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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THE Diligence Standard Refiling Estafa Cases Based ON Newly Discovered Evidence
Workplace Decorum in the Judiciary: Upholding Professional Conduct and Respect
The Supreme Court disciplines a court employee for abusive language and clarifies the limits of a judge's disciplinary authority.
When Can a Judge Reconsider Self-Inhibition? The Bombo Radyo Case
A judge who voluntarily inhibits may later reconsider and re-assume jurisdiction, absent arbitrariness or whimsicality, as the Supreme Court explained.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: When Marital Refusal Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires grave, incurable root causes—not mere refusal or difficulty in marriage.
The Perils of a Forgotten Address: Finality of Judgments and Due Notice in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified an unlawful detainer judgment because substituted service of summons was defective, reminding litigants that proper notice is vital.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Consent and Price Agreement in Elevator Maintenance
When is a contract of sale perfected? The Supreme Court explains consent and price requirements in Hyatt Elevators v. Cathedral Heights.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Party List Nominees Ensuring Constitutional Qualifications for House Membership
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC jurisdiction over party-list nominee qualifications and the continuing residency requirement for elective office.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Ownership Through Deeds and Documents
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lost land title may be reconstituted from a deed of transfer, and what evidence suffices.
Unjust Enrichment in Loan Assumptions: When Can You Recover Your Payments
A bank kept a ₱750,000 payment after rejecting a loan assumption. The Supreme Court ordered its return under unjust enrichment.
Due Process and Discretion: When Courts Can Limit Evidence Presentation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts may limit rebuttal evidence presentation without violating due process when a party unduly delays proceedings.
Moral Ascendancy AND Incestuous Rape THE Fathers Influence ON A Childs Will
Breach of Trust: Understanding Qualified Theft in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines qualified theft, including the role of grave abuse of confidence, through a real case example.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Shared Liability
When do accomplices become equally liable for murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and treachery in People v. Relos.
Liquidation Court Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank is placed under liquidation, all claims against it—including annulment and damages suits—must be filed with the liquidation court.
Unrestricted Retained Earnings and the Appraisal Right of Dissenting Stockholders
When can a dissenting stockholder sue to collect the fair value of shares? The Supreme Court clarifies the timing rule.
Appraisal Rights and Unrestricted Retained Earnings: Turner v. Lorenzo Shipping
A dissenting stockholder's right to payment accrues only when the corporation has unrestricted retained earnings; a premature suit is dismissible.
Conspiracy in Philippine Drug Cases: When Shared Intent Leads to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts prove conspiracy in drug cases, where coordinated actions can convict multiple persons even if drugs are found on only one.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Presidential Electoral Tribunal: Constitutionality and Powers Explained
Understand the PET's constitutional basis, its powers as sole judge of presidential election contests, and what Macalintal v. PET means for Philippine election law.
Presidential Appointment Prerequisite Defining the Scope of the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that only presidential appointees belong to the Career Executive Service, exempting PCSO Assistant Department Managers from CSE eligibility.
Disbarment for Abuse of Legal Processes: Protecting Clients and the Justice System
A lawyer's failure to pay just debts is gross misconduct. The Supreme Court affirms disbarment for habitual non-payment and deceit.
Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary: Consequences for Court Employees
A sheriff's habitual absenteeism led to dismissal. Learn the rules on unauthorized absences and accountability in the Judiciary.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Repeated Absences Justify Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office demands strict adherence to duty and attendance.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.