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.
Replevin Actions: Proving Ownership and Rightful Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that replevin requires proof of ownership or rightful possession, not just a claim of wrongful detention.
Credit Card Debt Collection: Proving the Basis of Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card collection cases: creditors must prove the basis of claims, not just submit a statement of account.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Decisions and Ethical Conduct on the Bench
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions and retirement violations, imposing fines on a retired judge.
Project Employees Remain Non-Regular Despite Repeated Rehiring: Herma Shipyard Case
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees performing necessary tasks and repeatedly rehired do not automatically become regular employees.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Clerks Held Liable for Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges and court clerks that negligence delays justice. Learn the rules on accountability from a 2017 case.
Upholding the Validity of a Sale When Allegations of Forgery Fall Short
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of sale stands despite claims of forgery, and why bare allegations are not enough.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Value and Legal Mandates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in agrarian reform cases, balancing land value factors and legal mandates.
Agent's Duty to Prioritize Principal's Interests: Lessons from a Carnapped Vehicle Case
When a bank-agent failed to file an insurance claim for a carnapped vehicle and demanded full payment instead, the Supreme Court ruled it breached its fiduciary duty.
Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Practicing Law While Suspended: No Automatic Return After Suspension Period
A lawyer suspended from practice cannot resume work until the Court formally lifts the suspension — even if the suspension period has already ended.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
Lawyer Disbarred for Faking Court Decision and Certificate of Finality
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who simulated an annulment decision and certificate of finality, ruling the acts were deceit and grave misconduct.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
When a Sudden Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from People v. Macaspac
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack lacks treachery and evident premeditation, reducing murder to homicide.
Homicide vs Murder: When Treachery and Evident Premeditation Fail in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, because treachery and evident premeditation were not proven.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Ismael
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and observe Section 21 safeguards.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.