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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Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Why Retractions and Delayed Reports Don't Weaken Rape Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that delayed reporting and lack of resistance do not weaken rape cases, reaffirming victim protection.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Lessons from People v. Sameniano
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on conspiracy, treachery, and a credible lone eyewitness.
Tax Exemption and Real Property Assessment: What Electric Cooperatives Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when tax exemptions for electric cooperatives take effect and why unpaid real property taxes become final without timely protest.
Regular Employment and Security of Tenure: When Suspension and Reinstatement Bar Later Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that condonation of infractions and return to work protect an employee's security of tenure against dismissal.
Voluntary Surrender of Tenancy Rights: Landicho v. Sia Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on voluntary surrender of tenancy rights, farm helper claims, and prescription in Landicho v. Sia.
Bidding Disqualification Upholding Agency Discretion In Government Contracts
The Supreme Court affirms agency discretion in government bidding, explaining protest rules, judicial hierarchy, and the limits of court intervention.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Land Value at Time of Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on valuing agrarian reform land at payment time, not 1972 taking, for just compensation.
Residency Requirements for Dual Citizens in Philippine Elections: Establishing Domicile of Choice
How the Supreme Court ruled on residency requirements for dual citizens running for local office in the Philippines.
Proving Fraud and Conspiracy in Civil Cases: The Dutch Boy Philippines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for proving fraud and conspiracy in civil cases, emphasizing preponderance of evidence and the presumption of good faith.
Illegal Strikes and Unfair Labor Practices: When Employee Remedies Survive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees who joined an illegal strike may still claim backwages and separation pay for unfair labor practices.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Upholding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Bidding Disputes in Government Projects: Why Courts Won't Second-Guess the BAC
A Supreme Court ruling on government procurement bidding disputes, explaining the proper legal remedies and why courts respect the discretion of bidding authorities.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Stays Liable Despite Principal Default
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on continuing surety agreements and a surety's joint and several liability despite the principal debtor's default.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Is Liable for Another's Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains continuing surety agreements and when a surety becomes liable for a principal debtor's obligations.
Contract Interpretation: Plain Language Prevails Over Extrinsic Evidence
When contract terms are clear, courts must apply them literally. Extrinsic evidence cannot rewrite a written agreement.
Circumstantial Evidence and DNA in Rape with Homicide: When Conviction Stands Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when inconclusive DNA results do not warrant acquittal.
Must-Carry Rule vs. Broadcasting Rights: The DTH Satellite Retransmission Case
The Supreme Court ruled that DTH satellite providers may carry free-to-air signals under the must-carry rule without violating broadcasting rights.
Land Disputes and Prescription: Time Limits in Agrarian Reform Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-year prescriptive period for reconveyance of agrarian land begins, using Rementizo v. Heirs of Madarieta.
The High Cost of Shortcuts: Notarial Duties and Professional Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that notarizing documents without the affiants present is serious professional misconduct with real consequences.
Imprescriptibility of Actions for Forged Signatures and Void Extrajudicial Settlements
When a signature is forged in an extrajudicial settlement, the action to declare it void does not prescribe. Learn the rule.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
When a Motion for Reconsideration Is Not Required: Certification Election Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when the motion for reconsideration rule yields to DOLE rules, and how res judicata applies to certification election petitions.
Proving Ownership in Replevin: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Golden Delta v. Pre-Stress
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate factual findings may be overturned and how to prove ownership in replevin cases.