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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Arson and Double Jeopardy: When a Single Act Leads to Multiple Deaths
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether burning a house killing two victims is one complex crime or two separate murders.
Pawn Tickets and Documentary Stamp Tax: Understanding Pledge Agreements and Taxable Privileges
The Supreme Court rules pawn tickets are subject to documentary stamp tax as proof of exercising the taxable privilege of entering into a pledge contract.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Claims: When Foreclosure Buyers Get Possession
Learn when a court must issue a writ of possession after foreclosure and how third-party claims affect the process, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Emancipation Patent Cancellation in Agrarian Retention Cases
Supreme Court affirms DARAB jurisdiction to cancel emancipation patents issued over lands validly retained by landowners under agrarian reform laws.
Road Lot Rights and Preliminary Injunctions: What Homeowners Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when homeowners can obtain preliminary mandatory injunctions to protect claimed road lot access rights.
Due Process and Service of Summons in Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons in labor cases is complete, even if mail is unclaimed.
Upholding NHA's Authority to Relocate and Demolish in Urban Development Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NHA's power to relocate and demolish structures under P.D. 1315 and P.D. 1472.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Agreement Understanding Contractual Modifications IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on novation: mere partial payment does not prove agreement to modify a contract. Learn the legal requisites.
Reinstatement and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights After Illegal Termination
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees' right to reinstatement and backwages after illegal dismissal, and what it means for workers.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Possession and Alienable Status
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what evidence is needed to register land under PD 1529, including possession and alienable classification.
Protecting Children's Rights, Conjugal Property, and Execution of Judgments
When can a conjugal property be sold to pay a spouse's personal debt? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of execution against family assets.
Preserving Family Lands: The Right to Repurchase in Free Patent Cases
Learn how heirs can repurchase family land under free patents even after foreclosure, based on a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Water Production Assessments: When Regular Courts, Not the NWRB, Have Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that disputes over water production assessments under PD 198 belong to regular courts, not the NWRB.
Redemption Rights Interest Computation CUT OFF In Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in DBP foreclosure redemptions, interest stops accruing at the auction date.
Self-Defense or Murder: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden knife attack is treachery, and when voluntary surrender can mitigate murder liability.
Press Freedom vs. Fair Comment: The Limits of Libel Law in Tulfo v. People
The Supreme Court in Tulfo v. People clarifies when press freedom ends and criminal libel begins, applying the actual malice standard to defamatory columns.
When 'In Lieu of All Taxes' Does Not Mean Local Tax Exemption: Smart Communications v. City of Davao
The Supreme Court ruled that a franchise's "in lieu of all taxes" clause covers only national taxes, not local franchise taxes.
Notarization Is Not a Rubber Stamp: Supreme Court Disbars Negligent Notary
A notary who notarized a forged deed without verifying signers' identities was suspended and disqualified. Learn the rules on notarization.
Rape Delay in Reporting Due to Fear and Intimidation Does Not Affect Victim's Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a rape victim's delay in reporting due to fear of the offender does not diminish her credibility or indicate a false accusation.
VAT Refund Claims Strict Deadlines Apply Even If Payment IS Belated
Philippine Supreme Court rules VAT refund claims must be filed within two years from the taxable quarter's close, not from payment date.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credible Testimony and Medical Evidence Validate Child Victim's Account
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings outweigh denial and alibi.
Suretyship Perfected Surety Liable Despite Appeal Rejection
A surety bond is perfected upon issuance, not upon the appeal's success. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling in Quiamco v. Capital Insurance.
Rape and Intimidation: How Fear Can Establish Force Without Physical Injury
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in rape cases, intimidation can substitute for physical force—a knife threat suffices even without injuries.
Upholding Trust in Notarization: Consequences for Negligence in Verifying Document Signatures
A lawyer who notarized a deed without the signatories appearing before him was suspended and disqualified. Learn the notarial rules.