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.
Land Registration Rights vs Government Reservation: Balancing Private Claims and Public Welfare
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on res judicata in land disputes involving government reconveyance, private contracts, and public interest.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Reconveyed Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior final judgment prevents a second lawsuit over the same reconveyed property.
Treachery Defined When A Coordinated Attack Removes The Chance Of Self Defense
The Supreme Court explains how holding a victim's wrists while another stabs constitutes treachery, qualifying killing to murder.
Trust Receipts Law Liability: When Agents Face Estafa Charges
Learn when corporate agents can face criminal liability for estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Judicial Accountability When Misinterpreting Circulars Leads to Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that Circular No. 3-89 covers only administrative cases, not criminal cases against judges; a judge's misinterpretation can result in administrative liability.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from CIR v. General Foods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when large advertising expenses are deductible business costs or capital outlays for goodwill.
When Consent Doesnt Protect Kidnapping for Ransom and the Limits of Voluntary Association
The Supreme Court affirms death sentences for kidnappers, rejecting claims that voluntary surrender as rebels shields them from common crime liability.
Judge Held Liable for Delay and Ignorance of the Indeterminate Sentence Law
A judge's delay in promulgating a decision and erroneous application of the Indeterminate Sentence Law led to administrative liability, though the case closed upon his death.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Motions Promptly
Supreme Court holds judges must resolve motions within prescribed periods; lack of personnel is no excuse for delay.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Dead Man's Statute's scope, balancing estate protection against fair trial rights in claims against deceased persons.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
When Retirement Is Not Voluntary: Illegal Dismissal and Security of Tenure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's "retirement" is actually illegal dismissal, protecting security of tenure.
When Contractors Overstate Work: COA's Audit Power and Quantum Meruit in Government Projects
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine actual work accomplished and recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit.
Probationary Employment Due Process and Termination Standards in the Philippine Civil Service
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probationary employee termination rules, due process requirements, and civil service tenure protections.
Meralco Rate Case: Balancing Public Interest and Utility Profits in Philippine Power Regulation
The Supreme Court affirms rate regulation balancing utility profits and consumer protection in a landmark Meralco case.
Property Rights vs Due Process: When Forceful Eviction Is Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers, without court order. Know your rights.
Forcible Entry: Why Even Property Owners Cannot Eject Occupants by Force
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers. Learn the legal remedies for recovering possession.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.
Rent Obligations Remain Lease Contracts Survive Land Ownership Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a change in land ownership cancels a lease contract and excuses unpaid rent.
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder TO Homicide Based ON Absence OF Evident Premeditation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, absent proof of evident premeditation, and explains conspiracy liability.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms robbery-with-rape conviction, ruling that victims' positive identification outweighs alibi and that unconscious rape still constitutes the crime.
Defining Common Carriers When A Limited Clientele Doesnt Equal Private Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a shipping firm with a limited clientele can still be a common carrier under the Civil Code.
Treachery in Robbery With Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can aggravate robbery with homicide when the victim is killed treacherously, affecting penalty imposition.