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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Military Pension and Citizenship: The Parreño Ruling on PD 1638
Retired AFP officers who lose Filipino citizenship can have their pensions terminated under PD 1638, as upheld in Parreño v. COA.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court staff, attacking a judge, and ignoring IBP directives in an administrative case.
Perfecting Land Titles Through Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that tax declarations, a survey plan, and witness testimony can prove open, continuous possession of land since June 12, 1945.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Judges and Court Staff Fail in Their Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges, clerks of court, and stenographers for delayed decisions and neglected duties.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Enforceability of Sales Invoices Despite Claims of Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms that signed sales invoices are binding evidence of delivery and payment obligations, even when a buyer later claims short deliveries.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Clear Allegations in Criminal Informations Matter
Father convicted of two rape counts sees death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua because the informations failed to allege his relationship to the victim.
Duty to Republish Notice in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: A Sheriff's Essential Obligation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescheduling an extrajudicial foreclosure sale requires republication of the notice, or the sale is invalid.
Upholding Decorum: False Accusations Among Court Employees and Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts treat unproven accusations among judiciary employees and what happens when grave charges are not backed by evidence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery in Murder Convictions: People v. Buban
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining treachery, alibi, and damages under Philippine law.
Three-Term Limit: Contested Elections Don't Break Consecutive Service
Philippine Supreme Court rules that serving a full term despite a voided proclamation still counts toward the three-term limit for local officials.
Election Returns Exclusion Based on Missing Pages and Evident Irregularities
When a missing page in an election return creates a prima facie irregularity, the Supreme Court explains why pre-proclamation remedies still have limits.
INP Retirees Entitled to PNP Retirement Benefits Under R.A. 6975
Supreme Court rules INP retirees are entitled to the same retirement benefits as PNP retirees under R.A. 6975, as amended.
Electoral Mandate vs Practical Realities: When the Right to Vote Encounters Logistical Hurdles
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's refusal to hold a third special election, balancing constitutional duty against practical constraints.
Right to Information vs Electoral Confidentiality: Unveiling Party-List Nominees
Supreme Court rules Comelec must disclose party-list nominees' names, balancing right to information against Section 7 confidentiality limits.
Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Lessons from a Quasi-Delict Case
A look at how Philippine courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict claims.
Upholding Ethical Standards: One-Year Suspension for Lawyer's Bigamous Marriage
A municipal legal officer's second marriage while his first subsists violates lawyer ethics. The Supreme Court explains why.
COMELEC’s Decisive Power: Ensuring Fair Elections Beyond Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s broad authority to act decisively on election irregularities, prioritizing credible elections over procedural technicalities.
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Court Administration
Explore how the Supreme Court upholds accountability in court administration, examining dismissal for grave misconduct and its impact on judicial integrity.
Upholding Consumer Rights: Proper Procedure for Electric Service Disconnection in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that electric cooperatives cannot disconnect a customer's service without prior notice and differential billing, even when meter tampering is suspected.
Medical Negligence and Res Ipsa Loquitur: Liability in Surgical Procedures
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur to hold a surgeon liable for a patient's unexplained burn during childbirth.
Prescription of Offenses: When Filing a Complaint Interrupts the Prescriptive Period
Learn how filing a complaint interrupts prescription of offenses in the Philippines, and when the prescriptive period resumes under Article 91 of the RPC.
Law Students as Agents in Inferior Courts: The Cruz v. Mina Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a law student may appear in inferior courts without lawyer supervision, and the civil aspect of grave threats.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible child witness testimony, explaining delay in reporting and denial defenses.