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.
Execution Sales, Cash Payment Rules, and Third-Party Claims in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to pay bid in cash or state third-party claims voids execution sales.
Navigating Land Acquisition Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program: Understanding Jurisdictional Limi
A landowner's challenge to CARP coverage and valuation fails because he used the wrong remedy, missing the deadline to file with the Special Agrarian Court.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Priority of Registration and Legal Remedies
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registered title prevails. Learn the rules and remedies in Philippine property disputes.
Understanding the Limits of Government Financial Subsidies: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial subsidies are lawful and when they become ultra vires acts requiring refunds.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Its Professional Consequences
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, underscoring strict moral standards for the judiciary.
IPRA Jurisdiction Limits: NCIP Authority and Final Judgments in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction under IPRA applies only when both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific intent is required for child abuse convictions under RA 7610, protecting children from physical maltreatment.
Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice rather than a principal in homicide, and how civil liability is apportioned.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Unlocking Tax Refunds: How the Supreme Court's Ruling on VAT Compliance Impacts Businesses in the Philippines
A guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on VAT refund claims, tax compliance, and what it means for Philippine businesses.
Chain of Custody and Proof Beyond Doubt in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of attempted drug sale, stressing that prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails in homicide cases and the penalties that follow.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Robbery with Rape and Grave Threats: Key Lessons from People v. Bueza
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how credible testimony can prove robbery with rape and grave threats, even without physical injuries.
Judicial Authority and Bank Liquidation: Understanding the Limits of Court Intervention
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges overstep their authority in bank liquidation proceedings, and the consequences of doing so.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine lawyer's suspension highlights the rules on just compensation, finality of judgments, and the limits of DARAB authority.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Bribery in Philippine Courts
A court stenographer's dismissal for soliciting money from a litigant shows the strict ethical standards for Philippine court personnel.
Understanding Judicial Impartiality: Bias and Inhibition in Philippine Election Protests
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for judicial inhibition in election protests, explaining what bias truly means and why rulings must not be mistaken for prejudice.