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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Breach of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances: Balancing Justice and Compassion in Public Service Misconduct
When a clerk of court faces dismissal for fund shortages, mitigating circumstances can temper the penalty. The Supreme Court explains how.
Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Belated Filing of Non-Forum Shopping Certification
The Supreme Court clarifies when belated filing of a certification against forum shopping may be excused in land registration cases.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Press Freedom vs Judicial Independence: Balancing Criticism and Contempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's 2008 ruling on columnist Amado Macasaet clarifies the line between fair press criticism and indirect contempt of court.
Good Faith vs Public Interest: How the Supreme Court Resolves Philippine Land Title Disputes
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling shows why a buyer's claim of good faith cannot defeat the State's right to reclaim fraudulently acquired public land.
Lis Pendens and Fraudulent Patents: When a Buyer Is Not in Good Faith
The Supreme Court explains when a notice of lis pendens defeats a claim of good faith purchase of registered land.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder: People v. Goleas
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction despite witness inconsistencies and defense alibi, explaining treachery and witness credibility rules.
Subrogation Rights of Insurers: Recourse Against Negligent Carriers for Damaged Goods
When can an insurer sue a negligent carrier after paying a claim? The Supreme Court clarifies subrogation rights and carrier liability.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Lessons from a Supreme Court Employee's Case
The Supreme Court defines habitual absenteeism for court employees and explains the penalties, including when suspension is no longer practicable.
Illegal Recruitment by Non-Licensees and the Promise of Overseas Jobs
The Supreme Court clarifies when a non-licensee can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale under RA 8042.
Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: When Filing Complaints Is Not a Basis for Damages
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle, ruling that filing labor complaints and seeking government action without malice is not actionable.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights With Reasonable Delay
In Bautista v. Auto Plus Traders, the Supreme Court acquitted an officer of bouncing-check charges and refused to hold him personally liable for corporate debts.
Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: Admissibility of Additional Evidence After Pre-Trial
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow additional evidence after pre-trial without violating due process.
Harbor Pilot Nighttime and Overtime Pay Entitlement Clarified
Supreme Court affirms harbor pilots' right to nighttime and overtime pay under PPA Administrative Order No. 03-85, rejecting PPA resolutions that disallowed such compensation.
Upholding Land Title Integrity When CAN A Decree BE Annulled
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Infidelity as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on infidelity as grounds for attorney disbarment, clarifying ethical standards for lawyers and judges in the Philippines.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Outside Marriage
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, imposing a three-year suspension from law practice.
Overt Acts and Attempted Rape: Delineating Intent and Execution
The Supreme Court clarifies when an accused's overt acts amount to attempted rape, not a lesser offense, in Rait v. People.
Good Faith Purchasers and Notarized Documents in Philippine Property Sales
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on buyer in good faith protection and reliance on notarized board resolutions in property transactions.
Private Land Rights Prevail Over Free Patent Applications Understanding Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that private land cannot be subjected to free patent applications, settling a decades-long ownership dispute.
Defective Document Repudiates Land Sale Preserving Torrens Title Integrity
A photocopied deed with irregular notarial details cannot defeat a Torrens title. The Supreme Court explains when laches applies to registered land.