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.
Upholding Judicial Stability: No Interference with Execution of Final Judgments
A losing party cannot file a separate action to stop execution of a final judgment. The proper remedy is before the issuing court.
B.P. 22 Penalties: Supreme Court Tempers Imprisonment for Bouncing Checks
The Supreme Court clarifies that imprisonment for B.P. 22 violations must be proportionate and not excessive, modifying a 51-year sentence.
Tax Exemption for PAGCOR Licensees: Understanding the Scope of PD 1869
The Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR licensees remain exempt from corporate income tax on gaming operations under PD 1869.
Franchise Tax vs Real Property Tax: Clarifying NGCP's Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP's franchise tax covers real property taxes and when local governments may still collect them.
Torrens Title vs Actual Possession: Resolving Property Disputes in Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, actual possession—not Torrens title—determines who stays on the property.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language in Demand Letter: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for using abusive, offensive language in a demand letter, reaffirming Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Real Estate: Why Buyers Must Verify Title Before Purchase
The Supreme Court's Ranara ruling shows why buyers must verify property titles—failure to do so can mean losing both the purchase price and improvements.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Striking a Balance: Upholding Justice Despite Procedural Lapses in Land Dispute Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that procedural delays undermine justice. Learn the rules on timely resolution and what this means for litigants.
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases as a Cornerstone of Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's undue delay underscores why timely case resolution is vital to public trust in the judiciary.
EDCA and Constitutional Limits: Senate Concurrence on Foreign Military Presence
The Supreme Court ruled EDCA is an executive agreement, not a treaty, so Senate concurrence is not required under the Constitution.
Forum Shopping in Administrative Cases: Dismissal Based on Identical Allegations
When do separate administrative complaints become forum shopping? The Supreme Court explains the rules on identical allegations and dismissal.
Fugitive From Justice Ruling: Intent to Evade Must Be Proven for Disqualification
Supreme Court explains what makes a candidate a "fugitive from justice" and why intent to evade prosecution must be proven.
Search Warrants Beyond Territorial Limits: Compelling Reasons Under Rule 126
When may a judge issue a search warrant outside his court's territorial jurisdiction? The Supreme Court explains "compelling reasons" under Rule 126.
Appeal Dismissed Understanding Questions OF LAW VS Questions OF Fact IN Summary Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of law and fact in appeals from summary judgments, and the proper remedy.
Identity Theft in the Legal Profession: Striking a Fraudulent Attorney From the Roll
A man used his brother's identity to pass the Bar. The Supreme Court struck the name from the Roll and barred him forever.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
Bail and Humanitarian Considerations: Balancing Constitutional Rights and Individual Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms that bail may be granted on humanitarian grounds, weighing an accused's health and flight risk against constitutional rights.
Citizenship Dispute in Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Direct Attack
Disbarment case dismissed because citizenship cannot be attacked collaterally; direct action required.
Loss of Confidence as a Dismissal Ground: When Employers Cannot Claim It
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of confidence cannot be a simulated or afterthought ground for dismissing a managerial employee.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Direct Testimony Outweighs Forgery Claims in Philippine Land Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony of a witness can overcome forgery allegations in a disputed land sale.
Forfeiture Clauses Balancing Employer Protection AND Employee Rights IN Commission Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commission forfeiture clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.