liable for Leaking Confidential Draft Decision
The Supreme Court ruled that a Justice who leaks an unpromulgated decision breaches confidentiality and undermines judicial integrity.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.