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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Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia: Preserving Judicial Efficiency in Boundary Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a second suit over the same boundary dispute constitutes forum shopping and litis pendentia.
Moral Ascendancy as Violence: Rape Conviction Upheld in Father-Daughter Incest Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father, ruling that a parent's moral ascendancy substitutes for violence and intimidation in incestuous rape.
Work-Related Illness: Reassessing Disability Compensation for Congenital Heart Disease
The Supreme Court ruled that congenital heart disease can be compensable under PD 626 when work strain triggers symptoms, reshaping disability claims.
Arrastre Contractor Liability: When the P3,500-Per-Package Limit Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrastre contractors cannot invoke the P3,500 per-package liability limit under PPA Administrative Order No. 10-81.
Simulated Sales: When Continued Possession Trumps a Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated sales: continued possession and tax payments can nullify a deed of absolute sale.
Homeowner Associations Liability Negligence IN Approving Building Plans
When can a homeowners association be liable for negligence in approving building plans? The Supreme Court explains in Corinthian Gardens v. Tanjangco.
Drug Sale Conviction Upheld Despite Procedural Lapses Integrity of Evidence Paramount
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling that integrity of seized evidence is paramount.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Concepcion
The Supreme Court affirms drug sale convictions from a buy-bust, clarifying what evidence is needed and when procedural lapses do not excuse offenders.
Wage Order Applicability: Minimum Wage Earners vs Above-Minimum Wage Employees
Supreme Court clarifies that wage orders apply only to minimum wage earners, not those already receiving above-minimum wages.
Tax Collection vs Right to Appeal: Balancing Government Power and Taxpayer Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when posting a surety bond can suspend real property tax collection and protect taxpayer rights.
Forcible Embrace of a Minor Constitutes Child Abuse Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court rules that a forcible embrace of a minor is child abuse under RA 7610, even without proof of developmental prejudice.
Psychological Incapacity in the Philippines: Why Navales v. Navales Set a Higher Bar
In Navales v. Navales, the Supreme Court reversed a declaration of nullity and reminded courts that psychological incapacity requires grave, incurable incapacity, not mere infidelity.
Prompt Payment Prevails: Execution Pending Appeal in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a landowner get execution pending appeal in agrarian reform cases? The Supreme Court explains the of just compensation, and whether the reasons cited constituted "good reasons" under the Rule
Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts
The Court ruled a lawyer's deliberate refusal to pay unpaid rent and utility bills constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from practice.
Foreclosure Amidst Corporate Liquidation Secured Creditor Rights Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on secured creditor foreclosure rights during corporate liquidation proceedings under RA 8799 and the Corporation Code.
Project Employee Status Requires Clear Notice: Hanjin Heavy Industries v. Ibañez
When does a construction worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on project employment and termination.
Sheriff's Ministerial Duty to Execute Writs and the Proper Procedure for Collecting Expenses
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a sheriff's duty to enforce a writ is mandatory, and why collecting execution expenses outside the rules is misconduct.
Corporations Cannot Acquire Public Land: T.A.N. Properties v. Republic
The Supreme Court denies a corporation's land registration application, ruling that private corporations cannot acquire alienable public lands under the Constitution.
Beyond the Signature: Validating Agreements Despite Spousal Absence and Time Lapses in Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa clarifies deceit, notice of dishonor, and penalties for bouncing checks.
Bouncing Checks and Deceit: When Issuing a Bad Check Becomes Estafa
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when issuing a bouncing check constitutes estafa, not just a civil debt, and explains the deceit requirement.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Land Registration: Proving Continuous Possession for Imperfect Titles
The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to register land under an imperfect title, requiring possession since June 12, 1945.
Residency Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and Disqualification Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how domicile is determined for election residency requirements, using a mayoral disqualification case as a guide.
Conspiracy in Estafa: How Courts Prove Joint Criminal Design
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in estafa is proven through overt acts, not direct evidence, in Aquino v. Paiste.