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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Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Judicial Clemency Requires Remorse and Reformation, Not Just Time Served
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for judicial clemency, ruling that genuine remorse and reformation are indispensable requirements.
Navigating Will Probate: Key Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court decision on property under custodia legis offers crucial lessons for lawyers and litigants in estate and will probate cases.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Lawyer Sanctioned for Misusing Court Custody of Levied Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for taking a vehicle under custodia legis without court approval, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Probable Cause and Hot Pursuit: When Police Can Make a Warrantless Arrest
The Supreme Court clarifies the "hot pursuit" exception to the warrant requirement, explaining when police may arrest without a warrant.
Defining "By" in Preliminary Inquiries for Student Disciplinary Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary inquiry conducted "before" a student tribunal is valid even if performed "by" its members.
Pancreatic Cancer and Seafarers' Benefits: Proving Work Relatedness Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's non-listed illness like pancreatic cancer is compensable, and the strict proof required.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing Date, Not Later Market Data
Supreme Court clarifies just compensation is valued as of complaint filing date, not later market prices, in DPWH expropriation case.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing of Complaint
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation cases must be based on property value as of filing of the complaint, not later market data.
Judicial Conduct: Balancing Religious Freedom and Impartiality in Court
A judge's use of Bible verses and remarks on sexual orientation during a preliminary conference drew administrative penalties from the Supreme Court.
Corporate Disputes: Navigating Derivative Suits and Jurisdictional Boundaries in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when derivative suits are proper and how jurisdictional boundaries apply in corporate disputes.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Relaxing Procedural Rules in Appeals to Protect Property Rights From Counsel Negligence
When a lawyer's negligence causes a late appeal brief, the Supreme Court may relax procedural rules to protect a party's property rights and decide cases on the merits.
Police Blotter Duties Clarified: Valderas v. Sulse on Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court clarifies police blotter scope and simple neglect of duty in Valderas v. Sulse, protecting officers from baseless administrative cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
VAT Refund Claims: The Window Period Exception to the 120-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the window period exception in VAT refund claims, allowing taxpayers to file judicial claims without waiting for the 120-day period.
VAT Refund Timelines: The 120+30 Day Rule and Its Window Period Exception
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund filing deadlines, the mandatory 120+30 day rule, and the window period exception under BIR Ruling DA-489-03.
Navigating Tax Refund Deadlines: The 120-Day Rule and Its Window Period Exception
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims and the window period exception under BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03.
Prior Physical Possession Decides Forcible Entry Cases: Palajos v. Abad
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on prior physical possession in forcible entry cases and what property owners must prove.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Clarifying Successor Liability in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when dissolved corporations and their officers can be held liable for delivering property titles in subdivision disputes.
Broken Chains: How Mishandling Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.