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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Reversion of Land Titles: Public Domain vs Private Claims in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when certificates of title over public domain land, including timberlands, are void and subject to reversion.
Security of Tenure: Defining Agricultural Tenancy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a person an agricultural lessee entitled to security of tenure under Philippine agrarian laws.
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Credible Testimony and Rape Conviction: Affirming Guilt Despite Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, rejecting alibi and explaining delay in reporting.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Disguised Transactions
The Supreme Court nullifies a bank's foreclosure on property mortgaged without the owner's authority, reinforcing strict rules on special powers of attorney.
Contempt of Court: The Necessity of Verified Petitions and Due Process
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a contempt ruling for lack of a verified petition and violation of due process rights.
Buy-Bust Operations: When Reliable Police Testimony Upholds a Drug Conviction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why entrapment differs from instigation and how police testimony can sustain a drug sale conviction.
When the Bureau of Customs Loses Seized Goods: Liability and Tax Duties in AGFHA v. CTA
The Supreme Court held the Bureau of Customs liable for a lost shipment but allowed duties and taxes to be deducted from the amount it must pay the owner.
When a Lease of Coconut Trees Becomes an Agricultural Leasehold: Granada v. Bormaheco
The Supreme Court explains when a contract labeled as a lease of coconut trees may actually create an agricultural leasehold with security of tenure.
Retroactivity of Laws in Eminent Domain: When New Legislation Meets Pending Expropriation
Explains when new laws apply retroactively in eminent domain cases, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Lintag v. NPC.
Appeal Bonds in Labor Disputes: Balancing Access to Justice and Protection of Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on appeal bonds in labor cases, balancing workers' access to justice with procedural rules.
Judge Dismissed for Misappropriation of Court Funds and Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for in-chambers meetings with litigants, misappropriating support funds, and defying Court orders.
When Alibi Falls Short: The Weight of Credible Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction based on a single eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining why alibi failed.
DAR vs DARAB: Who Decides Beneficiary Selection in Agrarian Reform Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between DAR's administrative power to pick agrarian reform beneficiaries and DARAB's adjudicative role.
Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction Over Employee Claims: Incon Industrial Corp. Case
When do labor claims belong to the Labor Arbiter, not the RTC? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional boundaries in Incon Industrial Corp.
Admissibility vs Probative Value in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Burden of Proof on Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that admissible evidence may still lack probative value in illegal dismissal cases, reaffirming employer's burden of proof.
Future Inheritance Contracts Are Void: Arrogante v. Deliarte Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts over future inheritance, and the exceptions that can save family property arrangements.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Leads to a Higher Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Remedy in Administrative Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why certiorari cannot substitute for a lapsed appeal in Ombudsman administrative cases, and explains the proper remedy.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Police Power, Not Taxation, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA's Universal Charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and found no undue delegation of legislative authority.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Court Personnel for Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court suspended a sheriff and fined a clerk for demanding unauthorized fees and delaying court records, reinforcing accountability in the judiciary.
Deposition Deadlines in Corporate Disputes: What Philippine Computer Solutions v. Manzo Teaches
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies deposition deadlines in intra-corporate disputes and why interlocutory orders must be raised on appeal.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Balancing Regulatory Power and Consumer Protection
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA universal charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and affirmed ERC's delegated authority.
Deposition Deadlines in Intra-Corporate Cases: Philippine Computer Solutions v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day discovery period under the Interim Rules on Intra-Corporate Controversies and the rule on interlocutory orders.