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.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
Prescription of Reconveyance Actions: Vigilance Over Land Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year prescriptive period for reconveyance actions and the exception for possessors of fraudulently registered land.
Judge Fined P10,000 for Undue Delay in Forcible Entry Case Decision
Supreme Court fines judge P10,000 for taking over two years to decide a forcible entry case, violating the 30-day rule.
When Drunken Banter Turns Deadly: Redefining Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
Explore how the Supreme Court redefined murder to homicide in a drunken altercation case, clarifying intent and liability.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Proving Imminent Danger in Philippine Law
When can self-defense be successfully invoked in the Philippines? Learn the legal requirements and burden of proof from a Supreme Court ruling.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Voluntary Confession Mitigates Parricide: Reclusion Perpetua Instead of Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary confession of guilt mitigates parricide, reducing the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Incestuous Rape: Proving the Familial Link Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In People v. Ancheta, the Supreme Court ruled that the father-daughter relationship in incestuous rape must be proven by independent evidence, not just admissions.
Alibi vs Positive Identification: When Does Alibi Hold Weight in Philippine Courts?
The Supreme Court explains when alibi can overcome positive identification, acquitting one accused while convicting two others for murder.
Fair Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Just Valuation for Expropriated Properties
The Supreme Court clarifies how agrarian land is valued, why courts—not agencies—fix just compensation, and what landowners can claim.
Unregistered Donations vs Third-Party Leases: What Buyers and Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered donations, third-party leases, and the duty to verify property ownership before contracting.
Illegitimate Children's Rights: Citizenship and Surname Use Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegitimate children of Filipino mothers are Filipino citizens at birth and may continue using their father's surname.
Elections Under Scrutiny Supreme Court Safeguards Integrity In Automated System Procurement
The Supreme Court voids Comelec's award of the 2004 automated election system contract to an ineligible bidder, upholding electoral integrity.
When Words Can Be Used Against You: Verbal Admissions and Falsification of Leave Forms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on verbal admissions, falsification of public documents, and the proper remedy for Ombudsman dismissals.
Loan Agreement Validity: Actual Receipt of Proceeds as a Prerequisite
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: executing a promissory note is not enough—actual receipt of loan proceeds is essential for liability.
Administrative Case Penalties: When Good Faith and Long Service Can Reduce a Judge's Fine
Philippine Supreme Court explains mitigating circumstances in administrative cases against judges, reducing fines based on service record.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: Lessons from Arcilla v. People
The Supreme Court upholds buy-bust operations as valid arrests, explaining how courts weigh police testimony against claims of planted evidence.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lost certificate of title may be reconstituted, ruling on the sufficiency of evidence under Republic Act No. 26.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Barred from Bench
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Failure of Election Petitions: COMELEC Discretion and the Evidentiary Bar
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure of election may be declared, and why mere allegations without evidence will not suffice.
Good Faith No Defense: Falsifying PDS Justifies Dismissal of Court Employee
The Supreme Court rules that a court employee's false PDS entry warrants dismissal for dishonesty and falsification, rejecting good faith defenses.
Statutory Rape and the Need for Specific Allegations in Criminal Informations
The Supreme Court explains why precise dates and specific allegations in rape informations are crucial for due process and conviction.