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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Judicial Impartiality When Doubts Warrant Disqualification
A Supreme Court ruling on financial accountability of court personnel and the duty of clerks of court to safeguard judicial funds.
Understanding Forum Shopping and Writ of Possession in Philippine Foreclosure Law
The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping, real party-in-interest rules, and the ministerial nature of writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Clerks OF Court Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility AND Upholding Public Trust IN Judiciary
Amending an Information Before Plea: What Fronda-Baggao v. People Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend or consolidate criminal charges before arraignment, and how this affects an accused's rights.
Jurisdiction Limits When Labor Disputes Overshadow Regular Court Actions In Property Disputes
When can a regular court hear a property dispute that stems from a labor case? The Supreme Court settles the jurisdictional boundary.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Balancing Fairness and Efficiency in Police Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative due process does not require trial-type hearings, allowing PNP disciplinary actions to proceed on affidavits and position papers.
Publication Requirement for Enforceability of NEA Regulations
The Supreme Court ruled on the publication requirement for NEA regulations to be enforceable, clarifying the doctrine of prior publication.
Implied Trust and Prescription: Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling explains how implied trusts arise when a co-heir takes family property and why the right to recover it may not yet be barred.
Supervision AND Regulation Fees Clarifying THE Inclusion OF Stock Dividends IN Capital Stock Assessment
Upholding THE Ombudsmans Power Reinvestigation AND Probable Cause IN Anti Graft Cases
Falsifying Attendance Records in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Integrity
A sheriff falsified his attendance logbook. The Supreme Court reprimanded him, stressing that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
Dying Declaration and Positive Identification Sustain Murder Conviction in Iloilo Shooting
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on victim's dying declaration and eyewitness testimony, explaining the rules on treachery and damages.
Housing Rights: Actual Occupants Prevail Over Absentee Awardees in Government Projects
Supreme Court rules that absentee awardees cannot keep government housing lots meant for actual occupants, protecting bona fide residents' rights.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
Reversion of Expropriated Land: Who Can Sue and When the Right Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for reversion of expropriated land and when the right to challenge an award arises.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Strict Rules on Perfecting Appeals
Learn why missing the appeal bond deadline in labor cases is fatal, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Illegal Sale of Shabu: The Role of Informants and Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling explains what prosecutors must prove in illegal drug sales cases and when an informant's testimony is dispensable.
Work-Related Death and the Presumption of Compensability: Leviste v. SSS
The Supreme Court clarifies when sudden cardiac death is presumed work-related and compensable under PD 626, easing the burden on claimants.
The Boundaries of Buy-Bust Operations: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence, and penalties in illegal drug sale cases under Philippine law.
Preliminary Inquiry vs Prosecution Probable Cause: Key Distinction in Arrest Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a judge's arrest-warrant inquiry and a prosecutor's probable cause determination in preliminary investigations.
Upholding Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Disregard for Court Directives Leads to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a judge for six months for repeatedly ignoring directives to furnish a copy of her comment, ruling that defiance of Court orders constitutes gross misconduct.
Mootness in Administrative Complaints: When Expiration Renders a Case Irrelevant
When a contested position's term expires, the case becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains why.
Behest Loans and Prescription: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan cases begins, ruling it starts upon discovery, not execution.