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.
When a Dishonored Check Cannot Be Theft: The Impossible Crime Doctrine in the Philippines
Can a worthless check be the object of theft? The Supreme Court explains the impossible crime doctrine and why intent alone is not enough.
Probationary Employment Security of Tenure and Due Process Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationary employees in the civil service enjoy security of tenure and due process rights, and cannot be dismissed at will.
Age of Criminal Responsibility: Testimonial Evidence and Protecting Juvenile Offenders
How testimonial evidence can prove a juvenile offender's age for exemption from criminal liability under RA 9344.
Ending Perpetual Trusts Balancing Testamentary Freedom AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine law limits how long trusts can last. This article explains the rule against perpetuities and how courts balance a testator's wishes against property rights.
Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.
Mootness in Election Contests: When Expiration of Term Ends the Legal Fight
Expiration of an elective office's term can render an election contest moot. Learn the rule from Baldo v. COMELEC.
DST on Deposit on Stock Subscription: When Is It Due?
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to deposits on stock subscription, distinguishing them from actual stock subscriptions.
Sheriff Dismissed for Unauthorized Auction and Falsified Sale Certificate
A sheriff who conducted an auction without authority and falsified a certificate of sale was dismissed from service for grave misconduct.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Valid Cause and the Right to Reinstatement and Backwages
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal, valid cause, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Stevedores and the Duty of Care: When Cargo Damage Is Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stevedores owe ordinary diligence, not the higher standard of common carriers, in loading and stowing cargo.
Falsification of Public Documents and Suspension Pendente Lite Under Anti-Graft Law
Explains when public officers may be suspended pendente lite for falsification of public documents involving fraud upon government funds.
Accretion Rights and Innocent Purchasers: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accretion rights, reconveyance actions, and the protection of innocent purchasers for value in land disputes.
Possession Is Key: Upholding Convictions Despite Warrantless Searches in Forestry Code Violations
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless seizures of lumber are valid and why mere possession without documents is a crime.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Grave Threats vs. Light Threats: The Caluag Case on Gun-Pointing in the Philippines
When does pointing a gun become a grave threat? The Caluag case clarifies the legal line between grave and light threats under Philippine law.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Probationary Employment for Teachers: Rights, Limits, and the Manalo Ruling
Learn the rules on probationary employment for private school teachers, including tenure rights, dismissal standards, and the landmark Manalo case.
Horse Racing Regulation: Philracom's Power to Ensure Fair and Safe Races
The Supreme Court upholds Philracom's authority to issue rules and directives for the horse racing industry, including measures to eradicate Equine Infectious Anemia.
The 24-Hour Rule in Cargo Claims: Carrier Liability Under Philippine Shipping Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 24-hour claim rule under the Code of Commerce for damaged cargo and its effect on carrier liability.
Real Property Tax: Who Is the Actual User in a BOT Agreement?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on real property tax exemption under a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement and who qualifies as actual user.
Due Process Rights of Public Officials When Administrative Charges Fail
A public official cannot be held liable for a vague charge never pleaded, nor for a document whose authenticity remains unresolved.
Rehabilitation Petitions Technical Insolvency AND Creditors Rights IN Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a technically insolvent corporation may file for rehabilitation and how creditor rights are affected.
Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Voluntary Surrender of Tenancy Rights: Landicho v. Sia Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on voluntary surrender of tenancy rights, farm helper claims, and prescription in Landicho v. Sia.