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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Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Judges Cannot Blame Staff for Delayed Decisions: Supreme Court Ruling on Court Records
The Supreme Court held that a judge cannot pass the blame to court staff for delays in deciding cases, affirming that docket management is ultimately the judge's duty.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Access and Property Rights in Subdivision Developments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies temporary easement rules for subdivision access, distinguishing preliminary injunctions from permanent rights of way.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Fixed-Term vs Regular Employment: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate the security of tenure of regular employees.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Philippine Guaranty Law: Sureties Liable Even Without Dishonor Protest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that guarantors and sureties remain liable on discounted export bills even without a formal protest of dishonor.
Judicial Accountability: The 90-Day Rule and Why Judges Cannot Blame Court Staff
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the 90-day decision period is mandatory, and blaming staff will not excuse delay.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.
Dismissal for Habitual Tardiness: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a repeat offender for habitual tardiness, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding strict observance of working hours.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonest Declarations Lead to Dismissal in Public Office
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct has public consequences.
Quieting of Title: Imprescriptible for Owners in Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: actions to quiet title are imprescriptible when the plaintiff remains in actual possession of the property.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Robbery Case
The Supreme Court acquits a robbery accused, ruling that material inconsistencies in the lone witness's testimony create reasonable doubt.
Due Process in Corporate Disputes: Prescription and Quieting of Title Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when actions to quiet title are imprescriptible, protecting possessors from wrongful execution sales.
Public Officer Accountability for Confiscated Property: Malversation by Negligence
When a barangay captain accepts custody of confiscated lumber, he becomes an accountable officer. The Supreme Court explains why.
State Witness Discharge: Balancing DOJ Authority and Judicial Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ, not courts, may discharge an accused as state witness under RA 6981.
Negligence and the Binding Nature of Counsel's Errors: Understanding the Basuel v. FFIB Ruling
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed a petition for certiorari, emphasizing that counsel's negligence and errors of judgment are not grounds for this remedy.
Certiorari as an Improper Substitute for Appeal: Jurisdictional Errors in Philippine Law
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Rule 65 remedies.
Emancipation Patents Indefeasibility and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Rights
Supreme Court affirms that Emancipation Patents become indefeasible one year after issuance, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from late cancellation challenges.
When One Case Is Enough: Res Judicata and Splitting a Cause of Action in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why filing separate cases for the same property dispute is barred by res judicata and the rule against splitting a cause of action.
Authority to Sign Certification Against Forum Shopping in Corporate Litigation
Who may sign the certification against forum shopping in corporate cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on authority and false certifications.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When a Prior Ruling Bars a Second Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior ruling bars another case, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Certiorari as an Improper Substitute for Appeal: A Primer on Philippine Procedural Remedies
Why a Rule 65 petition cannot replace a lost appeal, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Rigor v. Court of Appeals.
When Strikes Become Illegal: Collective Bargaining Rights and Union Representation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when strikes are illegal, who can be dismissed, and the rules on backwages for union members.