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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Lifting of Mining Closure Orders Revives Writ of Kalikasan Petitions
Supreme Court rules that lifting DENR closure orders revives environmental claims, keeping Writ of Kalikasan petitions alive.
Separation of Powers: Defining the Roles of City Engineers and Building Officials in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments may create a separate building official office distinct from the city engineer's office.
Protecting Land Titles: Collateral Attacks on Torrens Certificates in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles from collateral attacks in property disputes, and what this means for landowners facing title challenges.
Foreclosure Rights Understanding Redemption Periods AND Legal Remedies IN Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Act No. 3135 applies in mortgage foreclosures and why borrowers must act within the redemption period.
Finality of Judgments: Supreme Court's Stance on Modifying Executory Decisions in the Veloso Case
The Supreme Court reaffirms the immutability of final judgments, denying the OSG's bid to modify the Veloso deposition ruling.
Employer Vicarious Liability: When A Driver's Negligence Makes The Employer Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer vicarious liability under Article 2180 when a driver's negligence causes injury.
Accountability in Robbery: The Reach of Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide
When does a participant in a robbery become liable for a killing committed by a co-conspirator? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Boringot.
Beyond the Timesheet: Ghost Employee Acquittal Hinges on Good Faith and Actual Service
The Supreme Court acquits a former board member and five job order employees in a ghost employee case, emphasizing that actual service and good faith defeat charges of graft and falsification.
Separation of Powers in Local Governance: Valid Appointment of a Building Official
Supreme Court affirms that a city may create a separate building official office under the Local Government Code and National Building Code.
Conspiracy in Grave Coercion: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a mayor of grave coercion, ruling that conspiracy requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not mere speculation.
CBA Benefits and Presidential Approval: Balancing Labor Rights and GOCC Financial Discipline
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCC CBAs granting additional benefits are void without the President's approval under EO No. 7, s. 2010.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court explains when a passenger in a car carrying drugs can be convicted of constructive possession under RA 9165.
Deed of Sale Validity and the Presumption of Regularity in Notarized Property Transactions
The Supreme Court reaffirms that notarized deeds of sale enjoy the presumption of regularity, which only clear and convincing evidence can overturn.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Conviction Upheld: Lessons on Appeal Limits
Supreme Court affirms large scale illegal recruitment conviction, raises fine to P5M, and explains why erroneous estafa penalties can no longer be corrected.
Who Pays When a Check's Payee Is Faked? Collecting Bank's Liability for Forged Endorsements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a collecting bank must return funds paid out on checks with forged endorsements to an impostor.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.
Non-Delegation Doctrine Shields Indigenous Rights in Mining Agreements
Supreme Court voids mining compliance certificate signed under invalid delegation, protecting Mamanwa Tribes' ancestral domain rights.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When A Threat Doesnt Meet THE Legal Threshold
The Supreme Court acquits an OMB chairman of graft when conspiracy rests on hearsay, while affirming a subordinate's conviction.
Missing Land Records Do Not Invalidate Decree: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that a land registration decree remains valid even when government records are missing, protecting landowners from administrative oversights.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding COA Authority: PDIC Condonation of Bank Debts Disallowed
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of PDIC's P1.98 billion condonation and write-off of bank debts, holding PDIC Board liable.
Fake Court Decision Leads to Disbarment for Lawyer's Deceit and Misrepresentation
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who fabricated a court decision in a nullity of marriage case, reaffirming strict ethical standards for attorneys.