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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Moral Conduct in Public Service: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of libel complaint against prosecutor who questioned a judge's moral fitness in official pleadings.
Dominancy Test Prevails in Philippine Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the dominancy test governs trademark infringement, focusing on dominant features rather than overall differences.
Protecting Your Property From Confiscation: Third Party Claims in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how third parties can protect property from confiscation in Philippine criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sea Lion Fishing Corporation.
When Does DARAB Have Jurisdiction Over Agrarian Disputes? The Bagongahasa Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, emphasizing the need for an agrarian dispute involving tenancy relations.
Can Landowners Force Water Disconnection for Informal Settlers? Supreme Court Says No
The Supreme Court ruled landowners cannot compel water utilities to disconnect services to informal settlers, balancing property rights with essential services.
Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying Supreme Court Orders: The PGBI v. Comelec Case
When the Comelec ignored a Supreme Court status quo order on party-list inclusion, the Court held it in contempt—explaining the limits of obedience.
When a Court Order Is Ignored: Comelec Held in Contempt in Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Case
The Supreme Court held the Comelec in contempt for defying a status quo order in a party-list case, a reminder that all government bodies must obey court directives.
Party-List Registration and Religious Affiliation: COMELEC's Jurisdiction Explained
When can COMELEC cancel a party-list's registration for being a religious front, and when does the HRET take over? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Court Employee Accountability What Happens When Fund Handling Goes Wrong
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Moral Ascendancy and the Law Applicable at Time of Crime
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that moral ascendancy substitutes for force and that the law in effect at the time of the crime governs.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Must Respect THE LAW AND Legal Processes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on co-ownership, Torrens titles, and partition actions in Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Timely Delivery of Court Funds and Reports
Court employee fined for simple neglect of duty after failing to deposit collections on time and submit monthly reports.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Land Registration: Proving Ownership and Possession for Public Land Titles
Learn the strict requirements for registering public land under PD 1529, including proof of possession since June 12, 1945.
Renewed Policies, Renewed Taxes: DST on Life Insurance Increases
Supreme Court rules documentary stamp tax applies to renewed life insurance policies and additional group members, not just original issuance.
Union Legitimacy Protecting Workers Rights To Organize Despite Technicalities
The Supreme Court protects workers' right to organize, ruling that minor documentation issues and mixed membership do not invalidate a union's legitimacy.
Sheriff’s Duties, Integrity, and Procedure in Executing Writs of Execution
A sheriff’s duty to execute a writ is ministerial; demanding money without court approval is grave misconduct. Learn the rules.
Understanding Statutory Rape AND Sexual Assault IN THE Philippines Protecting Children
Alibi Cannot Overcome a Child Victim's Positive Identification: Lessons from People v. Jacinto
The Supreme Court in People v. Jacinto affirmed a child rape conviction, ruling that alibi cannot prevail over the victim's positive identification and clarifying juvenile sentencing.
Pre-CARL Land Reclassification Shielding Property From Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when municipal reclassification of land before the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law exempts property from coverage.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
Good Faith No Defense for Sheriff Who Collected Execution Fees Without Court Approval
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for grave misconduct, dishonesty, and neglect of duty for collecting execution expenses without prior court approval.